Reablement
Many older people find it difficult to remain independent as they get older Often they're unable to look after themselves like they used to and have to rely on carers and home helps.
But a new scheme is helping people regain their confidence and get back on their feet.
Reablement offers practical support from home carers so that older people can look after themselves again. Rather than everything being done for them, they get help 're-skilling' so that they can carry out tasks themselves such as washing and dressing, preparing their own meals and going shopping.
Mary Davies from Tooting Bec was in hospital for three months following a haemorrhage. The 84- year-old needed major surgery, but had just lost her husband so was feeling particularly vulnerable when she returned home.
Mary said:
I'd been through quite a rough time. My confidence was very bad and I was living on my own. I had the team in three times a day and I found it very, very helpful. I couldn't walk but they got me back on my feet and helped me to do things for myself.
At first the reablement team visited three times a day, but after a while Mary asked them not to come at lunchtime because she wanted to see if she could prepare her own meal.
I gradually cut down the visits and did more and more myself. I'm much better now and just have a home help once a day.
Re-enablement is being encouraged by the Government because a national study has shown that encouraging people to carry out more of their own daily routines helps them to remain independent for longer periods ranging from three months to two years. Around 80 per cent of local authorities now run a scheme.
A successful trial has been held in Wandsworth and it will now be extended to all people who are assessed for home help – not just people leaving hospital. This will include new and existing users.
For someone assessed as needing home care the council will arrange services in the normal way. A supervisor will then visit on the first day of the new service to begin a detailed evaluation of the person's ability to manage in the longer term.
Follow-up work would continue for up to six weeks while the service user regains skills and confidence at home. At that point any services that were still needed would be bought in from one of the council's main care providers. Discussions are currently being held about the timetable for introducing the scheme.
Meanwhile Mary believes it has helped her keep her independence and remain in her own home.
It's a very good idea. When you come out of hospital, especially after surgery, most people have lost their confidence. This helps you get it back.