Other types of support

Support and care in your own home

If you need help to live independently in your own home, or you are finding it difficult to manage at home, family and friends may be able to help. Alternatively, you could consider using the services of a home care/support provider. Home care providers employ care assistants to provide help in your home.

Care assistants can provide help with personal care such as help with bathing, washing and dressing, and/or meals. Care assistants are trained in personal care, moving and handling, food hygiene and infection control. Care assistants must be checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and have had their references checked by their employers. If you require nursing care at home, some home care providers can provide this. You may also require assistance with other day-to-day needs.

A list of home care providers operating on the Island starts on page 20. Also, see page 19 for a useful checklist of questions to ask if you are considering care at home. Alternatively, you can choose to employ a Personal Assistant. Personal Assistants can offer more flexibility, choice and control over your care. To find out more about employing a Personal Assistant, call People Matter IW on 01983 685348 or visit www.iwight.com/adults

Isle of Wight Personal Assistant Noticeboard

The Isle of Wight Personal Assistant/Carer Noticeboard is a free service that lists Personal Assistants looking for work and individuals looking for Personal Assistants to support them at home and in the community.

Employing your own Personal Assistant means you are in control of the care and support you receive, and you choose the Personal Assistant and the work they do. Having a Personal Assistant can support your physical and emotional wellbeing and help with daily living tasks such as:

• maintaining relationships with family and friends, including support with childcare;

• meeting new people and developing friendships;

Supported Living

Supported Living schemes are usually most suitable if you have a learning or physical disability or a mental health condition. Schemes offer a wide range of support to enable you to live in your own home, helping you to maintain home life and live as independently as possible. The schemes provide support through a care worker with things such as:

• household tasks;

• personal care;

• getting out and about and staying involved in your community;

• supporting you in the workplace;

• maintaining hobbies and interests;

• providing personal care and support, for example, to dress and bathe;

• carrying out household jobs like cooking, cleaning, meal preparation and shopping; and

• help with personal appointments, such as going to the doctor, and more.

For further information, visit https://isleofwight. panoticeboard.org.uk or call 01983 823340

• maintaining a tenancy;

• taking medication;

• money management;

• building links with friends, family and the community;

• social and leisure activities; and

• making healthy lifestyle choices.