Resource for those supporting children with additional needs My Family, Our Needs is an online resource providing impartial information for parents, carers and practitioners supporting children from birth to 25 years with additional needs. As well as guidance, policy and signposting, there is a lifestyle section for parents covering topics such as health and wellbeing, work, family and relationships. Visit www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk
Living at home For many people, it is important to stay in their own familiar surroundings near to friends and family and to retain their independence. But, some of us may need a little extra help. Adaptations to your home, trying different ways of doing things or equipment may make your life easier and safer. Oxfordshire County Council’s Social and Health Care team takes referrals for occupational therapy. An Occupational Therapist can work with you to
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The lifestyle site for parents and carers of children with additional needs and those who support them.
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identify changes that could help in your day-today life, from simple solutions such as walking aids; using reminders for events and medication; to major adaptations such as walk-in showers. For further information, call Oxfordshire County Council’s Social and Health Care team on 0345 050 7666 or visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ equipmentaidsadaptations
Equipment, aids and gadgets Assistive Technology Assistive Technology is any device or system that can be used to increase your independence and safety and help you with day-to-day tasks. It can also give you, your family, carers or professionals the peace of mind that help is available when you need it and can help determine how you are managing at home if you have memory problems. Assistive Technology can help you to: • remember to have something to eat or drink, take medication or go to an appointment; • keep safe at home, through smoke, flood, or fall detectors; • request immediate help; • keep safe when you’re out and about; and • reassure family, friends and carers that you are safe.
Assistive Technology includes a wide range of devices from very simple ‘low tech’ gadgets, such as medication aids (boxes with compartments for days of the week and times of day), to more ‘high tech’ items such as GPS tracking devices to locate somebody who may have gone missing and Telecare devices that can automatically and remotely monitor emergencies and call for help. Telecare Sensors in your home are linked through your phone line and a base unit connected to a 24-hour staffed monitoring centre. If the sensor detects a potential danger, such as smoke, flood or falls, it will automatically call the monitoring centre. Staff at the monitoring centre will then phone the person and if necessary, can request further help from their family, friend, neighbour or the emergency services.
To find more information about care and support services visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/livewell
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