Being Independent

For many people with a disability, having attendant care means they can live independently in their own home rather than in an institution, such as a hostel, nursing home or hospital.

Attendant Care is a very personal and individual service. It should be tailored to suit your needs and your lifestyle.

Independence

Attendant Care can be defined as:

"The provision of assistance with tasks which a person who has a disability finds extremely difficult or is unable to do because of their disability, and in some cases due to their environment"

Attendant Care Coalition, 1995
There are many tasks that a person with a disability may need assistance with, these include:

• Help with dressing & undressing
• Meal preparation
• Eating
• Getting in and out of bed
• Bathing and showering
• Cleaning the house
• Personal hygiene (such as bowel and bladder care)
• Shaving
• Washing clothes
• Making phone calls
• Writing a letter
• Paying a bill 

Attendant Care is a way of providing people with a disability with the help they need to do these tasks.