Disability Action

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living

Support Services

An intake panel meeting is held on a monthly basis. The panel is chaired by the Manager of Edinburgh Support Services and normally includes the Craighall and Firrhill Centre Managers and the Sector Practice Manager with lead responsibility for physical disability.

A full Carenap should be sent to:
Mark Grierson, Edinburgh Support Services Manager,
level 1.8,
Waverly Court

It is essential that the information provided specifically details the aims and goals that the day support placement is intended to meet. There should be connections with key areas of support. It may be helpful to include a supplementary report which makes it clear if this is not apparent from the Carenap itself. Any additional medical background information, and care support information, will also assist the decision making process.

If a person's primary difficulties arise from an active alcohol problem, or an active mental health problem or there main support issues arise from a learning disability it is unlikely a place would be offered even if the person also has a physical disability.

Decisions to offer a service will depend on the priority of the referral and the current capacity of the services. It will normally be the case that places are only offered in cases where the priority is "critical" or "substantial".

Outcome decisions

The potential outcomes of the panel are likely to be:

• To offer a day service managed from Craighall or Firrhill
• To refer the application to the Local Area Coordination Team
• To add the application to a waiting list if no capacity within the service
• To refer the application back to worker for more information
• To advise worker that application cannot be accepted due to low priority
• To advise worker that application is inappropriate for the service

Assessment period

Initial placements at Firrhill or Craighall incorporate a closely supported introductory assessment period which is overseen by an occupational therapist. This is normally on the basis of one day a week until a planning meeting takes place, when the personal plan is agreed. Time scales for the placement will be set and review dates agreed. There is an opportunity to consider an increase in the level of service at this time if the agreed goals indicate that this is necessary.

Key areas of support

Extended Rehabilitation

Hospital based rehabilitation is necessarily short and sometimes limited in scope. Some people require further opportunities to continue improving levels of ability.

Personal Development

To improve reduced confidence and low self-esteem, thereby incresing the ability of people to overcome challenges and to engage with maintream community. This may lead to support and referral to access educational or employment opportunities.

Community Based Support

Enabling people to overcome social isolation and home pressures which result from disability by providing staff support to access groups and activities. In some instances the groups may be run in a community location by centre staff.

Self Determination

Some people may have the capacity to participate in mainstream activities but require assistance to plan and develop those alternative opportunities. Where this is the primary area of need it is likely to be provided through the Local Area Coordination Team.