Your Needs » Independence

Being Independent

For many people with a disability, having attendant care means they can live independently in their own home rather than in an institution, such as a hostel, nursing home or hospital.

Attendant Care is a very personal and individual service. It should be tailored to suit your needs and your lifestyle.

Independence

Attendant Care can be defined as:

"The provision of assistance with tasks which a person who has a disability finds extremely difficult or is unable to do because of their disability, and in some cases due to their environment"

Attendant Care Coalition, 1995
There are many tasks that a person with a disability may need assistance with, these include:

  • Help with dressing & undressing
  • Meal preparation
  • Eating
  • Getting in and out of bed
  • Bathing and showering
  • Cleaning the house
  • Personal hygiene (such as bowel and bladder care)
  • Shaving
  • Washing clothes
  • Making phone calls
  • Writing a letter
  • Paying a bill 

Attendant Care is a way of providing people with a disability with the help they need to do these tasks.