To coincide with national Carer’s Week (June 8-14), the Virtual House and Self-Assessment tools are now live on the council’s website, helping unpaid carers, but also anyone who might need extra support in their homes.

Virtual House gives the opportunity to ‘tour’ from room to room around a 3D model of a home with useful gadgets and tools flagged, which could help people to continue living safely and confidently in their own homes.

The simple and affordable products shown could also have significant impact on aiding recovery from any hospital stay.

Here’s what some residents who’ve already had a chance to try the virtual house say:

‘I will definitely show this house tour to my husband who I care for. I thought the range of new products were very good, especially the automatic curtains/blind closer. I will buy one of these for myself.’

‘There were lots of good ideas I've never seen before and I think other people using it, either for themselves or someone they care for, would be very interested in seeing new, innovative products, which will help them to feel safe in their own home or when they leave it.’

Take a tour of the Virtual House here to discover the great gadgets available.

The council’sAdult Social Care team is also launching a digitised self-assessment tool to improve the assessment process for carers, at a time and pace that suits them. The tool provides tailored advice and signposting and offers unpaid carers choice and control over supporting themselves.

It includes information, advice and guidance to empower carers to engage with the right support. Connecting them to relevant local (and national) support and community resources

The platform empowers carers to navigate their own journey - prioritising their wellbeing and enabling them to seek both statutory and community support.

Explore the Self-Assessment Tool here: https://support.wolverhampton.bettercare.org.uk/

These tools are being funded by the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF) which is a Department of Health and Social Care grant aimed at introducing innovation into social care, specifically for unpaid carers.

Cabinet member for Adults, Councillor Linda Leach is encouraging carers to try out the new online tools.

‘Unpaid carers are unsung heroes in our city and across the country, we couldn’t cope without them. As a council we want to do everything we can to support them and those they help and care for every day.

‘These new tools are an exciting, easy and engaging way to find out what support is available. The Virtual House could help anyone who needs extra support at home whether it’s for just a short period or longer-term.

‘It’s an easy way to learn about how the tasks we all do in our homes every day can be made so much easier.

‘It’s about enabling people to stay safe and independent in their homes, which is what we all want ultimately to live happier and healthier lives. So please take a tour today and take a look at how the self- assessment could help you.’

The tools are live now on the website and are designed to complement, not replace, existing support.

Find our more here: Wolverhampton Independent Living Service | City Of Wolverhampton Council or explore all our self-assessment tools, including for carers here: Begin your self-assessment | City Of Wolverhampton Council