A case study from South Ayrshire Council
Following lifechanging injuries as a result of a motorbike accident in 1986 at the age of 20, Jack* first made contact with South Ayrshire Council looking for assistance to allow him to live well in his home. Over the last 40 years, South Ayrshire Council, and multiple services, have continued to support Jack to maintain his independence which he fiercely protects.
“I have had the privilege of receiving home adaptations to fit my personal physical needs, which are complex and changing on a continuous basis.”
Services have worked collaboratively to find the best outcome at each stage of change and varying need and with each adaptation in their home. Ensuring open and meaningful conversations about housing options and solutions means Jack and his wife have now found their forever home.
The range of services involved:
- South Ayrshire Council Housing Grants Department
- Social Work (Initial housing services)
- Crosshouse Hospital (Orthopaedic)
- Physiotherapy
- Canniesburn Hospital (Plastic Surgery)
- Belvidere Hospital (limb fitting)
- WestMarc centre (limb fitting support)
- WestMarc (Wheelchair Fitting and maintenance)
- Ailsa Hospital (Psychiatric Services) PTSD
- Occupational therapy (NHS and Community)
- South Ayrshire Council (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Team)
- Ayr Hospital (Outpatients Department) ongoing
- Ayr Hospital ( Amputee Support Group) Finding Your Feet Charity
“All of the above services have played a vital role in my recovery and independence over the last 40 years since my crash. Without this support I would not be here.”
Challenges
Multiple adaptations carried out over the years as a result of emerging changes in physical needs and where suitable alternative accommodation couldn’t be found e.g. properties that may already have been adapted or would require minimal further adaptation.
There are financial implications for Jack who is not eligible for the 100 per cent grant award as he is not in receipt of qualifying benefits. Therefore, 80 per cent grant award is offered and the requirement to pay the shortfalls in funding for each adaptation required to enable living at home safely and as independently as possible.
The impact of multiple structural changes to their home and the upheaval whist works are taking place.
‘The process had started to look into what was needed, it was found to be extensive, plans were drawn up and modified multiple times due to complexities. We were experiencing feelings of trepidation due to the work to be carried out and ultimately the final cost.’
Success
Multiple Services have worked collaboratively and sourced solutions together, assisting Jack to maintain a good quality of life and live safely and as independently as possible in his own home. Receptive conversations have taken place about housing options and solutions resulting in finding a forever home which is a fully accessible flatted property which requires minimal adaptations. This has negated the need for extensive/intrusive adaptations and financial contributions. Jack has reported experiencing the highest level of independence since suffering his accident and is loving being able to go to the shops or go down the beach for an ice cream without relying on anyone assisting him to leave or enter his own home. He can get out to explore the new area, allowing him to feel very much part of the local community.
“We moved in to our new flat a few weeks ago, which needs very little in terms of modification or adaptation. We have a beautiful rear garden at our flat which I do not need to look after. For me and my needs the flat is open plan which is fantastic as a wheelchair user. I am 60 yrs old, married for 35 yrs, two sons 31 and 32yrs and loving my life.
“Myself and my wife cannot thank everyone involved for their understanding and due diligence by actually actively listening to us, as important, their care and compassion was so evident.”
*name changed*