Case studies
Examples of how we have helped people live independently in a safe environment
Andy
Improving wellbeing by decluttering a home.
My story before SIP
I struggled to keep my home tidy. There were cider bottles and empty ready meal cartons everywhere, mixed up with my personal belongings. The garden was overgrown and brambles were getting in through the upstairs windows. There was no heating and my fridge didn’t work. I have bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder making me anxious about getting stuff recycled. I was depressed following the death of my dog and embarrassed to let my sister visit.
How SIP helped me
My mental health worker referred me to the Independent Living Officer service who reassured me decluttering would be manageable. With the help of the ILO I worked with a contractor to sort my stuff out, clear the rubbish, deep clean the house and tidy the garden. I got a new gas central heating system and roof insulation for free (via Centre for Sustainable Energy), a washing machine, fridge and carpet (via Mental Health Service).
How I feel now
I am excited about getting a new dog and I know I need to keep on top of the house. This wouldn’t have happened without Jane.
Costs
- £2,730
- £640 Clearance Contractor, Somerset Independence Plus staff
Saving to Health and Social Care
- £3,381 in bed days
- £224 NHS staff time
Outcomes
In places this home was level 8/9 (top of the clutter rating scale) and a significant health and fire risk. The work made the home safe and gave Andy better physical and mental health and a more positive outlook.
David
Creating independence for a young wheelchair user.
My story before SIP
I have cerebral palsy and use a powered wheelchair. I have a full package of care which includes a live-in carer and essential equipment. I moved to Somerset to be near my family. The hallway in my new bungalow was too narrow to turn my wheelchair, I couldn’t open my front door or get in the bathroom.
How SIP helped me
Using a Disabled Facilities Grant, the narrow hallway was made wide enough for me to turn my wheelchair easily. An automatic door entry system with CCTV means I can see who is at the door and let them in remotely and let myself out to go out on my own. Ceiling track hoists make it easier for my carers to move me and the hoists allow me to use the bathroom.
How I feel now
The adaptations have made a massive difference to my life and independence. “It is easier for me to live my life.” David’s father said “Although we live close by, he lives his life and we live ours.”
Costs
- £9,606 Disabled Facilities Grant
- £5,574 Hoists
- £750 Somerset Independence Plus staff
Saving to Health and Social Care
Without ceiling track hoists, David would require 2 carers for all movement, saving approximately £52,000 per year. Without an adapted home David would have had to do into nursing care with no independence, autonomy or community inclusion.
Outcomes
David is able to live safely and independently with the close support of his family and carers.
Gillian
The importance of using a specialist housing Occupational Therapist.
My story before SIP
I lived in a park home with my husband, but I’d been stuck inside for almost three months. I had bad lymphedema and lipoedema which had caused my legs to swell. The district nurse visited twice a week to dress my legs. In emergencies the ambulance crews had problems getting me out of my home.
How SIP helped me
The Housing Occupational Therapist helped update my housing application and got me a gold banding. A bespoke flat came up that would suit. She encouraged me to bid as it had good access, wider doorways and corridors, and a sizable wet-room. She helped get a relocation grant and a private ambulance to move me safely.
How I feel now
We’d moved only three months after the Occupational Therapist’s first visit. My legs are now unbandaged and shrinking and I’m increasing my stamina ready to go out in the car. The care package that started at the park home has been cancelled as we can manage on our own.
Costs
- £1,000 relocation grant
- 8.5 hours of a Housing Occupational Therapist’s time
Saving to Health and Social Care
- Package of 3.5 hours cancelled on moving and not reinstated, saving £68.88 per week
- District nurses visited twice a week for 4 months, no longer needed
- No Disabled Facilities Grant required as only one rail was needed
Outcomes
Bespoke home resulted in major improvement in health, wellbeing and independence. Result due to the expert knowledge of the specialist Occupational Therapist.
Rosie
Restoring dignity.
My story before SIP
I rarely left the house as I did not feel clean. I have diabetes and arthritis which made it difficult to use the bath and the toilet has a broken seat which made it hard to use. I washed my hair over the bath, cleaned my feet in a bowl and used wet wipes over the rest of my body. There was no heating as the boiler was faulty due to a leak from the flat upstairs. The leak also affected the electrics and the ceiling had partly collapsed in the bathroom.
How SIP helped me
Somerset Independence Plus helped me get a Disabled Facilities Grant to install a wet-room. The old boiler couldn’t be repaired so a new one was put in as part of the grant. I also have a new fridge and cooker and they got a grant to part-fund a new carpet. They helped me declutter, clean and decorate downstairs. I also got more benefits.
How I feel now
I can’t believe it’s my home. It has given me my dignity back now I can shower. The new boiler means it is the first time it has felt colder outside than inside. I’m so happy with everything and I’m proud of my home again.
Costs
- £16,155 Disabled Facilities Grant
- £175 Somerset Independence Plus staff
Saving to Health and Social Care
No care costs before intervention but very low self-esteem and depression, which would have increased. If admitted to hospital Rosie would have been complex to discharge due to her poor home environment.
Outcomes
Significant improvements in health and wellbeing, able to engage with the community again.