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Independent Living |
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Gateway to Services in the UK |
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There
are sources of support to help you live independently in your own home.
For example, some disabled people have a personal assistant to help with
daily routines such as getting up, bathing, cooking and getting around.
You may be able to arrange this through your local social service department,
possibly with help from the Independent Living Fund; or you may wish to
make your own arrangements.
Through Social Services
You have the right not only to be involved in the assessment of your needs, but also to have a say in how your package of care and support is put together. The government has introduced legislation to allow local authorities to make cash payments to disabled people. This is called ‘ Direct Payments’. Disabled people choosing this option would then take on the responsibility of buying their own package of social care which could included employing their own personal assistant. Ask your local Social Service Department for details.
The Independent Living (1993) Fund This can give cash to help pay for personal and domestic care which enables ‘severely’ disabled people to live at home. To qualify, you must:
Be over 16 and under 66 when the payment is made by the fund; and
Be receiving the care component of the Disability Living Allowance at the Highest rate (see Financial Help)
The social service department must continue to provide personal care for you to the value of at least £200 a week; and the care provided by social services and the maximum amount of money the Fund can provide is £395 each week. The total cost of the jointly funded care package should not exceed a total value of £665 per week.
Contact your local social services department or:
Independent Living Funds
PO Box 7525
Nottingham NG2 4ZT
Tel:0845 601 8815
Fax:0115 945 0945
Textphone:0845 601 8816
e-mail:funds@ilf.org.uk
Website:http://www.ilf.org.uk
Making your own arrangements:You
can contact one of the agencies ‘Nurses and Nursing Agencies’
in Yellow Pages or you can advertise for and interview applicants yourself.
It is a good idea to have someone with you or to get the advice of the
local disability action group, coalition or disabled Living Centre.
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