Scottish council is first local authority in the country to introduce DLF’s AskSARA self-help guide
In a bid to help local residents identify which mobility and daily living aids could help them to live more independently, Scottish Borders Council has launched its version of Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)’s AskSARA self-help guide.
Designed as an online tool to enable older and disabled people to access impartial advice relating to products and solutions to help with everyday activities, AskSARA’s self-assessment guide asks a number of questions to ascertain the users’ needs.
Once filled out, the individual receives useful, tailored information written by occupational therapists, helping residents to quickly and easily find appropriate low-cost products and solutions that they may not have been aware of.
Free to use and nationally available via the DLF, AskSARA is also licensed to local authorities who can tailor the information provided to residents to include useful advice and signposting to local services.
Introducing the online self-help platform to its residents, Scottish Borders Council’s version has been developed by the Borders Health and Social Care Partnership & the DLF, marking the first time AskSARA has been rolled out in Scotland.
“People are increasingly willing and able to exert more choice and control over the things that will make a difference to their lives but with so much information available online, it can be difficult to know what can be trusted. AskSARA is an award-winning, tested resource that provides expert advice and information on products and equipment that can help you, or someone you care about, with your health, your home or your daily activities,” commented Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Adult Social Care.
“With access to over 10,000 daily living products from up to 1,000 recognised suppliers, it has the potential to be of significant help to people and I would encourage anyone who thinks they may benefit to go through the self-assessment process and take advantage of the personalised guidance that AskSARA provides.”
According to the council, the implementation will aim to improve the local community’s capabilities of managing their own conditions better, whilst also indirectly reducing admissions on strained hospitals.
Additionally, the Scottish Borders highlights that if any self-assessment flags up any areas of concern, AskSARA will recommend to the user that a full occupational therapy assessment is carried out via one of the Partnership’s What Matters Hubs.
“We also hope that carers will find AskSARA useful by helping to identify suitable equipment for the people they care for,” added Tom.
“If they are looking for support for themselves in their caring role, there is a wide range of information and advice available from the Borders Carers Centre and they shouldn’t hesitate to contact them.”
