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Support for independent living
02/12/2008
More of Scotland's most vulnerable people are to be given support to live independently in their own homes and achieve the best possible quality of life.
More people affected by disability, ill health, traumatic injury or immobility will now benefit from simplified access to equipment and adaptions to assist them in everyday activities.
New guidance being developed will streamline equipment and adaption services across Scotland and help ensure a joined up approach between health, education, housing and social care services.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison launched a consultation on what should be included in the new guidance.
The consultation asks for views on a range of proposals including:
- A central online information hub with up to date and relevant information - highlighting what home equipment and adaptions are available, who to contact, eligibility criteria and what services people can expect
- A carers' assessment, including equipment and adaption needs, for anyone who cares for a disabled person or elderly relative
- Training to ensure all care staff can demonstrate the use of home equipment and answer any questions
- A good practice guide for home equipment provision
- A good practice model for major home adaptions
- Ms Robison said:
Ms Robison said:
"We know that even making a small adaption to someone's home - such as installing a grab-rail or a removable ramp - can make a big difference to their quality of life, including being able to live in their own home.
"That is why services must be designed and delivered around the needs of the people who use them, their carers and communities, so that as their needs change, so does the service provision.
"This guidance will ensure that the people who benefit from equipment and adaptions, and their carers, are placed at the centre of provision, increasing people's capacity to take control of their own lives.
"The consultation that starts today is an important part of the process in making sure that this guidance will do just that."
A consultation on the new guidance was launched on December 2, 2008 by the Minister at a national conference on extending and supporting care at home.