Independent living services can either be community driven (social work) or a private non-profit organization that provides the right level of support services to help empower individuals with disabilities. The objective is to achieve maximum independence and control over their lives.
A person requiring support will normally need assistance with daily living tasks on a regular basis. They do not have access to alternative ways for assistance on a short or long-term basis. Seniors predominately use the service, however, people with disabilities of all ages are eligible. Services are provided to those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, ill health, dementia, emotional and mental heath difficulties, alcohol or substance dependencies, and general frailty.
Support at home services recognizes cultural needs. Assistance depends on the individual need of the person requiring support and can include:
- Dressing and mobility
- Skin care, oral and personal hygiene
- Oxygen administration and medication management
- Continence care
- Life skills and home management
- Correspondence and financial transactions
- Feeding and meal preparation
- Family support
Priority is given to people with serious conditions (terminal and chronic illnesses, physical safety, deterioration of living conditions) or any circumstances requiring immediate support (eg, vulnerability to exploitation).
Community services include:
- Occupational therapy
- Referral, assessment, and care management
- Self-directed service
- Transportation and parking
- Assisted technology (eg, Velcro strips and mechanical grabbers, voice recognition software, and vehicle hand controls
- Peer advising
- Housing
- Advocacy
- Independent living skills training
Independent living services are essential to ensure that more people are supported at home rather than within an institution. People with disabilities aspire to be treated safely and fairly and desire to contribute in meaningful ways to society!