Technology and security

Advances in technology have made carrying out some daily tasks easier. Most electrical goods are cheaper than they used to be. You may be able to get help with buying some products through your local social services.

As well as being a useful source of information, the internet can help you to live more independently. You can shop online for almost anything, from groceries to large bulky purchases or you can even rent DVDs. Many people with arthritis use the internet to share their experiences, such as on the Arthritis Care discussion forum

Telephones

Telephones with small buttons and heavy receivers can be difficult to use if you have problems with your hands. It might help to:

• buy a telephone with larger buttons
• use a hands-free set
• programme numbers into the phone to save dialling the whole number
• set up an answerphone
• buy a portable phone that you can take around the house with you
• keep one receiver upstairs and one downstairs
• use a phone with a touchscreen

Mobile phones are lighter to carry around than portable phones, but the buttons are often very small and calls may be more expensive. Shop around for a good deal. It might make you feel more secure to have a phone on you when you leave the house.

Alarms

A personal alarm system will give you extra security – you can fit one in your home or carry one with you. Alarms can be connected directly with response centres run by local authorities who, once alerted, can come and help you.

Fitting burglar, smoke and gas detector alarms will also help you to live independently and safely. Your local social services department may be able to help you get these. Organisations such as Age UK sometimes fit window locks, smoke detectors and alarms free of charge.

Door answering system

A door answering system enables you to speak through a microphone to the person at your door and to let them in by pushing a button. This is a good security measure and will save you having to walk to the door to let people in.

However, if someone is calling who you don't know, such as a sales person, make sure you check their identification before letting them into your home. Using a security chain will give you added protection.

Locks

It might be helpful to get your locks adjusted to the right height for you, particularly if you use a wheelchair. Consider buying modified keys with larger and longer ends. Yale keys can sometimes be difficult to grip or turn.