Independent living service

The independent living service is for people who have a disability and their carers.

It is run by Blackburn with Darwen Social Services Department and Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust.

The service has three teams. They provide help, advice, information and training to promote independence, social inclusion and access to life opportunities.

Services

Occupational therapy

The aim of occupational therapy is to help people with disabilities to be as independent as possible in daily activities.

Who is it for?

Anyone whose disability is affecting their life at home.

For example, if you have any difficulty with:

• Dressing
• Feeding
• Washing
• Toileting
• Getting on/off the chair, bed or toilet
• Managing stairs
• Making drinks and meals etc.
• Getting in and out of your home
• Using the bath or shower

You can ask for an assessment and discuss your needs with us.
 
We may be able to help in the following ways:-

• Advice on easier or safer ways of managing.
• Special equipment to make everyday tasks easier.
• Regular visits over a period of weeks working with you in improving how well you manage everyday tasks.  (We call this ‘rehabilitation’. An example might be following illness or injury such as a stroke to regain movement, strength and stamina in everyday tasks).
• We may (if you agree) get in touch with another service that may be helpful.  These may be NHS (eg district nurse), social services (eg care manager) or others (eg charities, support groups, council services etc.)

If you have any questions about your treatment or your suitability, please ask.

Sensory impairment

The sensory impairment team has specialist knowledge and skills to meet the needs of people with a sensory loss.  

Who is it for?

• People who experience problems with everyday activities due to significant sight or hearing loss
• People who are deaf or blind 
• Their families and carers

We do assessments for each person. We offer help, advice, information and the right training to help you to live your life as independently as possible.

The following services may be available to you:-

• Providing specialist equipment.
• Training in all aspects of independent ‘daily living skills.’ This could include safety in the kitchen, using a cashpoint, or checking dates on food.
• Mobility training. We work with you to help you travel safely and independently.
• Training in communication skills. This can include Braille, Moon and keyboard skills. It could be signing your name or using the telephone.
• Arranging British Sign Language interpreters.
• Information about other professionals and agencies who know about sensory impairment.

We can also put your name on the right sensory impairment register. You do not have to be on the register to get services from us.

Housing care services

We offer practical help and advice to help people stay in their own home.

Who is it for?

• Disabled people and older people

The following services may be available to you:-

Repairs

If you are a homeowner we can offer you assistance with almost any type of repair. Small grants may be available.  If you are not eligible for grant assistance, we will offer help to obtain funding through other agencies and charities.  We can also arrange for reputable builders to do work to your property.  Our advice is free. You only pay for the cost of the work.
 

Adaptations

If you have difficulty moving around your home, you can be referred to an occupational therapist for an assessment.  The assessment will decide what help or adaptations are needed to help you live in your home.  For example, the occupational therapist might recommend a level access shower, ramp and handrails, or a stair lift.

If a major adaptation is recommended, such as a level access shower, you will need to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.  We can help you to do this.  Part of the application is a financial assessment to see if you would have to make a contribution to the cost of the work.

If you are assessed as needing a minor adaptation, such as a grab rail, this will be installed by our Handyperson Service.  There is no charge for minor adaptations.

Security

Our Handyperson Service can fit security measures. These include smoke alarms, door chains, viewers and other things. The labour is free but you pay for materials. 

Help may also be available with small repairs around the home, such as a leaking tap, through our Handyperson service.