Major works case study

Mr C lives in an SCH bungalow which has ramp access and a level access shower room.

Although Mr C has a progressive neurological condition and uses a wheelchair indoors and out, Mr C is very independent. He has no formal care as he has very supportive family who assisted him with daily tasks and cooking.

The area of worry for Mr C was managing toilet hygiene and this was one area where he would not ask or expect his family to help him.

Following an Occupational Therapy Assessment, a wash/dry toilet was recommended and provided. Mr C reported that was truly life changing and allowed him to maintain his hygiene and dignity.

 

Major works case study

Mrs K suffered a sudden medical incident that left her right sided paralysis. After being in hospital and following a rehabilitation program, she was discharged home with a profiling bed which was set up on the ground floor with a mobile hoist and slings. Mrs K had a care package which included four calls per day.

After an Occupational Therapy Assessment, Mrs K was recommended:

These adaptations where funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

Outcome: The adaptations made a positive difference to Mrs K’s life. The ceiling track hoist meant that the care package was reduced to twice a day and her daughter was trained to use the ceiling track hoist. Mrs K’s daughter was able to manage in the daytime and the reduction in the care package meant less disruption to family.

Mrs K was showering in a tilt in-space shower chair, instead of the assisted strip washes in bed. Mrs K reported that the best feeling in the world was to have a shower and her hair washed.

 

Major works case study

*Names have been changed for anonymity*

Doris is an 82 year old lady who lives alone in an owner occupied three bedroom house.

Doris suffered a serious fall on the stairs which left her in hospital. After completing rehab, she was discharged home with a care package for personal care, a bed and commode in the lounge.

Doris has age related problems and including osteoarthritis, cellulitis and continence issues. She walks with a zimmer frame and has family support from her daughter who lives locally. Strip washing was not sufficient for Doris due to incontinence and risk of skin breakdown.

Assessment was carried out by the community Occupational Therapy team to identify the necessary and appropriate access to essential bathing and sleeping facilities. Doris said she was very unhappy about sleeping on the ground floor and not being able to access her bedroom, bathroom and flushing toilet.

Through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), Doris had a through floor lift installed which traveled from the lounge to the back bedroom. This allowed Doris to safely access essential first floor facilities, also future proofing for possible wheelchair use.

A stair lift was considered but was discounted because of the narrow layout of the stairs and the nature of Doris’ condition.

The bath was removed in the first floor bathroom and replaced with altro flooring level access shower through DFG.

Outcome: The facilities provided through the DFG have allowed Doris to move back up stairs to sleep and shower. She is able to use the lift independently which has greatly enhanced her wellbeing and risk of further falls. The care package has been reduced to a single night time call.