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Equipment Loan Service
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| Button Fastener |
Jar Opener |
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| Long Shoehorn |
Tap Turner |
Background
This small item loan service is offered free of charge to benefit elderly and disabled people who live in Newcastle upon Tyne and who are not in a financial position to purchase the items themselves. The large item loan service is as above, however loans are offered strictly on a 6 months basis. We are now the only local charity to offer such a variety of aids, free of charge in Newcastle upon Tyne, it is because of this and restricted funding that we must apply a certain criteria when assessing referrals.
Small and large items of equipment can be requested by health and social work professionals, types of equipment would include: Tap Turners, Adapted Cutlery, Jar Openers, Long Handled Sponges, Helping Hand Pick – up Sticks, Sock or Stocking Aids, Walking Trolleys and Perching Stools etc.
To Access This Service
A health or social needs professional should be contacted in the first instance so they may assess your needs. Occupational Therapists, Doctors, Health Visitors and Social Workers can apply for items once they consider your circumstances in terms of physical need. Professionals normally carry out a risk assessment and we rely on their expertise when requesting equipment from us, but we must highlight our financial position, which is not limitless and we are only able to provide items, which are within our budget and can be obtained from our supplier.
A short referral form, available from the office, will be completed by the referrer either in person or over the telephone, on behalf of their client
Who Can Be Offered Equipment
Criteria must be met when applying for any item, large or small. As an example, a fictitious character that could be offered equipment is “Margaret Jones, living in Newcastle upon Tyne, age 67, suffering from arthritis living on low income and in receipt of additional welfare benefits.” Obviously the example should be viewed as a guide only, clarification should be sought by contacting Caring Hands Office.
The Criteria Applied
Each request will be dealt with, based on the individuals needs according to the information we receive from the referrer and in most cases, once we receive a completed referral form, the decision to supply equipment will be reached on the same day, although there may be a short waiting period if the goods are not in stock. Unfortunately we do not have the physical or financial means to deliver any equipment and so we depend on all items being collected from the office for delivery to the person in need. A designated professional, relative, carer or friend can sign for collection and it is at this point our role in this service is completed.
Independence
We hope that this service allows our client group to remain independent in their home for as long as they wish and it is safe for them to do so. Evaluation of this service has identified a growing need to increase both the variety and number of items we can provide, because we rely on the generous grants from several Trusts and Foundations, it is a constant struggle to maintain this service, although we remain cautiously optimistic in terms of funding for this very unique preventative scheme.
More Information
Further information can be obtained by completing a using the links. We’d be happy to speak with you in person at Caring Hands Office or telephone 0191 261 5234 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 10.00am and 3.30pm.
Helpful links
Newcastle City Council:
Disability North:
Newcastle Society for Blind People:
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