Disability and Long Term Conditions

If you have a disability or chronic illness, sometimes referred to as a 'Long Term Condition', and need help with daily activities such as getting washed and dressed, meals, going out, organising your or your family’s daily routine etc we may be able to help.

Home support services
These are services which provide personal services in your home.

We have a small in-house team which provides specialist services and we also buy services from the private sector. Hot, chilled or frozen meals can be delivered.

Day time activities
If you have difficulty in using local day time facilities or are socially isolated or need special facilities and want to spend time out of the home with other people with similar needs then we may be able to arrange for a service.

See Downside Resource Centre for further information.

Respite
See Carers page for further information.

Blue Badge Parking Scheme
This is a national scheme for people with severe mobility difficulties who are either drivers or passengers to enable them to park in convenient and wide spaces.

Adapting Your Home
If you experience difficulties in your home because you can no longer manage the stairs, get in and out of your door, use the bathroom etc then an Occupational Therapist (often just called OT) may be able to help you by suggesting simple or more complex adaptations to improve your independence in your home. You would need to make contact with our Community Response and Re-ablement team (see contact details on the right) and ask for a Needs Assessment.

Equipment in your home
Sometimes an item of equipment can help to make daily life safer and keep you more independent. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can advise you on this following an assessment. You would need to make contact with our Community Response and Re-ablement team and ask for a Needs Assessment.

Direct Payments
After an assessment when the support plan is being agreed, you may decide to have a payment instead of using services.

FAQ’s

Q Do I have to pay for services?

A the Council does charge for some services. There is a financial assessment to determine any contribution you would make. (See Charging for Services).