SAILing Throughout Dorset

Vulnerable residents in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole will soon have the opportunity to access a range of local services to help them remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Safe and Independent Living (SAIL) assessments are being undertaken through a road show travelling throughout the area during February and March.

The SAIL bus will be staffed by Age UK advisers who are able to undertake assessments on the spot and refer people on to other services to help them remain warm, healthy and safe in their own homes. This referral form identifies up to 18 different actions that can be undertaken to promote early intervention and prevention opportunities for residents. These can range from fitting a smoke detector, undertaking benefit checks, signposting to falls prevention, smoke stop, eating opportunities, exercise classes, and engaging community safety measures.

Sue Warr, the joint County Wide Co-ordinator for SAIL said: “we know that people are not always clear about what is available locally for them and are worried about who to contact about keeping independent and safe in their own homes. This process works with residents to identify their needs and then refers them onto other agencies who will contact residents directly to arrange for any work or support to de delivered. The referral service is free and many of the interventions that result in this are also free. We only use approved people and ensure that personal information is kept safe and secure”

Dave Leighton from Age UK Bournemouth who are staffing the road show adds: “going out to people in their own communities and talking with them on a one to one basis about their specific needs is the best way for people to get the services they need to keep them independent for as long as possible. We have trained advisers on the bus who know what the issues are for vulnerable people and have a range of advice and information to give out. We hope that we can see as many people as possible during the four weeks of the road show”

Phil Neale from Dorset Energy Advice Centre, one of the partners in the project, added: “this type of activity targets directly the communities we otherwise could not reach. This allows us to help those we would never get to see and provide them with access to a range of benefits.”

Dr Adrian Dawson, Director of Public Health for Bournemouth and Poole concludes: “we are seeing increasing numbers of people losing their independence because they are not able to access the right service and support. People are also becoming unwell due to poor insulation, poor diet and lack of mental and physical activity. The SAIL process can bring real benefits and I would encourage as many people as possible to have the assessment”.

The Road show will be travelling around Dorset from Monday 13 February for four weeks.

Source of this Article:

NHS Bournemouth & Poole (opens a new window)

By Peter Lozos

Posted: Wednesday 8 February 2012

Permalink: http://www.bournemouth2026.org.uk/sailingthroughoutdorset

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