Support for those living with physical disabilities in Westminster
What is a physical disability?
A physical disability is any type of physical condition that has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to do daily tasks and activities.
Types of physical disabilities, their causes, and the way in which they impact a person's life are wide-ranging. A person may also have more than one physical condition.
What support can I get?
If you have a physical disability, a number of different equipment and adaptations can help you to live as independently as possible.
For example, if you:
- find it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities, such as having a bath or a shower
- find it hard getting around your home, such as going up and down the stairs
- sometimes feel unsafe in your own home
There are many different types of equipment that can help you, including:
- bath seats
- trolleys for carrying things around your home
- raised toilet seats and commodes
- specially adapted beds and chairs
- grab rails to help your stability around the home
Visit the People First website for information on equipment to help at home.
If you have a physical disability, you may be eligible for support from Westminster Council. This will vary depending on the type and level of disability, and the council will need to complete an assessment to understand your needs. Further information can be found below.
How can I access wheelchair services?
If you are experiencing serious difficulties walking, you can apply for a wheelchair service.
There may also be other options available before you apply for a wheelchair. Take a look at equipment to help at home and help after an illness.
The Wheelchair Service provides assessments, wheelchairs, specialist seating and runs a short-term loan scheme.
You can contact the service yourself or be referred by a doctor, nurse or social worker.
The Wheelchair Service in Westminster is provided by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
To find out more about the service, or for advice on buying or hiring wheelchairs privately, visit People First.
More information
For more information and guidance:
- Visit the health and wellbeing pages on People First
- Visit the health A-Z pages on NHS Choices
- Visit the requesting an assessment pages on People First
