The Information and Support Service:

Living (dlc) provides an Information and Support Service that offers older and disabled people real choices about the equipment they need, so that they can remain in their own homes. The service offers Information about the wide range of products available. Assessments, carried out by our fully qualified staff, to match service users to the range of equipment available to them. Practical demonstrations, so that people can choose the products that are best suited to their specific needs. Support with finding out where to buy equipment from reputable suppliers. Information and support about the range of other services, such as accessible health and social support facilities, and employment and training opportunities.  This helps service users, and their carers and family members, to enjoy the best possible quality of life. This is a unique service in the Bristol/former Avon area.  At Living (dlc) we do not sell any equipment, and this allows us to offer expert and impartial advice and support to each person as an individual.  It also enables our service users to have choice and control about the support that they need. We are aware that the equipment market is constantly changing as new products are developed, or sometimes withdrawn from sale.  Service users' needs also change over time, because of changes to their health or the simple process of aging.  For these reasons, there is an ongoing but changing need for specialist and expert knowledge about products and services that can promote both independence and safety. The information and support we provide enables older and disabled people to remain at home to go to work to be mobile to get out of hospital sooner. This service was set up and is managed by disabled people.  75% of the Board members are disabled people themselves. Living (dlc) is a disabled people's organisation.