Article: Enable Barnsley, Equipment, Assessment and Demonstration Centre Article Body Enable Barnsley is the Equipment, Demonstration and Assessment Centre located on the ground floor of Wellington House in the centre of Barnsley. Parking is available nearby for Blue Badge holders. The Centre provides free impartial advice, information, assessments and support to people of all ages, families, carers and professionals, about the wide range of equipment available to promote safe and independent living. Enable Barnsley is managed by the Council and South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust. There is a wide range of equipment on display that you can try out. You can also receive independent advice and information about the equipment. Enable Barnsley does not provide or sell equipment, but staff are able to advise you about what equipment is available and where it can be purchased. Click this link to find a list of local and mail order suppliers of equipment. Many items of equipment that were previously only available through specialist suppliers are now readily available from supermarkets, chemists and other local retail outlets. There are also many mail order firms that supply equipment to overcome daily living problems caused by poor grip, limited reach and stiff joints. Some of the equipment and services available at Enable Barnsley: Kitchen - try equipment to make preparing, cooking and eating food safer and easier Bathroom - try equipment to help with using the bath, shower or toilet Bedroom - try equipment to help with getting in and out of bed. You can also try out a profiling or an electric adjustable bed Chairs and seats - a wide range of high seat and rise and recline chairs are available for you to try Stair lifts - get advice to decide whether a stair lift is right for you Getting around - find out about wheeled walkers, trolleys and other mobility equipment Sight and hearing An appointment can be made to find out about and try suitable equipment to help with visual and hearing problems Memory You can make an appointment to discuss equipment to help with memory problems Keeping in touch - find out how you can use Telecare equipment to alert a carer or a family member to situations where you might need some help Information - browse useful brochures and catalogues, obtain a list of local suppliers and search the internet Specialist assessments can be arranged by appointment and will be undertaken by Occupational Therapists/Equipment and Adaptations Officers and Rehabilitation Officers. Following the assessment, equipment may be loaned to you free of charge from the Community Equipment Service. Self Assessment You can use the internet to assess your own needs using SmartAssist self assessment. By answering questions about yourself and your home you can find advice, information and recommendations for equipment that you can buy to make life easier. This self assessment service is free and is available to everyone with access to a computer connected to the internet in the Barnsley borough. If you would like to assess your own needs and do not have access to the internet at home, contact Enable Barnsley where there are computers for you to use. If you need help completing the SmartAssist assessment, staff are available to help you. The Disabled Living Foundation is a national organisation which have a computer software programme that enables you to complete a self assessment. The assessment provides information on ways to overcome daily living difficulties. The Equipment and Adaptations Service cannot provide equipment based on the Disabled Living Foundation assessment. This is because an assessment by a member of staff from the Equipment and Adaptations Team is required to access equipment from this service. Mobility Aid Clinics Community Physiotherapists provide the Mobility Aid Clinic within Enable Barnsley every Wednesday, except the first Wednesday of the month, which is held at New Street Clinic. The clinic operates as a drop-in service between 9.30am 11.30am and offers the assessment and provision of walking sticks and crutches. Audiology Outreach Service Staff from the Audiology Department at Barnsley Hospital will be providing an Outreach Service, where people can drop into Enable Barnsley on the 1st Wednesday of the month between 10.00am and 2.00pm for hearing aid batteries, tubing and repairs. The dates are as follows: Wednesday 4th January 2012 Wednesday 1st Feburary 2012 Wednesday 7th March 2012 Wednesday 4th April 2012 Wenesday 2nd May 2012 Wednesday 6th June 2012 If you wish to contact Audiology please telephone 01226 432593 or email barnsleyaudiology@nhs.net How to contact us: You can make an appointment to visit Enable Barnsley and speak to staff by telephoning Barnsley 01226 787855 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm or email enablebarnsley@barnsley.gov.uk Other useful links: Local Suppliers Living made easy Community Alarms Blue Badge Scheme Equipment and Adaptations Service