Disabled People and Carers

Looking after yourself

Maximising your independence is important, and you may need support to meet your needs. 

Working out what you need – before any support can be offered to you from social services, you will need to have an assessment of your needs. You can find out more by contacting your local social services office.  

Support around the home – find out what kind of care services are available, such as home care or equipment to assist independence. 

Buying the care you need - find out about Direct Payments and how, instead of getting services provided by social services, you can be given the money to buy the care you need and choose the kind of support that is right for you. This is different from the benefits Direct Payment process. 

Improving your independence, managing falls – Westminster Rehabilitation Service may be able to work with you to maximise your full potential and to achieve your goals in everyday activities. www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/rehabilitation.htm

Disabled Living Foundation - you can find out more about equipment that may be able to help in your daily life by visiting The Disabled Living Foundation's Equipment Demonstration Centre in Harrow Road. An occupational therapist will be able to demonstrate equipment and answer any questions you may have. To make an appointment, call 0845 130 9177 (Mon-Fri, 10 am - 4 pm; textphone 020 7432 8009) or email advice@dlf.org.uk. Please tell them that you are a Westminster resident. There is also information about different types of equipment and a self assessment system to be found on their website. www.dlf.org.uk  

The DLF also runs a website containing information on bathing products called 'Bathing made easy'.