Help at home

Being disabled doesn’t need to compromise your independence. Nowadays the emphasis for disabled people is on getting help in your own home for as long as possible. This alleviates the pressure from hospitals and care homes. Your eligibility will be assessed by Social Services and if you meet the right criteria you’ll receive a weekly amount of money with which you can either purchase your care from a Care Agency or employ your own carers. This system means you’re in control of the help you require. Also, to enable you to stay in your own home there are ways of getting funding for equipment and adaptations. It all starts with a call to Social Services.

Built to your needs

You might wish to move to sheltered housing. There are several benefits. Now mostly run by Housing Associations, these have Wardens or Court Managers who will visit you on a regular basis, and there will be a system installed in your home to enable you to contact them any time in an emergency. These properties will be built to suit the needs of people with mobility problems, so might be a better option if your house proves to be too difficult to adapt.

Tools to make your life easier

There is an abundance of equipment available for people with disabilities. The choice might seem overwhelming. But help is available if you’re not sure about what’s right for you. For example, the charity Disabled Living Foundation is a good place to start if you want someone to talk you through the options. It provides information on disability equipment, day-to-day household gadgets, new technologies and training techniques. Find out more on direct.gov.uk

Most importantly, make sure you get the most out of the help that’s available. Think about your choices and make the decision that’s right for you, so that you can carry on living life to the full.