In Celebration of OTs Week (Occupational Therapists) – Danielle’s story

To celebrate the great work of our OTs we would like to give an example of the really valuable work they do. Here is Danielle’s story.

Danielle came to Borders Care & Repair after experiencing a life changing spinal injury. As a result of this injury, Danielle is now a full-time wheelchair user.

Borders Care & Repair received a referral requesting 3 major adaptations which included: installing a wet floor shower, installing a ceiling track hoist and installation of a ramp. All required to enable Danielle to continue to live independently at home.

New ramp installed

Borders Care & Repair is a team of professionals who work together with the service users, their families and outside agencies to support, plan and carry out adaptations. The team includes Occupational Therapists (OT’s) with specialist knowledge of housing design.

The Care & Repair OT used their specialist knowledge to assess Danielles property to ensure it was suitable for adaptation to meet her needs. Once this was established, the OT remained involved and supported Danielle through all stages of the adaptation process.

As Danielle lives in a privately owned property, Care & Repair supported her to gain funding through Private Sector Housing Grant, with the OT carrying out a financial assessment to determine grant award. Following financial assessment, Danielle received a 100% grant covering full cost of adaptation works.
The OT assists in planning and designing the work, collaborating with other team members to ensure adaptations would meet Danielles current and future needs. This included working with Social Work OT, Grants Officer, Technical Officer, Architect, contractors and the Community Equipment Service.

New wet room

By completing these adaptations, Danielle was able to remain in her current property and has regained as much independence as her new abilities allow.