HealthInfo Canterbury

Finding & paying for disability & mobility aids

If you need equipment or modifications to your home, you might be able to get funding from the Ministry of Health, ACC or the Lottery Grants Board if you meet their criteria. Your GP can help you find out what you might be eligible for.

Your GP might refer you to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist if they can help you.

Or you may wish to pay to see a private physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

Equipment you might need includes:

• things to make everyday tasks easier, such as a shower stool, commode or bed lever
• specialised seating
• pressure-care equipment (for pressure injuries, which are also called bed sores)
• a wheelchair
• aids to help with vision and communication
• vehicle modifications
• mobility aids, for instance a walking frame, a walking stick or crutch.

Housing modifications you might need include:

• external or internal handrails
• door widening
• ramps
• modifications to your bathroom.

Funding for disability aids

Walkers

The Ministry of Health may provide funding for a walker if you need it to get around at home, or for access to your home. This funding is limited and it is more likely that you will need to buy one yourself. If you need one only for when you are out and about, you will have to buy it yourself.

Walking sticks and crutches

If you need a walking stick or crutches, you will also have to buy these yourself. You can get them from a pharmacy, The Warehouse, or a specialised supplier listed by Age Concern.

Housing modifications

If you need simple housing modifications, such as a handrail at the entry to your house or a shower rail, contact one of the tradespeople recommended by Enable New Zealand or suppliers listed by Age Concern. If you need multiple handrails, the Ministry of Health may provide funding for them.

Mobility scooters

Veteran's Affairs may be able to help with funding if you have a service-related injury or illness. Talk to your local RSA.

Some people with disabilities can get lottery grants from the Lottery Grants Board.

If you can't get funding from any of these sources, you will have to pay yourself.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Age Concern – Equipment suppliers

  Businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages in Canterbury.

• Aspire Canterbury

  Aspire Canterbury supports all people affected by disability to access tools and resources.

• Canterbury DHB – Wheelchairs available in Christchurch

  This leaflet lists where you can buy or hire wheelchairs, where you can get them repaired, and the malls that have them available for loan.

• Enable New Zealand – Lifelong design checklist

  Advice to help you rebuild or renovate in a way that lets you stay in your home for as long as possible.

• Mayo Clinic – Tips for choosing and using walkers

  Slide shows explaining the different types of walkers, how to use them, and accessories you can add to help you get around.

On the next page: Choosing & using mobility aids

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2019. Page updated October 2021.

Page reference: 186990

Review key: HIDAH-120231