BETTER LIVES
Violet Chapman, 97, is
partially sighted and
can no longer watch
TV because of an eye
condition which has also
caused her to have a few
falls. Ealing Council’s
reablement team has
stepped in to help.
Nargis Ahmad reports.
‘I’m very
independent’
“I
t’s made a big difference to my
life,” said Violet. “My carers are
always on time, very polite and I
enjoy talking to them.”
Macular disease makes it hard
for Violet to focus her eyes. She
has received help from the council’s
reablement carers, who visited her
every morning for six weeks after a
fall in August last year. These carers
provided essential support so that she
could get back to her normal life as
quickly as possible.
The reablement service works with
clients for a period of six weeks after a
hospital stay, fall or injury; or even after
a bereavement or trauma. It is to help
them get back on their feet and return
to their daily lives. After a person
leaves hospital, they are also visited by
occupational therapists and physios,
depending on their needs.
‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO LIVES’
Councillor Binda Rai, the council’s
cabinet member for health and adults’
services, said: “Reablement carers do
a very important job. They provide
support at home and encourage
people to use their skills and gain the
confidence to remain independent in
their own home home and within the
community they are familiar with. The
service we provide continues to retain
its ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality
Commission and receives positive
comments from people using the
service. I also appreciate how much
of a difference the carers are making
to improve the quality of life for
our residents.”
Violet added: “My team of carers are
all very good. They come once in the
morning to help with breakfast. I lay out
the plates on the table so they can do
the rest. I’m a very independent person.
I want to carry on doing things for
myself for as long as possible. My motto
is: I never give up, I never give in.”
MORE INFORMATION
For more on the service visit
www.ealing.gov.uk/reablement
AVOIDING FALLS
There are many ways to reduce
your risk of having a fall,
including doing exercises to
improve your balance, strength
and co-ordination.
StayActive4Life runs free
strength and balance
programmes throughout
the borough, on behalf of
the council. Email admin@
stayactive4life.co.uk or call 020
8574 7785. Tai Chi or gentle
yoga are also beneficial. You
can get other practical tips on
avoiding falls in the home at
www.ealing.gov.uk/falls
around ealing February 2019
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