Low-cost equipment and where to buy it
If you have difficulty doing everyday tasks at home there is equipment that may be able to help you. You can buy this equipment yourself if you need it.
Types of equipment you may find helpful:
- Special cutlery
- Electric can openers
- Raisers for a chair or bed
- Long-handled hair brushes/combs
- Reachers
- Dressing aids
- Short grab rails
- Walking sticks
Your family may be able to buy such things for you to do your everyday tasks – talk with them about what you may need.
Where can I buy low-cost equipment?
The following organisations will guide you to suppliers of equipment in your area:
Weka
Weka is New Zealand’s disability information website for disabled people, their families, whānau and caregivers, health professionals and disability information providers. Weka has contact details for equipment suppliers.
Freephone: 0800 17 1981 (Enable Information)
Email: enable@enable.co.nz
New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres
New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres provides an impartial information and referral service, through a network of independent community centres nationwide.
Freephone: 0800 693 342 (0800 NZFDIC)
Pharmacies
Some pharmacies sell equipment. To find one near you look up Pharmacies in the Yellow Pages of your phone book or visit the Yellow Pages website.
Other companies
Many companies in New Zealand sell equipment by mail-order. You can order by telephone using their catalogues or from their websites if you use the internet.
Types of equipment the Ministry of Health may provide
The Ministry of Health provides a lot of equipment for disabled people. You can find out more about the kinds of equipment the Ministry will fund at Equipment for disabled people of all ages.
Please note that low-cost equipment such as kettle tippers, reachers, special cutlery, walking sticks and so on aren’t funded by the Ministry of Health unless they are for:
- children under 16 years
- people who can show that they can’t afford it, for example, they’re receiving either a Special Benefit or Temporary Additional Support from Work and Income
- people living in residential care.
A growing number of people are asking for equipment to be paid for by the Ministry of Health, while the amount of money available to meet this demand is limited. If you buy low-cost equipment items yourself, or for your family or whānau member, you won’t have to wait for either an assessment or for the equipment to be provided and you’ll be able to get on with doing your everyday tasks.
For more information contact:
Enable Information
Freephone: 0800 17 1981
Email: enable@enable.co.nz
Page last updated: 20 April 2012
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