Blog: David’s story

Independent living is something most of us take for granted, but for those who are physically disabled through frailty or a debilitating condition, it’s more of a challenge. Once, residential nursing care was the only option for some, but increasingly efforts are being made to provide individuals with the opportunity to lead a more fulfilling life.

Here’s a story of someone who has, with support, begun a whole new life that previously may not have been possible. We’ll call him David.

David has a condition called Guillaine Barre Syndrome, a virus that affects the nervous system. This means he has limited use of his hands and paralysis in his legs. As a paraplegic he believed he would never be able to live independently again.

In 2010, David was admitted to Stoke Hospital for intensive treatment and physiotherapy. After treatment he spent two years in a care home in Bridgnorth.

The Shropshire Community Health Trust’s Therapy Team have been working closely with David during this time with intensive treatment and physiotherapy. He’s now able to use a motorised wheelchair, and established a safe method to transfer, using a rotary stand.

David began to feel that he was relying heavily on others and that he had lost his independence and privacy as a consequence. He felt he had achieved a lot in two years, but wanted to use those skills to be partly independent in his own home.

Social workers, the therapy team and housing teams worked in partnership to identify an appropriate property for his needs, where he could live independently. Once a suitable home was found, a plan was put together to make the transition from residential to independent living as smooth as possible.  This involved full support with some of the basic arrangements that many of us take for granted, such as buying furniture, arranging for carpets to be laid and ensuring there was a plan in place for food shopping.

Equipment to provide mobility in the home was also put in place, any potential risks were identified, and medication was arranged.

At this point, David was able to call on the skills of Shropshire Council’s Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement Team (START).  START works with people to regain and maximise their independence.  START provides a short burst of intensive support which lasts up to a maximum of six weeks.  During this time, START works with the individual, setting goals and assessing if there are any on-going care needs. 

START Organiser Jeanette Coyne visited David at the care home in March 2013:

“I explained the role of START and David appeared keen at the prospect. It was important to establish early on what coping skills he had and we began with taking his own medication.  This was a task that up to now, his carers had to provide full assistance with.  David’s carer brought the blister pack containing his tablets and we worked with him to establish how he could administer these safely.

“David tipped the pack over, popped his finger in to open the tab, tipped the tablets out onto his table, scooped them with a medication pot and took them.  This was the first time he’d been able to take his own medication…a real milestone.”

And others followed.  Jeanette saw David transfer from the bed to a wheelchair, an important step.

Independent living wasn’t going to be achieved overnight but a week-long trial proved fruitful.  Jeanette takes up the story again:

“Key worker, Victoria Looker, and I went out to meet him there on his first afternoon. We also met up with Dawn and Jane the occupational therapists, Heather the housing support officer and David’s friends.  Whilst there, we observed his ability to make himself a hot drink, to use his kitchen taps and to reach items within his fridge.”

David also demonstrated his ability to undertake what are known as the main transfers which included into bed, onto the toilet and onto and off his shower bench.  As Jeanette and her team know, it’s important to work with individuals to gain their trust and build their confidence.  The early signs are positive.

Two START support workers are helping David with his transition and assessing what continuing support he will need.  Occupational therapists are also working closely with David to broaden his skills and ensure that the right equipment is in place to allow him to be more independent but stay safe.

A final word from David:

“With support I hope to manage well in the community and am looking forward to getting my life back.  I would like to remain living in the area that I know and will be able to build a good support system around me.  I already have friends who will help and regular visitors. And I’ve received excellent support from the therapy team, START, housing team and the social workers.”

For further information contact our First Point of Contact in the adult social care team on 0345 678 9044.