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Health Services
If you are disabled, or care for a disabled relative or friend it is important that you understand what health related services are available to you from social services, the Health Service and voluntary organisations. The main services that are generally available are summarised below.
GP services
As well as medicines, your GP can prescribe items such as elastic stockings, trusses and some wound dressings. GP staff available to you may include practice nurses, community nurses, therapists and health visitors.
Health visitors
Community nurses visit people at home to change dressings or help with personal needs. They also arrange for aids and equipment for home nursing to be provided. Community mental health nurses work with people with mental health problems. There are also nurses based in the community who work with people who have learning disabilities. Health visitors support families with disabled children.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists have specialist skills to help people with a wide range of joint problems, chest conditions, incontinence, pain or difficulties in moving, balance or control of their limbs.
Physiotherapists work in hospitals and in the community, often as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, offering a range of therapies including exercise, electrotherapy and manipulation to enable sick or disabled people to function as well as possible at work and leisure.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists work with people of any age with physical or mental health problems to promote their independence in caring for themselves, in employment and in leisure activities. Occupational Therapists work with disabled people, their families and/or carers , to resolve any practical problems or restrictions on lifestyle that might be experienced. including advising on aids, equipment and housing adaptations.
Language therapists
Speech and language therapists treat children and adults with communication difficulties from a wide range of different causes. When it is not possible or desirable to achieve spoken language, methods such as signing or the use of technological aids may be tried. Speech and language therapists can also help with swallowing and feeding problems.
Pharmacy services
If you cannot get out of the house, it may be possible to have your prescriptions collected and delivered to your home.
Dental services
The community dental service brings dental treatment to disabled people who are unable to visit a dentist. General dental practitioners will also treat you at your home or temporary residence, provided your condition requires this and you are no more than five miles away from their practice premises.
NHS sight tests
If you are unable to get out of your house, you can arrange to have a home visit from an optometrist.
Reference
The content of this webpage is based on information gathered from the Department of Health Website and the NHS Gateway Website.
