Give the gift of independence this Christmas

Use our Home Equipment Finder for gift inspiration

We all know how tricky it can be to buy the perfect gift - even for friends or family who we've known all our lives.

Buying a present for an older relative can sometimes add an extra layer of difficulty. How many times have you been told "I've got everything I need" or "don't bother about a present for me"? Which means that in the end you fall back on what seem like reliable old staples.

Much as we don't like to admit it, as we age our ability to carry out simple everyday tasks can start to slip. Little by little we find it harder to do things the way we used to and jobs around the house take longer.

Staying independent and living in our own familiar home is top of most people's wishlists. So this Christmas get some help to find a gift that can make a difference to an elderly or disabled friend or relative.

Surrey Home Equipment Finder

The Surrey Home Equipment Finder is an easy-to-use online catalogue that lists 100's of products for people who need a little extra assistance. You can search by need, health condition, the room that people need most help in, or any combination of the three:

• Got a grandma who still loves to cook but who can no longer make out the markings on the kitchen scales? Search 'kitchen' and get her some talking scales.
• Maybe your dad doesn't always hear the doorbell anymore? Search 'sensory need' to find an acoustic trigger doorbell with volume control and flashing LEDs.
• Perhaps a keen gardener is finding it harder to look after the flowerbeds? Buy them a kneeler, or a long-handled garden fork by searching for 'leisure' under 'Product type'.

Of course the Finder isn't just for Christmas - it's always available on our website. It has suggestions for things like grab rails, movement sensors and bathroom aids that probably won't be on many Christmas lists. But they'll help keep a person you care about safe and bring you some peace of mind.

So this December, don't buy the traditional jar of bath salts or another bottle of aftershave. Use the Home Equipment Finder to give you some inspiration for a present they'll find useful (even if they won't admit it).

This Christmas, get some new ideas - and give the gift of independence.