Walking frame
Best for guests who need extra stability when walking short distances indoors, offering support and confidence when moving around the cottage.
Tap image to zoomSpecialist equipment for your accessible holiday
At Our Bench, we understand how important the right equipment is for a relaxing, stress-free holiday.
That’s why we provide a wide range of specialist items as part of your stay at no extra cost. These essentials are available to help make your break easier and more comfortable. If any particular equipment is vital to your holiday, please confirm availability with us in advance.
How to reserve equipment
The easiest way to reserve equipment is by completing our equipment reservation form, which is sent to you once your deposit is received. Simply tick the items you require and include your booking details (lead guest name, cottage, 4-digit key code, and stay dates).
Essential points to remember when using additional equipment
- Booking in advance: Equipment must be reserved in advance so it can be ready for your arrival. Your choices are confirmed once your deposit is paid, but we rely on guests returning items in good working order.
- Use at your own risk: Guests use all equipment at their own risk. Our Bench accepts no liability for accidents, injuries, or equipment failures. Items must be returned clean, in good condition, and used only for their intended purpose.
- Hoists: If you plan to use a ceiling hoist or request a mobile hoist, you must bring your own slings, be trained in their safe use.
- Some equipment has a load limit (including hoists, electric beds, and chairs). Please make sure you are aware of this, as manufacturer guidelines cover each item only up to a specific weight.
- No training provided: Please note that we cannot provide demonstrations or training for specialist equipment.
Equipment available in-house
We hold a wide selection of equipment to support your stay, from shower chairs and commodes to hoists and profiling beds. If you are unsure about suitability, please ask us in advance, or browse the images below to see what is available, what it looks like, recommended use, and the manufacturer’s maximum weight guidance.
Photos of all our specialist equipment available during your stay
Click an image to open a larger version and read the key details, including sizes, user weight guidance, and other specifications. Under each item you will also find a short note on who it is best for and how it can help.
Patient mobility
These items are listed in the same order as on our equipment reservation form. We start with equipment you may find useful for moving around the cottage, especially if you do not have room to bring it in the car.
Four-wheeled walker
Best for guests who can walk independently but benefit from balance support, brakes, and a built-in seat for resting during longer walks around the cottage or outdoors.
Tap image to zoomThree-wheeled walker
Best for guests who need light support and manoeuvrability, particularly in tighter indoor spaces, while still allowing them to move independently.
Tap image to zoomManual self-propelled wheelchair
Best for guests who are able to move themselves in a wheelchair, providing independence both inside the cottage and when exploring level outdoor areas.
Tap image to zoomManual carer-propelled wheelchair
Best for guests who need assistance with mobility, allowing a carer to comfortably support movement within the cottage or when going out together.
Tap image to zoomPatient handling
These items are designed to support transfers from one piece of equipment to another. They can be moved around the cottage and used in the rooms where you need them. There are many different types of transfer equipment, so please check that each item is suitable for your needs and that you are familiar with how to use it safely.
Rota Stand
Best for guests who can weight-bear but need support to stand and turn safely, helping with transfers from bed, chair, or wheelchair while reducing strain for carers.
Tap image to zoomRotunda standing frame
Best for guests who can take some weight through their legs and need secure support when standing or transferring, offering a stable frame that allows carers to assist with positioning and movement.
Tap image to zoomSara Stedy (non-adjustable legs)
Best for guests who are able to weight-bear and require assisted standing and transfers, particularly useful for moving between bed, chair, or toilet with the support of a carer.
Tap image to zoomSara Stedy (adjustable feet)
Best for guests who can weight-bear and need assisted standing and transfers, with adjustable feet allowing improved positioning and comfort for a wider range of users.
Tap image to zoomStand assist lift
Best for guests who can take some weight through their legs but need additional support when rising from a seated position, helping to make standing and transfers safer and more manageable.
Tap image to zoomMobile hoist
Best for guests who are unable to weight-bear and need full support for transfers, providing a safe and controlled way for carers to assist with moving between bed, chair, or wheelchair. Guests must be trained in hoist use and bring their own sling.
Tap image to zoomPorter’s chair
Best for guests who need supported seated transfers or evacuation assistance, offering a stable, secure chair for moving safely with the help of carers. This chair is used alongside hoisting. We may remove the riser recliner to create enough space.
Tap image to zoomWet room and shower room equipment
These items are either fixed in the wet room or placed ready for your arrival. We aim to make personal care as safe and comfortable as possible during your stay.
Shower seat with back
Best for guests who are able to transfer onto a chair and need stable seated support when showering, offering comfort and confidence without moving parts.
Tap image to zoomCommode and raised toilet frame
Best for guests who need additional height and support when using the toilet, helping to make transfers on and off the toilet easier and safer.
Tap image to zoomShower stool (no back)
Best for guests who can sit independently and need a simple seat for showering, particularly where space is limited or minimal support is required.
Tap image to zoomRaised toilet seat (removable)
Best for guests who need a little extra height when using the toilet, offering a straightforward, temporary solution that can be fitted and removed as needed.
Tap image to zoomCeiling H-hoist (wet room, Bench Cottage only)
Best for guests who are unable to weight-bear and need full support for safe transfers in the wet room. This ceiling-mounted hoist allows smoother movement and reduces strain for carers. Available in Bench Cottage only.
Tap image to zoomChanging stretcher (Bench Cottage only)
Best for guests who need a safe, supportive surface for personal care, with a comfortable working height for carers. Available in Bench Cottage only.
Tap image to zoomSelf-propelled shower chair
Best for guests who are able to move themselves while seated, allowing greater independence when accessing and using the shower.
Tap image to zoomCarer’s shower chair
Best for guests who need assistance while showering, allowing a carer to safely support movement and positioning in the wet room.
Tap image to zoomTilt-in-space shower chair
Best for guests who need additional postural support while showering, allowing the chair to tilt gently to maintain comfort, stability, and a safe seated position during washing.
Tap image to zoomKitchen
Over the years, guests have commented on how useful these essentials are in the kitchen, as they can help support independence.
Tiered trolley
Best for guests who benefit from having items close to hand, allowing meals, drinks, or personal items to be moved safely between rooms with minimal lifting.
Tap image to zoomPerching stool
Best for guests who can stand but need a place to rest, offering supported seating at a higher height for tasks such as food preparation.
Tap image to zoomLounge and dining area
We have a range of seating options that can be added to your cottage depending on your individual needs.
Height-adjustable chair with arms
Best for guests who need extra support when sitting down or standing up, with arms and adjustable height helping to make transfers easier and more controlled.
Tap image to zoomSolid dining chair (no arms)
Best for guests who prefer a stable, upright chair for dining, offering a simple, supportive seating option without side arms.
Tap image to zoomRiser recliner chair
Best for guests who need assistance when standing or sitting, providing powered support to move between seated and standing positions in comfort.
Tap image to zoomBedroom
This equipment can be used in and around the bedroom. Our beds are specialist Konturmatic beds. They are fully adjustable, offering a wide range of positions and slat tension control in the lumbar region. They are designed for a broad range of needs and help us offer practical, flexible accommodation. They support accessible requirements without a hospital bed feel, because at Our Bench we believe everyone deserves a relaxing place to sleep.
Static commode
Best for guests who need a bedside toilet option, offering convenience and reduced distance for night-time or limited mobility use.
Tap image to zoomCeiling hoist (master bedroom)
Best for guests who are unable to weight-bear and need full support for transfers in the bedroom, allowing safe movement between bed and wheelchair with carer assistance.
Tap image to zoomOverbed table
Best for guests who need a stable surface within easy reach while in bed, useful for meals, reading, or personal items.
Tap image to zoomBed rails on height-adjustable bed
Best for guests who need extra support when repositioning in bed, helping with rolling, sitting up, or feeling secure while resting.
Tap image to zoomNetting for bed rails
Best for guests who require additional safety alongside bed rails, helping to reduce the risk of limbs becoming trapped during sleep or movement.
Tap image to zoomAdditional bed rails on another bed
Best for guests who need bed rail support on an alternative bed. When fitted, the head and foot riser function is not available.
Tap image to zoomLifting pole
Best for guests who have upper-body strength and benefit from a handhold to assist with repositioning or moving from lying to sitting in bed.
Tap image to zoomParnell bed rail and grab rail
Best for guests who need a fixed handhold beside the bed, providing support when getting in or out of bed or when repositioning. The weight is managed through the floor, and this style allows our beds to operate safely.
Tap image to zoomHeight-adjustable profiling bed
Best for guests who need both flexible positioning and adjustable bed height, allowing the head and foot sections to be raised or lowered and the overall bed height to be adjusted to support comfort and assist with transfers.
Tap image to zoomProfiling bed
Best for guests who need support with positioning while resting or sleeping, allowing the head and foot sections of the bed to be adjusted to improve comfort and support breathing.
Tap image to zoomTravel cot or highchair
For children under two, we can provide a travel cot and a highchair. Please bring your own linen.
Tap image to zoomHow do I reserve the above items?
The easiest way to reserve equipment is by completing our equipment reservation form, which is sent to you once your deposit is received. We know that for some guests, a holiday is not possible without an essential item, so please talk to us. If you share your dates, we can check availability before you book. We have three cottages, but we do not have three of everything. If we know you are planning to book and an item is available, we can hold it for you. Once we confirm it is available for the week you need, you can book your stay with confidence.
How much does the equipment cost?
Specialist equipment can be expensive to hire privately. For example, mobile hoist hire in the UK is often priced around £80 per week, shower chair £30 a week, a walker £28 a week, a riser recliner chair £90 a week and that excludes delivery - multiple items could be a huge additional cost. At Our Bench, we do not charge for the equipment we provide, because for many guests these items are holiday essentials. Without them, a holiday may not be possible.
Do I need to book specialist equipment in advance?
Yes, please. Equipment is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your deposit is paid, we will confirm availability. If something essential is not available, we will let you know straight away.
What happens if I need equipment that isn’t listed?
You are welcome to hire additional items from local suppliers (hire fees will apply), or you may be able to bring equipment from home. Deliveries can usually be made on the Friday before your arrival. Please let us know in advance so your cottage is ready and someone is available to accept the delivery.
Do I need to bring my own slings for hoists?
Yes. For safety reasons, you must bring your own slings. We cannot provide training or slings. All our hoists have a six-point spreader bar, so you will need a compatible sling. This is usually arranged through your occupational therapist (OT).
Can I arrange carers during my stay?
Yes. We recommend contacting care agencies or private carers well in advance, as local demand is high. We have a list of companies who have provided care at the cottages or who have expressed an interest in doing so: Holiday carers
Is shopping delivery available?
Yes. Supermarket deliveries can be arranged for the Friday before arrival (10am to 1pm). For mid-week breaks, please check with us first. We will ensure your shopping is put away ready for you.
What transport options are available if we don’t bring a car?
Lymington and the New Forest are served by wheelchair-accessible taxis, assisted transport providers, and services like Driving Miss Daisy. Advance booking is strongly advised, as vehicles are limited. Details here
Do you provide oxygen or air flow mattresses?
No, but we can put you in touch with trusted providers for oxygen services and air flow mattresses. These must be arranged directly with the suppliers. We have suggested contacts here: Additional services