Self support options to maintain independence
East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to supporting people to live longer, healthier lives closer to home, in their own home or in a homely setting.
There are a number of self support options that can assist with daily living activities in our own home and engaging in activities to support our mental wellbeing.
Living an active lifestyle
Small changes can make the biggest differences. Having a healthy heart, eating the right foods, drinking less, staying active - all help to maintain a healthly lifestyle.
Enjoying an active social life is just as important for your mental health and well as your physical health. Getting out and about in the community, enjoying the company of others, meeting like-minded individuals with similar interests all helps to improve our personal wellbeing.
Here are a few ideas of activities you could enjoy:
- Ageing Well Activity List - provides a range of physical activities to enjoy
- Health and Wellbeing Walks - enjoy the outdoors, through organised walks with others
- East Lothian Ranger Service - Wild about East Lothian events - join the countryside rangers for a series of talks, walks and events.
- East Lothian Library Service - so much more than just borrowing books, see what your local library has to offer
- Tourism, Arts and Entertainment - visit East Lothian! Discover the heritage, culture, arts, and entertainment on offer.
Read our top tips to see how a few changes to your daily routine can significantly improve your way of living.
Learn more about healthy living
Introducing self-managed technology enabled care
Modern technology has created a vast range of electronic solutions to support daily living activities. Electronic reminders, timers, door intercoms, sensors, motion-activated devices, voice-activated technology - the list goes on and on. Navigating the world of assistive technology can be overwhelming, but we can support you with this.
Smart Home Technology
- There are a wide range of products available to purchase direct from the high street that can provide valuable reassurance and support to maintain independence.
- Take a look around our Smart Home to see what technology may support you.
Telecare
- The thought of having a fall at home can be a constant worry, not only for an individual, but also family members.
- The Telecare Service provides alarm solutions that can provide reassurance for both users and carers.
- Installing a base unit in your home, along with wearable pendants or watches, these devices can offer direct support in the event of a fall.
- Find out more about the Telecare Service
Kinship, community and volunteer support
Across East Lothian there are a number of recognised groups and organisations that provide advice and support for those who may be in need of community care.
There are also a number of agencies and voluntary organisations that provide local and national services, ranging from advice to direct support to different sections of the community.
Likewise, family, friends and neighbours can be a source of support to help with every day simple activities, e.g. going to the shops.
Meals at home service
If you are finding it difficult to cook for yourself, you may be interested in our meals at home service.
For a standard fee, frozen meals are delivered to your home fortnightly and can be stored in your freezer until you are ready to cook them.
The meals are provided by Wiltshire farm foods, which provides a range of high-quality, nutritionally balanced and tasty dishes that come in a variety of over 60 different options.
Find out more about the meals at home service.
Equipment and adaptations to your home
Installing assistance equipment, or making adaptations to your home can be effective means of supporting you to live safely and independently at home.
This could include:
- using equipment like shower grab rails or commodes
- adapting your home by widening doors or installing a ramp
- Find out more about equipment and adaptations
Further support and advice
Social care services can also provide assistance and / or direct you to services relating to:
- financial support and advice, including welfare and benefits support
- support and advice for carers
- independent advocacy services, which help make sure your voice is heard