Identify and support the use of equipment and resources that may be required to support the additional needs of individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities

The additional needs of individuals with multiple conditions and or disabilities may be supported by the use of additional equipment and/or resources.

Equipment

Some equipment that may be used to support individuals with multiple conditions/disabilities include:

• Hoists – to transfer individuals with reduced mobility (e.g. from their bed to the bath) or help them to stand
• Walking sticks/frame – to help individuals with reduced mobility to walk
• Wheelchairs/mobility scooters – to help individuals that cannot walk or have difficulty walking to remain mobile and independent
• Stairlifts – to help individuals with reduced mobility to go up/down stairs
• Communication aids – to help individuals that have difficulty communicating to converse with others
• Eating/drinking equipment – to help individuals eat and drink independently e.g. double handled mugs, non-slip mats, large-handled cutlery etc.
• Commode – to help individuals with toileting
• Bathing equipment – to help individuals use the bath independently e.g. bath mats, rails, easy to turn taps etc.
• Dressing gadgets – to help individuals dress independently e.g. zip hooks etc.

All equipment should be be inspected regularly for faults, only used by trained staff and for the purpose it is intended for.

Resources

Some resources that may be used to support individuals with multiple conditions/disabilities include:

• Charities – can offer advice, support and education about specific conditions/disabilities
• Adult day care services – provide opportunities for individuals to socialise and participate in activities
• Respite care – give families and carers of individuals with multiple conditions/disabilities a break from their roles
• Internet – can provide information for individuals with multiple conditions/disabilities and their families
• Groups online/offline – can help individuals with multiple conditions/disabilities and their families to share ideas, socialise and support one another

Active participation

In your day-to-day work, you should be able to demonstrate the use of equipment and/or resources to support individuals to participate in activities. Activities can include work, education, domestic tasks, social and leisure.

Examples could include using hoist to help transfer an individual from their bed to the bath or assisting an individual to join local groups with a shared interest.