Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES)
Download (PDF 4.07 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Kent wanted to find out the awareness levels of the Integrated Community Equipment Service amongst various ethic groups and to explore the barriers they might face in accessing the service. 56 people took part from three targetted groups:
- White British
- Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British
- Nepalese
Walking sticks and frames were the most frequently reported items of equipment.
Over two in five participants self sourced equipment from shops, particularly the Nepalese community
Over two thirds of Nepalese people were aware of the service, but none of them knew how to access it. In contrast, a third of the Black participants were aware of the service and all of them knew how to access it.
There were four key challenges in accessing equipment:
- Affordability and funding
- Suitability of equipment sizes and installation
- Waiting times
- Availability and lack of information
The benefits of the service were considered to be:
- Independence and safety
- Increased activity levels and daily living
- Help and financial relief
- Social and emotional wellbeing