Charity calls on Government to provide clearer guidelines on what aids and adaptations people are entitled to

After surveying a number of people with arthritis and finding that a large proportion were unaware of what equipment or adaptations were available to them, Versus Arthritis is calling on the UK Government to do more to improve awareness of mobility equipment provision and ensure that people have better access to the support they are entitled to.

The charity stresses that mobility products and adaptations can improve the quality of life for people with reduced mobility, enabling them to live in their own home independently for longer and carry out daily tasks with ease.

From Versus Arthritis’ research, 94 percent of participants with arthritis said that using aids and adaptations had a positive impact on their lives.

The charity emphasises that under the Care Act 2014, aids and minor adaptations can be provided free of charge to those who cannot do two or more activities of daily living.

However, its research worryingly shows that thousands of people with arthritis could be struggling with basic tasks at home for more than two years before finding out about this support from their local authority.

Its research revealed that 47 percent of people with arthritis who had bought their own aids and adaptations were unaware their Local Authority could provide them for free.

Moreover, 43 percent of people said they needed help at home for more than two years before finding out about support that could help them live better.

One in three people who did not use aids or adaptations said this was because they thought they would have to pay for them.

As well as calling on the Government for better guidance, Versus Arthritis is also calling on all councillors in England to ensure that people with restricted mobility can access the aids and adaptations they need.