Enhanced reablement shows results

Staffordshire County Council has produced a short video promoting its Living Independently Staffordshire reablement scheme that offers greater flexibility and a longer period of support following illness or injury. 

Following four successful pilots, the scheme, which provides up to 12 weeks of free intensive support to help people get back on their feet, is set to operate across the county.

Previously people received up to six weeks reablement support, but the Community Reablement team found some individuals needed more time to regain their independence, and often ended up in hospital again or long term care.

The revamped service is now available to people over 18 if they are referred by their GP, hospital or direct from the community. No other county in the country offers reablement care to people as young as 18. 

Support ranges from simple help with medication, or relearning how to boil a kettle, to more demanding situations, such as regaining the ability to talk and carry out other daily tasks.

Pilot scheme results show more than 50% of people who used the service were able to go back to their own lives and live independently without further support. 

See video