INDEPENDENT LIVING

Gaining maximum independence lay at the heart of David Holmes's plans for building an adapted home after his spinal cord injury. Our trusted partner Irwin Mitchell helped create a financial plan which allowed him to do just that…

ED TOMLINSON

Financial planner at Irwin Mitchell edward.tomlinson@ irwinmitchell.com

Our client, David Holmes, 39, from Leigh-on-Sea, sustained a C7 spinal cord injury while working as a professional stunt man on a major film franchise in 2009.

One of the things he was able to do with his compensation was build a home specially adapted to his needs. We helped by creating a financial plan to make sure his compensation would cover the cost of designing and building the house, while continuing to give him an annual income. The multi-year build included liaising with architects, quantity surveyors and builders to ensure David was getting the best home possible. Working with an architect to design a wheelchair-friendly home ensured David could live independently. Some of the adaptations included:

• Doors and lights remotely operated from a tablet

• Lifts between floors

• Doors that slide rather than swing open

• Modified kitchen appliances

• Bathroom designed to fit his wheelchair

• Adapted bed to make it easier getting in and out

Designed For Independence

“Words can’t describe how happy I am here, how independent and how much these adaptations have helped my confidence, allowing me to live a fuller life, whether that’s socialising with friends or tackling my rehabilitation,” said David.

“If all people gained this level of independence, then disability wouldn’t be so much of a taboo."

Everything in David’s house is designed with his needs in mind. An adapted kitchen means appliances, are at his level and easy to use. The bathroom is compatible with his wheelchair, meaning he’s able to have privacy when he most needs it.

David’s injury affects his hand function, so adaptations have been made to everyday appliances such as special push-button taps in the kitchen and bathroom that can change water temperature. All lights and doors in the house can be controlled via a tablet.

The tablet also allows him to control the front door and check the video link before letting anyone in – especially important if he needs to call one of his carers at night. It means he doesn’t need to always have someone in the house with him, and in emergencies he can remotely let someone in himself and still feel secure.

We worked with his employers and their insurers to ensure we could secure the support and funds necessary for David to live as independently as possible and to undergo extensive rehabilitation both mentally and physically to help him come to terms with his disabilities.

For people who suffer with limited mobility, an adapted house is a large part of recovering some of the independence that they were previously used to.

ADAPTING YOUR HOME AFTER SCI – WHERE TO GET STARTED?

For those needing to adapt their home due to illness or disability, the disabled facilities grant (DFG) can be helpful. It is means-tested and applicants need to meet strict criteria. Your local authority can assist you with this, although there may be a waiting list for assessment. The ownership of your property and needs of all occupants need to be considered. You can learn more here gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants or by scanning the QR code.

Susie Wood, SIA’s spinal cord injury specialist and occupational therapist said: “The majority of people requiring house adaptations, will need to contact their local authority. Each individual’s functional ability and environmental circumstances will be different. It is sensible to acknowledge that the assessment process can take time due to local processes and funding availability. The wait for home adaptations is frustrating and life can feel like it’s on hold. Sometimes local authorities will give you a quick answer as to whether you are likely to meet the means test criteria. You can then decide what action to take. If your property belongs to a landlord or housing association, you need their permission for any major adaptations. If you don’t plan to stay in a property long term, local authorities may not agree to complete major adaptations. It is worth noting that equipment provision is different to this.”

At SIA, we’re always looking at ways we can enhance our current offering. If you feel that information or a forum about home adaptations would be useful, please let us know and we’ll work to create a practical learning opportunity around this subject. Please contact forward@spinal.co.uk if this would be useful.