YorSensory FAQ

FAQ: What happens when… 

What happens when I contact YorSensory for help?

Many of the people referred to YorSensory have been signposted to us from other organisations. However, anyone can contact us directly to make an enquiry and be given advice or signposting; adults in York are eligible to self-refer, either in person, by email, post or telephone.

At this first point of contact, the Duty Officer will speak with you on the phone, email or meet with you in our Sensory Hub at Wilberforce House. They will ask you some questions to understand what service/s you are seeking and qualify for; be this information and advice, a sensory assessment or something else. If the Duty Officer and you agree that you need a sensory assessment then you will join our waiting list, until your case can be allocated to one of our professionally trained Community Sensory Officers.

What is the aim of a sensory assessment?

It is to promote safety and independence.

What happens in a sensory assessment?

A Sensory Assessment is a social care assessment, which is focussed upon your sensory loss and how this is affecting your life on a day-to-day basis. The assessment is usually conducted within your own home or you can come into our Sensory Hub. You will be asked questions to ascertain where the areas of challenge are affecting you and how.

You will be offered information and advice which will help you in your life or/and you may be signposted to an organization or referred onwards. If considered appropriate by the assessor, and you are found to be eligible, you may be offered some equipment to assist you with your daily life.

What happens when I have been given some equipment?

A Sensory Assessment is a social care assessment, which is focused upon your sensory loss and how this is affecting your life on a day-to-day basis. The assessment is usually conducted within your own home or you can come into our Sensory Hub. You will be asked questions to ascertain where the areas of challenge are affecting you and how.

You can self- refer back into the YorSensory service at any time if your sensory loss changes or deteriorates.

What happens if I have difficulty getting out and about due to my sight loss?

If during your Sensory Assessment, we find that you are having problems mobilizing within the home and/or outside of your home, you have the option to be referred to one of our Vision Rehabilitation Specialists to conduct mobility training with you. This is an opportunity for you to be supported by a professional, who will assess your mobility needs and discuss the types of mobility equipment, such as a long cane, which may be suitable.

Orientation and mobility training can be provided with or without the use of a cane, training may involve learning complex routes or may be about learning the best way to make the most of your vision when mobilising.