NHS doctors and district nurses can prescribe equipment they they deem necessary for their patients. These may include urinary catheters, continence pads, appliances for colostomies, elastic stockings, wound dressings, pressure relieving mattresses or cushions. Common  equipment in use includes wheelchairs and walking aids, hearing and vision aids, communication aids, artificial limbs and surgical appliance. The right equipment can make a huge difference in being able to cope at home;  an occupational therapist can advise exactly which equipment is required, and the social services department in the patient's area. Some very useful equipment is the type that makes food preparation easier to accomplish, for example, tap turners and kettle tippers are useful in the kitchen. Furniture raisers can make beds and chairs more accessible and raised WC seats, bath seats or hoists are helpful in the bathroom. Handrails, better positioned sockets and light switches and door entry systems can make life much more comfortable. It is worth remembering that disabled people do not have to pay VAT when they buy equipment that is designed specifically for their use; these include artificial limbs, wheelchairs, specialist clothing,  and surgical appliances. Disabled Living Centres exist to enable people to try out many products to see what suits them best. They will give you impartial advice concerning what is available. Some Disabled Living Centres also provide free training for carers and disabled people. It is also worth contacting Assist UK as follows: Telephone: 0870 770 2866 or Textphone: 0870 770 5813 or visit their website: www.assist-uk.org  (Assist UK leads the UK wide network of locally-situated Disabled Living Centres.) There are over 325 advisors throughout the network who respond to an average ¼ million enquiries made each year.