Your Life, Your Choice, Worcestershire

The good news is that we are living longer - as the Office for National Statistics shows most men will reach 85 years and women 89 years and this is predicted to rise even further.

The vast majority of us want to live as independently as we can - to have control over our lives.

We are used to making decisions and want to continue to do so for as long as possible. But sooner or later we might need some help or have carers, friends and families help us make the right choices.

Your Life, Your Choice website

The Your Life, Your Choice in Worcestershire is a new website offering a full range of information and advice on health, well-being and adult social care.

Many of us are used to searching the web for information, we know how to use the internet to get facts and figures fast.

We’re used to looking at feed-back reviews or price comparisons to help us choose anything from cars to holidays.

There’s no reason why we can’t use the latest technology to get the best information and advice to remain healthy and independent.

The Your Life Your Choice website has been designed to answer some fundamental questions:

• How can I stay well and independent?
• What support is available in my community – and where from?
• Can I get any help with paying for care services if I need them?
• What care is available, how good is it and how much does it cost?

The site will evolve as different products and services are added. It will even tell you
what might be on offer in your community including what might be available for free!

Not everyone has access to the internet or feels comfortable using it that’s why we will be working with digital champions eg within our libraries to help make it more user-friendly and accessible.

This won’t replace the existing system of talking directly to people. The new system is about building on our digital 24/7 lifestyles. Those that need the help to access services will continue to get that direct support.

Using the latest digital technology will help us all to live the lives we choose and to stay independent for as long as we can.

What are the benefits of Your Life, Your Choice?

• Find out everything you need to know about how to stay healthy and independent in one place.
• Put people in touch with opportunities and support in their local community to help them stay healthy and independent.
• User reviews give real feedback on services similar to that available on sites like trip advisor.
• Information can be localised - using a filter based on postcode eg: what clubs/activities are up my street?
• You can add services to a short list and filter from listings to get comparisons.
• Star ratings - an indicator of quality - scored by users of the services.
• It’s not just about paid for services it can tap into what’s free for you to access.

For more information please contact us at: futurelives@worcestershire.gov.uk

Kerry Edwards, Project Support Officer email:  kedwards@worcestershire.gov.uk

Alistair Druitt, Future Lives Relationship Officer: adruitt@worcestershire.gov.uk