Specialist equipment There is a range of equipment available to make life easier and to improve safety and independence in the home, such as stair rails, raised toilet seats and shower stools. These items are often referred to as ‘simple aids for daily living’. The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) provides a quick and easy-to-use online guided advice service
called AskSARA, which can help anyone who finds they have difficulties with everyday tasks. Visit https://asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk to learn more about possible solutions or see pages 11 to 12. Once you have identified equipment that might help with your support needs, use the checklist on page 9 to make sure it’s right for you.
Telecare Telecare is equipment that can detect falls, inactivity, smoke, flooding, gas or extreme temperatures in the home. Sensors, when activated, will connect to a response centre where trained operators will contact the individual through their home unit. They will take the most appropriate action, such as contacting a nominated responder, family member, carer, neighbour, doctor or the emergency services. Telecare can allow users to regain confidence in their homes and remain independent. Relatives and carers are also reassured that, should an incident occur, they will know about it. Some devices can also help to monitor particular health conditions and
reduce the need for hospital admission. You can buy telecare and assistive technology from private companies and organisations or, if you’re eligible through an assessment (see below), Nottinghamshire County Council may be able to provide it for you. Useful websites Web: www.manageathome.co.uk Web: https://asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk Web: www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk Web: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk (search ‘Technology Enabled Care’).
Support from the council The way councils provide services to eligible adults and their carers is called personalisation. This term is used to describe a number of ways in which eligible adults can receive a mixture of local authority and Government money to pay for the care services they need without direct council involvement. If you approach the council for social care support, your needs and finances will be assessed. If you have a carer, they can have their needs assessed too. Your assessment If you appear to have care or support needs, you have the legal right to an assessment of your care needs and finances. Councils are statutorily obliged to provide this to you, regardless of whether you access their services.
The assessment (which is free) will consider: • how you can best be supported to live as independently as possible; • your home and how you are coping in it; • your emotional wellbeing; • your diet; and • any health and medical treatments you need. You will need to contact Adult Social Care to arrange an assessment. Call 0300 500 8080. Once Adult Social Care understands your care and financial needs, the next stage is to determine what services you may be eligible for and who will pay for them. The council will give you more information on eligibility and the national eligibility
Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care
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