The Physical Disabilities Team provide an assessment and care management function to enable independent living and social inclusion for adults and their carers, aged 18 to 65 years of age who have physical disabilities or neurological conditions which restrict individual mobility and ability to self care.
The team can arrange support to access:
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social;
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educational;
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recreational;
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housing and employment opportunities;
following an assessment of essential needs using Fair Access to Care criteria.
You can make a referral to the team by contacting the Adult Social Care Direct| team on 0191 433 7033
Assistance to help a disabled person live at home
If you have a physical disability and have difficulty with tasks of everyday living, the Council may be able to provide some assistance.
(We do not provide wheelchairs, walking aids or toilet aids such as commodes. You should contact your local GP surgery about provision of these items).
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The first stage would be for a member of staff from the Social Services (usually an Occupational Therapist or Domiciliary Care Officer) to visit you and assess your needs;
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This information will be used to determine firstly, whether you need assistance to live safely in your own home and secondly, if you do, what kind of assistance you require.
If the outcome of the assessment is that you are eligible for assistance, it may be recommended that you receive specialised equipment and/or a major adaptation to your home.
More information on equipment, adaptations and rehousing.|
Cost Implications
Whether you have to pay for the specialist equipment and/or major adaptations depends on a variety of factors:
More information on cost implications of Minor/Major Adaptations.|
How long it takes
The length of time you will need to wait before your receive an adaptation depends on the type of assistance you require.
If you are waiting to receive an adaptation, the process can be quite time consuming but the Social Services will keep you informed about the progress of your application.
Exactly how long you will have to wait will depend on:
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What type of assistance you receive (some adaptations require more time to install than others);
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Manufacture time for special orders;
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If alternative housing is to be found;
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Whether or not you have appealed against the original decision.