A newly opened service showcases some of the special furniture and gadgets that can support adults living with dementia and other long-term conditions.
The Helpful House, a joint venture between Bolton Council and Age UK, is now open in The Square building in Victoria Square.
It demonstrates some of the many tools and equipment available to adults and their carers that can improve quality of life, enhance safety, and promote independence.
Visitors will be able to try out the equipment, ask questions, and arrange home trials ahead of either a loan or a purchase.
Items include adapted furniture, digital aides, and accessible kitchen utensils, alongside many others.
While predominantly focused on those living with dementia, other items are designed to help residents with hearing loss, sight loss and other long-term conditions.
The Helpful House is open for drop-ins from 10am to 1pm on Monday to Friday. Appointments can be booked for weekdays between 2pm and 4pm.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr Andy Morgan, said:
“Living with a long-term condition like dementia does not mean people can’t enjoy fulfilling and independent lives, while doing the things many of us take for granted.
“There is so much excellent equipment out there, but many people don’t know how it works, how to get it, or even that it exists.
“The Helpful House will help everyone understand how much support is available and I urge adults and carers to come along and see what’s on offer.”
Suzanne Hilton, chief executive of Age UK Bolton, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Bolton Council and other local charities to open The Helpful House.
“It gives us a fantastic opportunity to display and demonstrate many helpful and interesting gadgets and aids that support people to live independently for longer, improve their quality of life and provide much needed reassurance for carers and loved ones.
“The Helpful House enables visitors to find out and trial these products and services in a safe and supportive environment without the pressure of a sales environment.
“There is always a warm welcome and we encourage everyone to come down, say hello and explore.”
Other partners in the Helpful House project include Bolton at Home, Bolton Carers Support Group, Bolton Deaf Society, Bolton Dementia Support Group, Empowered Carers Project, Henshaws, Asian Elders Resource Centre, Alzheimer’s Society, Halliwell Befriending Service and Senior Solutions.