Occupational therapy in Southend Social Care is pleased to announce the launch of AskSARA.
AskSARA is an on-line self-help guide which provides users with advice and information about equipment and products that make daily living easier.
AskSARA can be viewed on the web at Southend AskSARA or via a link here on the Livewell website, at Adaptations and housing.
How does it work?
- Click the link to visit the AskSARA front page and view the subject tiles to select topics of interest (for example stairs, bathroom or kitchen).
- Answer questions to identify further information about what may be causing the problem and what may help.
After completing this form, a personalised report is produced with:
- Clear, tailored advice on ways to help with daily activities and stay independent at home
- An impartial list of products and equipment which may help, plus information on where to buy them
- Further help and contacts for more information
- An option to save the report and share it with family, friends and care workers.
What is the aim?
We are offering AskSARA as a handy tool for people who want to buy their own equipment. This will make it quicker and easier for people who don’t necessarily want an onsite assessment. People often don’t know where to look for advice about simple items of equipment.
AskSARA provides direct links to equipment which can be viewed or purchased online.
People can also visit local disability shops to discuss, view or even trial items that they have identified. Local disability shops are aware of AskSARA. Mobility Solutions and Able-Aid have volunteered to work alongside us. They are aware that people may come to their shops having completed the questionnaire and may like to explore items suggested.
What if people need Occupational Therapy (OT)?
The website makes it clear that people can still request an OT assessment if they wish or if they have more complex needs. Completing the questionnaire may also help to speed up the OT process.
People who require OT will be directed to make a referral through the social care portal as usual, indicating whether they have completed AskSARA.
Who is Sara?
SARA stands for Self Assessment Rapid Access.
The tool was developed by Living Made Easy, previously known as the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF).
Living made Easy is a charity and part of the Shaw Trust. Their mission is to provide free impartial advice and information on solutions, gadgets, adaptations, and aids to make life easier. They have developed the largest aids to daily living database in Europe, which provides information about items, their use, technical data and where to purchase. Many OTs use this to identify equipment for specific needs. AskSARA links to this database.