Local Outcome 6: Online support to help people live safely and independently
East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and the Disability Living Foundation (DLF) worked closely together to provide advice and guidance to those who may need support performing everyday activities at home.
A member of EquipU, the HSCP was keen to promote and encourage the use of AskSARA – a website which allows people to not only access information, but also to find out which aids/adaptations may suit their needs.
AskSARA is an easily accessible, self-management tool that assists with independent living.
It is part of the Living Made Easy website – run by DLF as part of the Shaw Trust – providing practical advice, as well as information on products and the suppliers of daily living equipment.
The online resource takes people through a serious of questions to identify if they would benefit from any specific aids/adaptations in their home.
Caroline Sinclair, Chief Officer for East Dunbartonshire HSCP, believes this website will be of benefit to many people in the area – now and in future.
She said,
AskSARA is an accessible, user-friendly self-help tool which enables older people, and members of the public with disabilities of all ages, to identify products that will help them to stay independent in their own homes.
“It is clearly set out – you can choose to answer questions about your home, your health or daily activities and receive a report with equipment and solutions that may make your life easier. Importantly, it is free to use and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
AskSARA aims to improve and increase access to equipment and other environmental solutions. It helps people to stay safe, healthy and independent by suggesting solutions that the user, their families or carers may not have been aware of.
Alison Docherty, Manager for the EquipU Partnership, added, "There is a wide variety of equipment solutions available to make life easier for people of all ages, who often don’t know what it is they need to help them.
"This initiative is an example of the health and social care services' commitment to support people to independently identify their needs, and self-manage their conditions, where-ever possible."
Visit Equipu AskSARA for further information and to determine what support is available that may be of benefit to you.
Visit the Help to live at home website for wider information on help available to aid living independently at home.
For more information on the Council's Public Performance Report, visit our webpage.