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DLF launches new, free telephone advice service for older people in London
20th February 2008
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF), a charity that provides impartial advice about equipment for older and disabled people, today launches a new, free service for people aged 60 or over who live or work in London. This pilot, funded by the City Bridge Trust, is aimed at anyone who has difficulties with mobility, communication, poor grip or any similar issues that might affect them in their everyday life.
The new service builds on the DLF’s renowned AskSARA self assessment tool, currently available online at www.asksara.org.uk. AskSARA asks you to enter information about yourself and your environment. It then provides you with a detailed report based on your answers that offers useful advice and suggests products that might be of help to you.
However many older people still do not have easy access to the internet, so they can call the DLF’s Helpline to be guided through AskSARA over the phone. A detailed report containing advice from the DLF’s Occupational Therapists and information on products that might be of help will then be mailed to the caller.
Nicole Penn-Symons, Chief Executive of the DLF, says ”We often assume that in this day and age everyone has access to the internet. This is certainly not the case, especially for many older people. By launching this new telephone service we are ensuring that we reach out to those without access to the internet who could benefit from the advice and information that AskSARA provides”.
If you are over 60 and live or work in London and have any everyday difficulties you would like to discuss then call 0845 470 7272. Lines are open from 10am – 4pm, Mon – Fri.
Further information and images
Contact Hugh Dobie, Marketing Officer, Disabled Living Foundation on tel 020 7289 6111 ext 211 or email hugh.dobie@dlf.org.uk
Notes for editors
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is a national charity that has been the leading provider of impartial advice and information on equipment for older and disabled people for nearly 40 years. DLF’s information is disseminated through a wide range of services:
Healthcare professionals can benefit from DLF Data, the UK’s only comprehensive and up-to-date database of daily living equipment and assistive technology, as well as an extensive Training Programme including a variety of bespoke courses. The DLF also hosts the Moving & Handling People conference, an annual event in 3 parts comprising an exhibition, workshops and plenary sessions.
Members of the public can utilise its Helpline service, which responds to up to 25,000 enquiries a year, or try products out at its Equipment Demonstration Centre in London, one of the largest in the UK.
The DLF also provides a range of online services at www.dlf.org.uk, including:
- Free factsheets giving advice on a wide range of topics about disability and mobility products and choosing equipment for older and disabled people.
- AskSARA, (www.asksara.org.uk), an online self assessment tool that allows people to easily obtain useful advice and information on products that could help them.
- ‘Bathing made easy’, (www.bathingmadeeasy.com), a free comprehensive search and comparison website containing advice and information on bathing and showering products for older and disabled people.
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