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What is Enablement?

 
Enablement (sometimes called reablement or re-enablement) is about helping people become more independent and improve their quality of life. It is about giving adults the opportunity and confidence to relearn and regain some of the skills they may have lost because of poor health, disability or impairment or after a spell in hospital or problems at home. After events like this, people lose confidence and are worried about their ability to cope with everyday tasks at home again.
 
Enablement is different to traditional homecare because it focuses on helping you learn or relearn how to do these everyday tasks for yourself rather than doing the tasks for you.

Enablement

Enablement is a key part of both the Adult Social Care Services and also the Assessment process. Nearly all Adults who are eligible for services will go through a period of Enablement during which they will be assessed for other services. Enablement is also defined as one of three partially overlapping forms of social care including working together with health services where required.
 
Prevention provides services for people with declining physical or mental health to help them avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital or care. This can include short-term emergency support or longer term low-level support.
 
Rehabilitation provides services to people with declining physical or mental health to help them achieve independence. Examples of this therapeutic support include physiotherapy and treatment with medication or counselling.
 
Enablement provides services for people with declining physical or mental health to help them self manage their condition by learning or re-learning the skills necessary for daily living. Enablement is a key element of a larger project to help people early enough and in the right way, so that they stay healthy and recover quickly from illness. Enablement is suitable for all services users with ongoing needs.
 

Is Enablement suitable for me?

It is the policy that everyone is to be considered for enablement first. Enablement may be appropriate for you if:
  • You had a spell in hospital and need to regain some of the skills and confidence you have lost
  • If you receive a long terms service but your needs are increasing
  • You have the potential to live more independently
  • You have a significant impairment
  • You have been in specialist care or rehabilitation
  • New presenters who are living in the community
 

How does Enablement fit with Self Directed Support? 

Like self directed support, enablement puts you in control of your own care. You will set your own goals and monitor your progress towards these. If you need ongoing support following enablement, this can be provided through self directed support. This will give you maximum independence, choice and control.

How the Newham Enablement Service works

NES works to improve your confidence and daily living skills to keep you independent and able to remain at home in you community. We normally work with you for up to six weeks. We'll work with you to set your goals. The service is flexible and will adapt to your needs as they change and you become more independent.
 
If you need additional or ongoing support we can help you with other services, such as telecare, equipment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, meals on wheels and laundry services if required.
 
With each service we complete an assessment of daily living skills at home. The skills we assess include:
  • Self Care
  • Mobility and transfers
  • Domestic Activities
  • Community Activities
  • Risk to Self
  • Sensory needs linked to activities of daily living

Key facts about enablement 

  • It is carried out in your home
  • It is short term and typically may last up to six weeks
  • It is carried out by specially trained enablers
  • It supports you to learn to do things for yourself
  • You are the focus of the service and the service adapts to your goals and capabilities
  • It normally starts after a change in circumstances, for example a spell in hospital or a significant increase in needs.
  • It will also be suitable for you if you have been in receipt of a long term home care service
  • It is suitable for all service user groups

An Enablement Case Study