Measures to ensure disabled residents are able to live safely and independently at home were considered by Knowsley’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee.
Members were updated on a review of the council’s Aids and Adaptations Service which helps people with disabilities or long-term health conditions live more independently at home by coordinating home modifications or providing specialist equipment.
The review follows a successful Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection which rated Knowsley’s Adult Social Care services as ‘good’ and praised the Council’s “leadership in delivering timely, person-centred care.”
Following a comprehensive 12-month review of the Aids and Adaptations Service, the Council has implemented a series of improvements to ensure that residents receive a targeted and responsive service.
These include:
- Fast-track for degenerative diseases: A new “fast-track” approach is being implemented for residents with rapidly progressing conditions, ensuring they receive adaptations without excessive waiting times.
- Enhanced sensory support: Tailored services for the hearing loss community and children with visual impairments are being expanded, including increased access to British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation and in-house mobility officers.
- Honouring the Armed Forces Covenant: The Council will now disregard military pensions and compensation during financial means testing for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG), ensuring veterans are not financially penalised for their service.
- Blue badge efficiency: Renewal processes for residents over 80 have been streamlined, significantly reducing waiting times for parking permits.
Digital innovation in care
The Council also confirmed that its Technology Enabled Care (TEC) services are entering a new era.
As of January 2026, 99% of telecare devices in the borough have been upgraded from analogue to digital, meeting national targets and ensuring that life-saving alert systems remain functional as the UK’s telephone network modernises.
A further 12-month review of Technology Enabled Care will begin in June 2026, focusing on “co-production” with residents to ensure future technology meets the real-world needs of the community.
Read the full report.