Jamie was one of ILS’s first clients, and Karenmarie, now one of our directors, began his occupational therapy in 1999; initiating case management shortly after.
Since his accident, Jamie was in and out of hospital and undergoing rehabilitation for approximately ten years. Now an adult, he requires twenty-four-hour care and support, and uses a powered wheelchair both indoors and out.
In 2011 an ILS case manager was assigned to support Jamie and his family. This included supporting his transition through education, recruiting and supervising excellent support workers, and choosing suitable vehicles that can be adapted for Jamie’s wheelchair. Jamie now has one main carer each day which provides his mum, Lucy, with respite from his everyday care – a support that is highly valued by the whole family. Jamie also has a physiotherapist and occupational therapist to continue his multi-disciplinary therapy. Alongside this, he is encouraged to do recommended stretching exercises, and uses his standing frame at home.
He works closely with a neurologist which has meant that his epilepsy is almost completely under control. HI case manager also arranges bi-annual team meetings for Jamie, his family and his support workers to get together, review Jamie’s progress from the past six months, and set goals for the next.
The case manager introduced Jamie to Disability Initiative, a charity offering activity-based opportunities to people with disabilities. To date, Jamie has taken-part in cooking, sewing and ceramics – a very good match for Jamie who is very creative. He has also developed a passion for boxing and attends the centre’s regular training sessions which have helped to build his core strength and stamina in an exciting and stimulating environment.
In his spare time, Jamie has been companion-cycling with his support-worker, enjoys going out for meals, and loves to play board games with his family and support worker.