New online guidance tool for carers

The DLF and Carers UK have released a new interactive online tool for unpaid carers. The new Carers UK AskSARA https://carersuk.livingmadeeasy.org.uk provides free, impartial guidance about aids and adaptation for independent living.

Carers can choose from a range of over ninety topics about daily living, answer some questions and get a tailored report suggesting equipment-based solutions. AskSARA is a self-assessment tool that includes links to over ten thousand products from almost a thousand retailers, many of the products listed can then be purchased from online retailers and delivered to people at home. The guidance and questions are written by occupational therapists and reports can be easily shared.
Recent surveys show that almost two-thirds of users of AskSARA are looking on behalf of others underlining the vital role that unpaid carers, such as friends and family play in supporting independent living.

Commenting on the new service Janet Seward, Programmes Manager at the DLF said ‘We’re very excited to be working with Carers UK who have looked at the service and provided useful feedback about improvements. We have known for some time that carers play a vital role in enabling independent living for many older and disabled people UK-wide. Following recent investment by the charity in agile new systems we have been able to quickly develop the service for Carers UK so that it was deployed in time for Carers Week.’

AskSARA is fully accessible and mobile–responsive, the new service is one of the first examples of projects enabled by API technology that draws information and advice in live from DLF’s central databases.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“Having the right equipment at home can make a big difference to carers – giving them peace of mind as well as allowing them and the person they care for more choice and freedom.

“We’re pleased to have worked with DLF to help shape the AskSara Tool which will help carers and their families find the equipment and products that work for them - making life that bit easier.”

For more information about DLF’s AskSARA self-assessment guided advice programme please email marketing@dlf.org.uk or call 020 7289 6111.

Notes to editors

About the DLF
The DLF is a national charity that has been providing expert and impartial advice and training on equipment for independent living for over 50 years. Part of The Shaw Trust since 2014, its mission is to help people live independently at home with dignity. Living Made Easy, AskSARA and a number of other services offer free, impartial advice about daily living equipment, including information on where to buy items, and details of local organisations that can help. Their phone lines are open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday on 0300 999 0004. www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk asksara.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

About Carers UK
Carers UK is a charity led by carers, for carers – our mission is to make life better for carers.
• We give expert advice, information and support
• We connect carers so no-one has to care alone
• We campaign together for lasting change
• We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers

For practical advice and information about caring, www.carersuk.org or email advice@carersuk.org.

The Carers UK Forum is our online community of carers and is available to Carers UK members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: www.carersuk.org/forum.

Website: www.carersuk.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carersuk
Twitter: @CarersUK

Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097).

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/equipment-how-to-get-it