Community equipment – Aids to daily living
Torbay Council residents
Customer Service Centre: 01803 219700
Email: Customer Service Centre
Equipment prescriptions
Aids to daily living such as walking frames, trolleys, perching stools and raised toilet seats, help millions of people remain independent at home.
For these smaller items of equipment we have introduced equipment prescriptions to give the user more control and choice over the equipment needed.
Following an assessment, and if eligible, we will give an equipment prescription to be exchanged at an accredited retailer of the users choice, items are issued free of charge. Accredited retailers could be a local mobility shop or pharmacy. The user will own the prescribed equipment which should be kept in good working order.
Equipment retailers
Further information
More information on equipment, aids and adaptations can be found by visiting Torbay Council’s website.
Devon Community Equipment Service
Community Equipment in Devon is jointly funded by the NHS and Devon County Council and is provided, on their behalf, by Millbrook Healthcare Ltd, who recycle and reuse as much equipment as possible. The service excludes Plymouth City and Torbay Council areas.
Community Equipment is supplied, delivered, collected and recycled free of charge to the public.
Most community equipment is provided on loan, but some may be provided via a “retail prescription” from a local pharmacy or mobility shop, which means that the equipment belongs to the individual, so they can choose to keep the equipment or return it if they no longer need it. Some equipment which is permanently fixed in homes, like grab rails and hand rails, are not collected and recycled.
When equipment is returned, the NHS & Devon County Council save money by reusing the equipment, wherever practically and economically possible. Any equipment that can’t be reused because it is too old or worn, is offered where appropriate to charities, or recycled for its metals and plastics, with no items going to landfill.
Returning equipment
Single low cost items, such as a walking stick, frame or shower stool are not economically viable to collect, clean and refurbish. These smaller items of equipment can be taken to local collection and recycling points detailed on the following list, from which Millbrook make frequent and regular collections.
If equipment is to be collected from a persons’ home, there is a minimum value for the total of all the items of equipment to be collected. This is set at £30 as this is the level that makes sure it is economical for Millbrook to make a collection, clean and refurbish the items.
Collections with a total (or single) value of over £30 from individual homes are usually carried out within 5 working days, but this can be arranged sooner with Millbrook, if there is a bereavement for example. If someone is unsure of the value or wants to arrange a collection they can contact Millbrook by calling 0330 124 4491, or by email at DevonContactUs@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk
If a person has a small item of equipment which they no longer need and are unable to take the equipment to a Devon Community Equipment recycling centres, or they don’t have family or friends who can help them, then a local voluntary group or charity may be able to assist.
List of Devon Community Equipment recycling centres
If the person’s needs have changed, they should contact their health or social care professional to review their needs.