Reablement - Skills For Independence

Moray Council is strengthening the approach it takes to supporting people in their own homes.

What is Reablement?

Reablement is intensive, short-term support to encourage and assist people to lead as fulfilling a life as they can, in the way they choose.

Reablement promotes independence rather than dependence. It is not about doing things to people or for people – it’s about working with them so they build up the skills and confidence necessary to carry out daily living tasks and be as independent as possible.

These skills may have been lost because of poor health, disability or after a stay in hospital.

How Does Reablement Work?

For a period of up to twelve weeks, health and social care staff will work intensively with someone in their own home to help them regain the skills they need to be able to do more for themselves and to be able to achieve the outcomes that they want.

This could be anything from washing and dressing, to managing the stairs, shopping and preparing meals, using equipment and/or minor adaptations to help with mobility..

The initial focus, where the person has been assessed as potentially benefiting from reablement, is on reducing and delaying  the person's longer-term care needs and on maximising their strengths, capabilities and independence.  

Who Is It For?

Anyone referred to Moray Council for an assessment of their social care needs will be considered for reablement.  

If someone is already receiving support from us and reablement could benefit them, we will discuss this with them as part of the review of their care package.

What Will Happen Then?

Everyone assessed as potentially benefiting from reablement support will be helped to draw up a reablement support plan which includes their personal goals or the outcomes they want to achieve as a result of the reablement support.

Support to achieve these will be provided by a team including home carers, care officers and care organisers, who will be working with, where relevant, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians and community nursing staff.

How Long Is It Provided For and How Much Will It Cost?

The service is free for up to twelve weeks. Depending on the progress made, the level of support can be decreased over that time.

What Happens After Reablement?

People who have undergone reablement usually find that they can manage well on their own. If they do need further support, it is likely to be at a much lower level than if they had not had reablement support..

As part of ongoing assessment a review is carried out by a care officer to talk about the next steps.  If it is agreed that ongoing community care support is needed, options will be offered and explained so that the person can choose the best option for them for arranging and delivering the care and support..

If no ongoing community care support is needed at that time the person can access information and advice about services and facilities in the local area that may support their wellbeing as well as help prevent, reduce or delay their longer-term care and support needs.  The Care Access Teamcan be contacted on 01343 563999 Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5pm..  

How Are Families and Carers Involved?

Reablement focuses on what is realistic for people to do for themselves.

Ongoing community care support will only be reduced where the person's need for support reduces.  

Unpaid carers are essential to the success of reablement. They will be supported to assist the person they care for in achieving their goals for increased independence.

Is It For Everyone?

Reablement will not be the most appropriate approach for everybody. If this is the case, we will ensure the person receives the ongoing support which best meets their needs and ensure, where possible, the person is able to choose how that support is arranged and provided..

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