The Free First directory for later life
See what you can get free before you pay a penny
Mobility aids, wheelchairs, walk-in baths, stairlifts and care at home. For every one, we start with what the NHS, your council and charities may give you free — then show suppliers, with their credentials explained in plain English.
Our three promises
-
Free first
Every category starts with free help, grants and VAT relief — before we show you a single supplier.
-
Credentials in plain English
We show which trade bodies and approval schemes a supplier belongs to, and what that actually means for you.
-
No sales calls, ever
We don't sell anything and we never pass your details to suppliers. Browsing here won't lead to a phone call.
How Free First works
Three steps that can save you hundreds of pounds
-
Ask for a free assessment
Your council must assess your needs for free if you are struggling at home. Aids and small adaptations are often provided at no cost.
-
Check grants and VAT relief
A Disabled Facilities Grant can pay for bigger changes, and most disability equipment can be bought without VAT.
-
Then compare suppliers
If you still need to buy, compare suppliers side by side — with their memberships and approvals explained.
Browse the directory
What are you looking for?
-
-
Wheelchairs & Scooters
Manual and powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters and hire
- 1 free service
- 2 suppliers
-
Easy Access Baths & Walk-in Showers
Baths with a built-in door, walk-in showers and wet rooms
- 2 free services
- 7 suppliers
-
Stairlifts & Home Lifts
Straight and curved stairlifts, through-floor lifts
- Free tips first
- 8 suppliers
-
Riser Recliner Chairs & Adjustable Beds
Chairs that help you stand, and profiling beds
- Free tips first
- 7 suppliers
-
-
-
-
Personal Alarms & Telecare
Pendant alarms, fall detectors and monitoring
- Free tips first
- 3 suppliers
-
Start here
Free help from trusted national organisations
12 free services listed. None of them are selling anything.
-
Free
Age UK
- Charity
The UK’s largest charity working with older people, offering free advice on money, care, housing and health.
-
Free
Independent Age
- Charity
Free advice and guides on money, care and health for older people and their families.
-
Free
NHS — Social Care and Support Guide
- Part of the NHS
Official NHS guidance on care at home, needs assessments and paying for care.
-
Free
The Silver Line (Age UK)
- Charity
A free, confidential helpline for older people, open 24 hours a day, every day.
-
Free
Foundations — Home Improvement Agencies
Find your local Home Improvement Agency for help with adaptations and grants.
-
Free
British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA)
- Trade association
Check whether a walk-in bath company belongs to the industry trade association before you buy.
-
Free
NHS Wheelchair Services
- Part of the NHS
Free wheelchair provision through the NHS if you have a long-term need. Try this before buying.
-
Free
homecare.co.uk
Free directory of UK home care agencies with CQC ratings and reviews from families.
Feeling lonely, or just fancy a chat?
The Silver Line is a free, confidential helpline for older people, open every day and night of the year. You can call just to talk.
0800 4 70 80 90