Wandsworth Reablement Service
Our Reablement Service supports you to be as independent as possible after an illness, injury or change in your health.
How the service works
Reablement focuses on helping you do everyday tasks yourself, rather than doing things for you.
Our Reablement Service will work with you to set goals that will help you stay as independent as possible in your own home.
Reablement can also:
- Reduce the need for ongoing care
- Help prevent hospital readmission
- Support you to feel safer and more confident at home
Watch a video on our Reablement Service:
Who reablement is for
Reablement is a short-term service designed for people who:
- Are recovering from an illness or injury
- Have experienced a decline in their health
- Want to rebuild their independence at home
You must be at least 18 years old and living in Wandsworth to use the service.
When reablement may not be suitable
Reablement might not be suitable if:
- You require end-of-life care and are eligible for fast-track funding
- You have advanced dementia or severe confusion that affects engagement with the service
- You are unable or unwilling to take part in rehabilitation
- You are in an acute phase of mental illness
- You only need help with domestic tasks or shopping
What support you can get
If you are eligible for support, you will be supported by a team that may include:
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Social care assessors (your lead worker)
Reablement usually lasts for a few days up to four weeks. If needed, it can be extended for up to two more weeks.
Your lead worker will:
- Work with you to set goals based on what matters to you
- Visit you at home at least once a week
- Review your progress regularly
- Adjust your support as you improve
They may also:
- Assess how you manage daily activities
- Suggest equipment or technology to support your independence
Care workers can also visit you at home up to four times a day, depending on your needs.
As you progress, the support you receive will gradually reduce.
Examples of goals
Your goals will be based on what is important to you, for example:
- I would like to make a cup of tea and heat up a meal in the microwave safely
- I would like to be able to have a shower again instead of strip washing
- I would like to rebuild my confidence in bathing and dressing
- I would like to meet my friends and family in the community
After reablement ends
Some people may need support for a longer period than the Reablement Service can provide.
If you need ongoing support:
- You will be offered a Care Act Assessment
- You may need to pay for longer-term care, depending on your circumstances
You will also complete a financial assessment to work out any contribution.
Your lead worker will arrange a smooth handover to the appropriate long-term social care team.
How to access the service
To use our Reablement Service, you can:
- Contact us to discuss your needs
- Ask your GP to refer you
- Ask a friend or family member to refer you
If you are in hospital, a referral may be made as part of your discharge planning.
After a referral, we will contact you to carry out an initial assessment and then confirm your eligibility.