At our demonstration areas you can get free, impartial advice on equipment, aids, devices and technology that can help day-to-day living easier and make you more independent.
Our team offers you a free service where we show you how the equipment can work in your home.
Demonstration area located inside the Centre for Independent Living
Enter through the gate between 19 and 21 Gadsby Street.
Centre for Independent Living
Bedford Borough Council
21-23 Gadsby Street
Bedford MK40 3HP (opens in Google Maps)
Tel: 01234 276102
Email: equipment.demonstration@bedford.gov.uk
Download the Equipment Demonstration Area (PDF) leaflet.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. By appointment only, Call 01234 276102 and we will make sure someone is available to help you.
Specialist equipment advice
We aim to provide you with an easily accessible specialist equipment advice service to enable you to live as independently as possible within your own home.
We will work with you to:
- improve your quality of life
- increase your safety and independence
- enable you to access other support services
- increase your choice and control
A member of the Team will be able to:
- discuss the issues that you may be experiencing within your own home
- demonstrate equipment that may be available to assist you
- signpost you to other support services
- provide guidance or advice on how you can adapt your lifestyle to make your life easier
- provide information about voluntary agencies that may be able to provide you or your carer with support.
Where appropriate we can arrange for a further assessment in your own home to provide more specialist guidance or advice.
There is no charge for the advice or guidance. If we signpost you to other services, we tell you about on any potential costs that may occur.
We can also give guidance and advice about where you may be able to apply for benefits that you may be entitled to receive.
Simple, low-cost items can make a big difference to your every day life
You can see how they work and get advice on items like:
- key openers
- bed sticks
- kettle tippers
- jar openers
- dressing aids
- bathing equipment
If your needs are more complex, we can recommend where to get equipment such as:
- stair lifts
- ceiling track hoist
Community Equipment Loan Service
Community equipment loan services are essential for people who need social care support at home. They help them live with more independence and dignity.
Bedford Borough Council works in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council, Milton Keynes Council and NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to provide the Community Equipment Loan Service.
Medequip is our service provider for the delivery, collection, repair and servicing of community equipment.
Equipment provided
Working closely with occupational therapists and other health and social care professionals, the service loans equipment free of charge to enable people to stay living at home independently and reduce the need for hospital or care home admissions. Issuing equipment is often key to facilitating quicker hospital discharges.
All equipment loaned will be provided on an individual basis to people who have been assessed as needing it.
Getting equipment
If you're finding some areas of daily living becoming difficult and believe you have a condition you need help with, complete the Adult Social Care Enquiry Form or speak to your GP for a referral. A trained person will carry out an assessment to see if you are eligible for support.
Contacting Medequip
If you have any questions regarding equipment that has recently been delivered or requires repair, call 0333 091 7763 or email blmk@medequip-uk.com.
Returning community equipment
All equipment loaned by the Community Equipment Loan Service should have a Medequip label on it, showing the Medequip customer service telephone number. Medequip will also accept equipment with a Millbrook Healthcare label.
If your equipment is no longer required and ready to be returned, please call 0333 091 7763 or email blmk@medequip-uk.com.
You can also return equipment yourself directly to Medequip: Bedford Service Centre Depot, Medequip, Hammond Road, Elm Farm Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK41 0UD.
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Further independent living support options
Self-care empowers you to live independently, giving you the confidence to remain in your own home and complete everyday tasks safely.
For online advice, please visit Manage@home an online self assessment tool, giving you free impartial advice about all types of equipment, to make daily living easier.