Change Fund helps care staff gear up for ‘re-ablement’

Care staff in Orkney have been training for a new way of caring for people in the community.

Principally designed for care-at-home staff, other professionals, including nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and residential care staff, have undertaken “re-ablement” training – aimed at supporting staff to help people regain their confidence and ability in daily living skills in their own homes.

Following the introduction of re-ablement, the home care team will have a dedicated occupational therapist, along with access to professionals to help service users choose their own targets and be supported in working towards them.

Setting goals with people will mean that the level of care they receive may change as progress is made.

Russ Madge, chairman of Orkney Health and Care, said: “Re-ablement empowers our staff to do what they have always had a burning desire to do – which is help clients achieve their personal goals and support then to live as independently and confidently as they can.”

The training has been funded by Orkney Health and Care, through the Scottish Government Change Fund.