§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what non-financial assistance is available to families with disabled(a) adults and (b) children. [136148]
§ Dr. LadymanAll disabled people have full access to national health service primary, secondary and tertiary health care services. Disabled people have the right to receive an assessment of their care needs by their local social services department. Those eligible, according to local criteria, may receive a wide range of services to meet their need, provided as a "package" of support by social services and/or the health service.
Services available include:
- Advice, guidance and counselling;
- Home care and home help;
- Equipment and adaptations to use at home;
- Day time opportunities/day centres providing facilities for recreation and training for independent living skills;
- Day care, covering day nurseries, registered childminders and part-time playgroups respite care provision, either in peoples own homes or elsewhere;
- Nursing and medical support.
In addition, people may receive direct payments, which are cash payments in lieu of social services, giving individuals greater choice and control over how their support needs are met—allowing people to buy their own package of care.