Physical and sensory disability impacts significantly on many people in Northern Ireland. Physical and sensory disability covers a wide range of conditions and may have a wide range of impacts. It can range from an individual who may have additional support and access issues, e.g. needing specialist equipment for a hearing impairment, right through to someone who requires complete individualised nursing support 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Typically, physical and sensory disabilities have encompassed conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, Motor Neurone Disease, muscular dystrophy, stroke, kidney disease, acquired brain injury (through an accident or illness), hearing impairment and visual impairment, as well as a wide range of chronic health conditions.
Community Physical Disability Teams
These Social Work teams work closely with community Allied Health Professionals ( occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists etc), primary care colleagues, and specialist advisors on specific conditions as required. There are three teams, located in Londonderry, Omagh and Enniskillen, which undertake a full range of social work and care management duties which include the protection of vulnerable adults. There is also a renal social worker based in the Omagh team their role is specifically to provide support to people with kidney failure and to their families / carer.
Sensory Support Teams
Sensory Support teams include specialist social work staff, rehabilitation workers, and equipment officers (eg. hearing impairment or visual impairment aids). There are two teams based in Enniskillen and Londonderry
Community Brain Injury Service
This is a multi-disciplinary team offering a range of community rehabilitation supports to people with an acquired brain injury. The team includes clinical psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapist, nurse and rehabilitation assistants as necessary. The service can also provide information, advice, education and training to people with Brain Injury, their families and others. It is based in Enniskillen, Omagh and Londonderry.
Specialist Physical Day Support and Resource Service
The service is based at the Drumcoo Centre, Enniskillen and at Foyle Disability Resource Centre, Londonderry. These facilities offer a range of specialised activity and day support services including support into local education and leisure opportunities. The Trust also contracts with a range of smaller local voluntary initiatives that have demonstrated skills in providing local alternatives.
Spruce House
Spruce House is a neuro-disability facility which currently has 18 in-patient beds for adults who have severe neurological disabilities including acquired brain or spinal injuries. This consultant led service currently offers continuing care , slow stream rehabilitation and therapeutic respite services. More about Spruce House
Other Physical Disability Services
A diverse range of contracted voluntary and private care and support is provided to our service users and carers which includes:
- Domiciliary care
- Day activities
- Supported living
- Nursing and residential care.
These services range from complex provision, for those people with extremely complex needs being supported at home, to more straightforward provision that makes possible community support of people with substantial or critical needs.