What support services can we offer?
Specialist Rehabilitation Workers help to support people who have lost, or who are losing, their sight. Many aspects of daily life can be affected by sight loss and can cause frustration and anxiety for individuals and their family or carers. Many of the problems that are associated with sight loss can be overcome with appropriate help and advice.
Rehabilitation Workers can help you to stay independent, regain lost skills or rebuild confidence. Rehabilitation is very practical and could help you regardless of your sight difficulties. For example, if you have difficulties with making a cup of tea you may find that a Liquid Level Indicator (an audible gadget that lets you know when your cup is full) helps you to make a drink without spilling liquid everywhere. Or if you are having difficulties with using your magnifiers we are able to work with you to show you how to get the most out of using one.
How do you get help from a Rehabilitation Worker?
There are many ways to get the help that you require and the easiest way is to contact your local social services department and they will pass your information to your Rehabilitation Worker.
How to contact a Rehabilitation Worker
There are many ways to get the help that you require and the easiest way is to contact your local social services department and they will pass your information to your Rehabilitation Worker.
- Blaenau Gwent: 01495 315700
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk - Caerphilly: 0808 100 2500
www.caerphilly.gov.uk - Monmouth: 01873 735900
www.monmouthshire.gov.uk - Newport: 01633 656656
services.newport.gov.uk - Torfaen: 01495 762200
www.torfaen.gov
Alternatively, you can contact Sight Support on 01495 763650 and we will put you in touch with your Rehabilitation Worker. If you would like a friend or family member to refer you instead they are more than welcome to do this for you.
Some people may be seeing a consultant and are being, or have been, certified as Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired. These are the new official terms for ‘blind’ or ‘partially sighted’. Once Social Services receive notification of your certification, they will contact you to find out what help, if any, you require and if it is appropriate refer you to the Rehabilitation Worker.
When the Rehabilitation Worker visits you they will carry out an assessment. This will help them to determine the type of support and help that you require. They will then provide you with information, equipment and training that is specific to you and your needs. In some cases they may need to refer you to another specialist, such as an occupational therapist, but this will be discussed and agreed with you first. The Rehabilitation Worker will work with you for as long as is required and ensure that you get the best possible support.
Supporting People Services
"Supporting Local People with Sight Loss to live Independently in their own homes".
N.B. This service is available to people living within the Caerphilly County Borough.
The Sight Support, Supporting People Team aims to help people with sight loss to overcome difficulties they have so that they can live independent lives. This is a home-based service and provides information, advice and practical support. The type of support may include:
- Managing budgets and accessing welfare benefits
- Helping someone to stay safely in their own home by using safety appliances, identifying risks and requesting repairs
- Ensuring people are safe from intruders and fire
- Helping people to comply with tenancy agreements
- Assistance with making and attending appointments
- Providing access to other services including further education, training, employment, health and social services
- Helping to ensure a healthy lifestyle by planning weekly meals and introducing to shopping schemes
- Helping people to maintain good relationships with neighbours, develop life skills and links with the local community
- Helping people to develop and maintain social relationships
- Helping people to use other agencies, such as Care and Repair or Dial a Ride
- Making sure people know what equipment can help their sight, accessing the Low Vision services and helping them use the equipment provided
- Assistance with completing forms and applying for concessions such as TV licenses and Disability Badges
How can someone be helped by the Supporting People Project?
Individuals can be referred to Sight Support by a carer, a health visitor, social worker, an ophthalmic surgeon or low vision specialist. Alternatively individuals can come directly to us. We will then arrange a visit from one of our team who will do an assessment of what help is needed. If we are able to help we will agree a support plan that will make clear the assistance that we can give.
A support worker will call for around an hour or two a week for several weeks to provide that support.
For more information please contact Sight Support on 01495 763650
