Living independently in the community

Richard, 38, has Huntington’s disease. His flat was not accommodating his changing needs and he was falling over frequently. Martlets helped adapt his home, fulfilling his wish to live independently for longer.

Heidi, senior occupational therapist on our rehabilitation team, met with Richard and his family to assess his needs and then provided solutions to improve his mobility and daily functioning. Richard received a specialised riser-recliner chair that helps restrict movement, as the uncontrollable muscular movements associated with the disease were zapping his energy and depriving him of sleep.

It provides increased independence and safety with sit-to-stand transfers." explains Heidi. “A bespoke chair can enhance functions such as swallowing, breathing and communicating, and with good postural support, pain can be better managed and in Richard’s case ease muscular aches and cramps.”

The chair has enabled Richard to rest and sleep for more prolonged periods of time, meaning he has more energy for the things he enjoys doing.