New online tool launched to make independent living easier and smarter

Sefton Council is launching Ask SARA, a new online self-assessment tool and guidance tool, to allow people to browse a range of products and services to suit their needs and help them to live independently for longer.

Ask SARA is designed to provide individuals, their families and carers, with advice and guidance to access equipment for independent living. Easy to navigate, Ask SARA asks individuals to choose from a wide range of topics, answer a series of questions and then view a personalized report including local signposting that links to a catalogue of suppliers that can provide over 10,000 products to support and facilitate independence at home including falls alarms, walking frames and even smart speakers!

Ask SARA helps people to maximise the use of aids, adaptations and technology and it offers individuals the facility to access information and guidance to assist them in decision making and purchasing their own aids and equipment by either self-funding or utilising Direct Payments.  Digital and Supported Self-Assessment will also be facilitated with information offered around personal budgets and how to apply for Direct Payment Grants.

The launch of ASK SARA is in response to Sefton’s wider Digital offer and is a facility that supports some of the aims of Sefton’s newly published Technology Enabled Care Solutions Strategy 2021-24, which was approved towards the end of 2021.  Sefton’s Technology Enabled Care Solutions Strategy supports the Council to promote and support independent living and improve health and well-being in all our families, neighbourhoods, workplaces and communities. The intention is to continue to improve the experience of people who use services and for staff. Ask SARA can support independent living and self-care and empowers residents to own their own care.

Cllr Paul Cummins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said:“I am thrilled to see the Ask SARA tool live on our website and ready to use. It is important that people in Sefton can access the best support for their own individual needs and can refer in to us in a range of different ways. This is exactly what this new portal allows people to do.“I would urge anyone who may be concerned about a friend or relatives ability to cope at home or anyone who may be concerned about their own ability to live independently in future to browse Ask SARA to get familiar with types of support available.“Everyone needs a little help at home sometimes and small technological solutions can make our lives richer, easier and safer.”

To access the ASK SARA portal, go to our website.