Older people or children and adults with disabilities who need major adaptations making to their home can now benefit from a new system. Councillors were given an update on the new approach at the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee this week.
Major adaptations, such as the installation of stair lifts and ceiling track hoists help people with mobility issues to continue living at home. Occupational Therapists assess a person’s needs and, if they recommend any adaptations, they currently have to get at least two quotes from different providers for the work. The householders are then inconvenienced by two different company surveyors and an Occupational Therapist coming to measure up their home for feasibility.
Under the new system, which will be established by the County Council and District Councils, one single provider will be selected for stair lifts countywide. This means that only one provider will need to visit people at their home, which is more important than ever during the pandemic. There is also a plan to recycle stair lifts that are in good condition, which is a more environmentally friendly approach.
It is estimated that there will also be savings of around £80,000 a year which can be used to fund more equipment for others who need it.
The County Council listened to the views of people who have used these services in the past to find out what needs to improve and used these results to shape the new framework.
Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of the County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “We want to help people to live well and age well and stay living independently in their community for as long as possible. We have listened to feedback from people who use these services and worked with other local councils to change the system and make it easier for those people. We plan to continue these improvements and keep people involved in the development of services in the future.”
The framework is available for children and adults and covers the whole of Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City, following collaboration with the districts, boroughs and Nottingham City Council.