Trusted Assessors are trained to visit people in their own homes, to understand their challenges and aspirations and to make informed assessments on how equipment and assistive technology can play an important part in keeping them safe and independent.
This case study demonstrates how input and recommendations from a Trusted Assessor are helping one couple to remain in their chosen environment, helping with practical and safety issues as well as promoting increased comfort and health benefits.
Mr R lives with his wife in a mobile home within a park complex. They are both aged in their late 80s and each have specific health problems.
- Mr and Mrs R can dress themselves independently.
- They are both able to use their existing walk-in shower independently, but they do not have any grab rails to steady themselves or a shower seat to shower in comfort and safety.
The issues
Mr R has suffered two heart attacks and was initially referred to Social Care by his GP surgery following his recent discharge from hospital.
At the same time, a referral was made for Mrs R due to her frailty and difficulty carrying out domestic tasks. Mr R had been responsible for shopping, cooking and cleaning prior to his heart attack. He is now considering online shopping.
- Mr R struggles to stand from sitting in his chair and finds it difficult to breathe when lying in bed, which means he is sleeping on his sofa to enable him to maintain a more upright position.
- His physical issues mean it is now difficult for Mr R to negotiate the three steps leading to the raised door of his mobile home.
The solutions
One of Medequip’s team of Trusted Assessors visited Mr and Mrs R in their home to make an informed assessment of their current situation and propose recommendations and equipment to improve both safety and quality of life for the couple.
- Showering safety was a primary consideration. For this, the Trusted Assessor recommended a shower chair complete with arms for use in the shower area, to be used by both Mr and Mrs R to conserve energy and increase stability whilst showering.
The Assessor then looked at the issue of chair transfers for Mr R by measuring his optimum leg (popliteal) height and comparing this to the height of his chair seat.
- Identifying a 12cm difference between popliteal height and current chair, the Trusted Assessor recommended and fitted chair risers.
- The Assessor then applied this optimal height measurement to adjust the height of the shower chair, checking that it corresponded with both Mr and Mrs R’s requirements.
In terms of returning Mr R to sleeping comfortably in his own bed, the Trusted Assessor discussed and recommended the use of a Pillow Lift to go under his pillow, as well as raising the head end of the bed to maximise his breathing and overall comfort.
Access to the home for the couple was also assessed.
- The Assessor recommended installation of galvanised rails beside the steps into the property, assisting both Mr and Mrs R to manage the three steps up to the door.
However, the Assessor recognised that Mr R is still becoming short of breath and finds it very tiring to ascent the steps. The case has been referred back to Occupational Therapy to consider alternative options, as Mr R may require more complex solutions for the longer term.
Mr R was also keen to return to some meal preparation but found standing very tiring.
- He was issued with a perching stool to enable him to sit during kitchen activity.
Outcomes
Input and advice from the Trusted Assessor have helped Mr and Mrs R to remain at home together in their chosen environment with increased comfort and safety, particularly in the shower, and also means Mr R is able to assist his wife again with practical tasks.
Mr R is now able to use his chair and sleep more comfortably in his own bed again. Associated health benefits include improving his breathing and protecting his skin integrity by returning to the comfort of a mattress and correct seated height.
Planning for the future is also part of the Trusted Assessor role; although access to the property for Mr and Mrs R has now been improved partially in the short term, the Assessor recognised the limitations of the solution and has made the required referral back to Occupational Therapy.