YorSensory FAQ
YorSensory FAQ: What happens when…
FAQ: What happens when…
How can I contact YorSensory?
We aim to be as accessible as possible so we offer many ways to contact us. We can and have been contacted by post, phone, text, email, in person, video call, via an interpreter or via our social media platforms. We are always looking to improve out access so if you feel there is something missing then get in touch!
Who can refer me to YorSensory?
The majority of our enquires come from the person themselves. However, anyone can contact us, we take enquiries from Hospital wards, GP’s, family, friends, neighbours, other local authority teams, out of area colleagues and many more.
What happens when I contact YorSensory for help?
At this first point of contact, the Duty Officer will make contact with you 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. It aims to ensure you are safe at home, and in your local community and that you are able to access services that keep you active in your daily life.
Who is eligible for a sensory assessment?
Our sensory assessments are completed on behalf of City of York Council, therefore you are only eligible if you live in York and pay your council tax to them. You also need to have undertaken a full hearing test, have hearing aids or have been diagnosed with an eye condition.
What if I am not eligible?
The team deal with several out of area or non-assessment queries. They have a wealth of local and regional knowledge and should be able to signpost you more locally. You are also welcome to demonstrate and of our equipment in the hub or access our services on a paid for basis.
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, but we can also offer this in our offices, the community or in a way you prefer. You will be asked questions about how you are managing your condition and the areas of difficulty.
You will be offered information and advice which will help you keep safe and independent, in your daily life. We may signpost you to another organisation or refer you 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?
Our equipment is given on a long term or lifetime loan basis. We will ensure you are able to use it effectively by explaining and demonstrating it, following your assessment. We will then call you in around a month to ensure the equipment is still meeting the need it was intended for. The equipment will remain our responsibility until the warranty has expired, after this period the responsibility is yours. We can support you in the self-purchase of new or additional equipment and would recommend calling us in the first instance if your equipment isn’t working as it should.
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 mobilising within the home or accessing activities 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.
What happens after my case is closed?
We are a short term, preventative service, often only seeing you once and contacting you to review equipment. Some rehabilitation programmes are longer, however, still short term. We understand that with sensory impairments, needs change and fluctuate so even after your case is closed, you can self- refer back into the YorSensory service at any time if your sensory loss changes or deteriorates.
How can I give feedback?
We welcome feedback to demonstrate the positive outcomes of our service. This can be given over the phone, via email, letter, or on a paper from on request.
The Wilberforce Trust is dedicated to helping those with visual impairment, sight loss, hearing loss and other disabilities across York, North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.
