Maintaining your independence (Home Help)

For people who wish to stay at home as long as possible we have various services that can help you maintain your independence.

Online advice services

Plymouth Online Directory (POD)

The POD website is a key part of our plans to offer greater choice and control for people who need social care and health services. We recommend you use this website as your first point of reference.

• Being eligible for adult social care support from the Council
• Employing personal assistants
• Personal Budgets and Direct Payments
• Prepaid card information
• Support Planning

Ask SARA

An award-winning online guided advice tool which provides help, advice and information on aspects of your daily living arrangements, health and home environment.

Health and wellbeing

Equipment

These are items that may enable you to carry out daily living tasks as independently as possible. This could be a walking aid or bath seat for example, and may also be used to help your carer to continue looking after you at home, safely.

Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with a range of people including those who have physical, mental and/or social problems, either from birth or as the result of accident, illness or ageing and are aware of the impact that change in circumstances can have on individuals' independence and confidence.

Keeping warm in winter

Clearly, it is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first place. Prevention is always easier than cure!

Homes

Adaptations to the home

If you or the person you care for is disabled and lives in Plymouth permanently, we may be able to help you by providing information, advice and support to adapt your home to better meet your needs.

Community meals (meals on wheels)

Community meals are delivered hot to your door every day including bank holidays and weekends come rain or shine!

Home care reablement service

If you have lost some of your independence, perhaps due to a recent illness, hospital stay or changes in your care arrangements, this service may be able to help you get back up to speed.

Mobility and transport

Blue Badge scheme

Applying for a disabled parking badge has never been easier. You can now apply online by completing a Directgov Blue Badge application.

Parking for disabled people in residential areas

If you have a disability, and have a valid Blue Badge, we may be able to place a disabled parking bay near your house.

Railcards

There are a number of different railcards available to members of the public.

DisabledGo Plymouth - disabled access guide

DisabledGo is a unique new guide designed to empower thousands of disabled residents across the UK and Ireland to get out and about by providing free detailed access information.

Additional information

Day activities and opportunities

Please view the 'Things to do' section on the Plymouth Online Directory.

Paying for support at home

Contributing to the cost of services within a personalised system.

Employment volunteering and training services

Please view the 'Training and employment' section on the Plymouth Online Directory.

Buy with Confidence

Our approved trader list are businesses registered with ‘Buy With Confidence’ who have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.

Approved providers list [184KB]

You may also find our leaflets and publication page a really good source of information.