main content Staying independent with help from the Council

There are times in people’s lives, whether because of age, ill health or disability, when the right equipment or minor adaptation to their home can make a crucial difference to their lives and help them remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. A recent survey showed that people in Bromley were very happy with the support and help they’ve received from the Council when they need community equipment such as a wheelchair or a text telephone or have had a minor adaptation to their home such as a portable ramp.

The results showed that

• Nearly all the people who responded (93%) were satisfied with the service 
• 73% were extremely or very happy - compared with 49% of people surveyed in a previous Elderly Homecare survey in 2005/6 
• 97% of people who responded felt that their lives had improved as a result of their equipment or home adaptation 
• Nearly all – 97% - were happy with the way they were treated by staff when their needs were being discussed with them

The response rate was high at 56%.

Executive Councillor for Adult and Community Services Councillor Graham Arthur said: “Many clients tell us that a simple aid or small change to their home can make a crucial difference in their day to day living and I am delighted that so many people in Bromley took the time and trouble to tell us how valuable our support is in helping them remain in their own homes with dignity and independence. The important thing for us now is to use the results of the survey to make the service even better.”

ENDS


Notes to editors: 

• The results are from the Personal Social Services Equipment and Minor Adaptations Survey. This was a postal survey conducted between February and April 2008, with questionnaires sent to all those who received community equipment or a minor adaptation to their home (funded or part funded by the Council) between September and December 2007.  
• Since the local elections in 2002, the council has been led by a Conservative administration. Full council is made up of 60 elected councillors – 49 Conservative, 7 Liberal Democrat and 4 Labour – representing 22 wards across the borough.
• For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Day, Communications Officer, on 020 8313 4390 or E-mail amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk 
• For party political comment please contact:
  Conservative - michael.tickner@zip-mail.co.uk
  Labour – john.getgood@bromley.gov.uk
  Liberal Democrat – david.mcbride@bromley.gov.uk