A FREE, online self-help guide has been launched by the Health and Social Care Partnership to help people find products and solutions which enable people to stay at home for longer.

AskSARA is an online resource to help people live life to the highest standard by improving their quality of life by making skills such as cooking, bathing and taking medication, easier.

This can be provided through mobility equipment or products which encourage independence.

AskSARA is a 24 hour service and is open to family members, carers and friends, as well as service users.

In partnership with the Disabled Living Foundation to provide the Borders AskSARA programme, the first of its kind in Scotland.

To use the service, people have to choose between three options - health, home or daily activities - and answer some questions to receive a report from an occupational therapist who will offer recommendations for advice and support.

If any concerns are raised in the report, AskSARA will suggest an occupational therapy session through a What Matters Hub.

Developers say that AskSARA has the capability to improve capacity in the community for those who access health and social care services to better manage their conditions and support those who care for them.

AskSARA also have the opportunity to improve the overall health of the population and reduce the number of hospital admissions.

Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: “People are increasingly willing and able to exert more choice and control over the things that will make a difference to their lives but with so much information available online, it can be difficult to know what can be trusted.

"AskSARA is an award-winning, tested resource that provides expert advice and information on products and equipment that can help you, or someone you care about, with your health, your home or your daily activities.

“With access to over 10,000 daily living products from more almost 1,000 trusted suppliers, it has the potential to be of significant help to people and I would encourage anyone who thinks they may benefit to go through the self-assessment process and take advantage of the personalised guidance that AskSARA provides.

“We also hope that carers will find AskSARA useful by helping to identify suitable equipment for the people they care for. If they are looking for support for themselves in their caring role, there is a wide range of information and advice available from the Borders Carers Centre and they shouldn’t hesitate to contact them.”

To access AskSARA, visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/asksara

For any queries regarding an AskSARA report or for more information, visit your local What Matters Hub, which can be found via www.scotborders.gov.uk/whatmattershubs or call the Customer Advice and Support Services line on 0300 100 1800.