Role of reablement in prevention

Reablement is an outcome-focused service that helps people to return and stay in their own home or community setting. Reablement services focus on user-defined goals aimed at promoting independence and choice whilst at the same time helping to reduce the need for future services.

Reablement is an ongoing process of assessment which aims to ensure positive change and movement towards the user’s goals. In addition, it is strengths-based and builds on what people currently can do whilst building their confidence and independence within other areas of their lives

Although reablement is often seen as a service that provides adaptations and tools as a means of support, it can also help users connect back to their community and take ownership of key areas of their lives. Services may include:

taking people out for a walk or go shopping
joint problem-solving to build confidence in finding practical solutions
supporting users to build their social networks, for example, informing them about clubs or social activities
budgeting support or money management
transport or bus training
providing information and signposting, for example, to services.

Prevention practice examples and research for reablement