Mental Illness compounded by Spinal Injury

Highly intelligent – and very sociable, when she’s not acutely ill with her mental health problems – this unfortunate lady suffered a fall from a window. As a result she is paraplegic and confined to a large nursing home, where the majority of clients are severely disabled and have communication problems. Her quality of life was very poor.

What we did:

• Recruited a part-time carer/enabler, allowing her to go shopping, visit the hairdresser and participate in a wide range of social activities
• Supported the carer in her work
• Assisted the client with paying bills, writing letters, buying presents etc
• Helped her to buy an adapted vehicle
• Recommended and assisted in purchase of a better wheelchair and a special cushion to improve posture and comfort
• Regularly reviewed her needs, working with other professionals as required.

The result:

• The client now leads a more independent and varied life.