Living with a physical disability

Surinder's story

"Increasing his mobility has given him the confidence to be more active"

Surinder is just one of the people living with a physical disability that Hestia's floating support services has helped. Surinder suffered a stroke in February which left him very physically weak on the right side of his body. He is unable to walk, except for very short distances and is unable to write.

Surinder is living in a bedsit on the ground floor, he is unable to walk upstairs to use the bath and can only just manage the walk to his downstairs toilet without support. Since Surinder's discharge from hospital, he only received one visit from his GP and was not prescribed any medication at the time. He had not recieved any physiotherapy since leaving hopsital and his walking was further hindered by very overgrown and painful toenails. Beacause he was unable to write he couldn't complete his Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and housing forms. Surinder was in danger of becoming completely isolated. This is where the help from Hestia's Long Term Neurological floating support service has enabled Surinder to take the steps towards a more comfortable life.

Surinder's support worker made contact with his GP to request his medication and ensured he was referred for physiotherapy and to a podiatrist to help him with his feet. He is now receiving his medication which is delivered to him regularly and he has begun his physiotherapy, which his support worker takes him to every week. Increasing his mobility has given him the confidence to be more active and will mean that he will no longer be so isolated. The relevant DLA and housing forms have also been submitted to the local authority so that he can now be moved into accomodation that is more appropriate for his physical needs.

These small changes have all made a big difference in Surinder's life. Having someone to listen to and to make sure that his needs are met has improved his wellbeing both physically and mentally.