Living on your own: What advice would you give? (asking for a mate)

wandering_chris

Hi folks, long time no see!

A friend of mine may have been offered a place, and I wanted to ask what advice you’d give to a disabled person living independently (with support from carers).

Also, as he’s from a BAME/minority faith background as well as having cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair, are there any additional things he should be aware of or watch out for when settling into a new area?

The good news is he may be moving off his current estate into a bungalow in a quieter suburb, which feels like a really positive step.

Anyone with lived experience, I’d really appreciate any advice you’d be willing to share.

Littlefatfriend

I don't have cerebral palsy but as a wheelchair user I'd encourage them to carefully consider any adaptations which may help them in the house. That may help a lot.

Do they attend a church or similar where they are? I expect the people there may offer advice about organisations/churches near to where they are moving to.

More than that I'd encourage them to enjoy their next adventure!

Good luck

😺

Kimi87

A needs assessment from social services would be good, to identify what additional help can be put in place once he's living alone. It could be equipment, a personal alarm, or details of local groups he might benefit from.

https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

A key safe outside is really essential, the code can be given to trusted people, care agency etc. That way someone can always get in in an emergency

In my area the local ambulance trust offers a service to register the code with them, and this is also I believe accessible by the other emergency services.

Please remember though not to keep front door on the safety chain as no one will be able to enter easily! The chain should only be used when answering the door.

He can register with the water company, electricity & gas provider as vulnerable and let them know what additional support he needs.

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/priority-services-register-extra-services-from-energy-suppliers?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20552602216&gbraid=0AAAAADrhH8Fry5uqdKuGDRHscnjrk1hWK&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5I_NBhDVARIsAOrqIsZCKVrmBpFd8zkXY6e_MgEtI-lx4xMIPulAxQN3_iC0Q5IccCRHNvwaAr0pEALw_wcB

wandering_chris

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105894#Comment_1105894

There's a small group, theyve advised him to keep his head down to avoid possible issues. That said, i'll tell him to get intouch with his social worker re needs assessment - Thank you :)

wandering_chris

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105896#Comment_1105896

great will see if his emergency services have a keysafe register.

JennieWren

like anyone moving to a new area it’s important to meet local people. Often libraries can point you in the right direction of groups they may enjoy or if not many Drs surgeries do social prescribing. My friend has a different diagnosis but used a wheelchair and lives independently with carers visiting and she’s had to call on neighbours a few times to help her, so I’d say it’s important for them to introduce themselves to their neighbours and see who they may be able to exchange phone numbers with and call in an emergency.

SheffieldMan1976

I used to live alone with support, but towards the end, the support workers kept letting me down badly due to lack of available staff and I reported them to the social.