Enhanced reablement case studies

After her parents passed away, Annie contacted the Council for support to make a life for herself. She had previously cared for both parents, including during her mother’s terminal illness.

The Enhanced Reablement (ER) worker and Annie agreed goals. One goal focussed on travel training so Annie could attend a work placement each week. She also wanted to be able to travel by train. They agreed another goal around understanding and managing money so that Annie could get the right money ready for bus or train fares and for shopping. She also wanted to learn to swim and the team supported her to go to weekly lessons.

Annie’s confidence grew and the ER worker was able to step back a little each week. Annie started travelling independently to meetings with the worker. She found out about a voluntary role at her local church coffee shop and became more confident talking to people when she went out.   

Annie says she is so happy with what she had achieved with enhanced reablement support. The impact of the support has been life changing for her. 

Bill is 30 and wants to regain his independence after experiencing a stroke. His parents are returning to work shortly and are worried about Bill being on his own at home. He hasn't been left alone since being discharged from hospital.  

With support from enhanced reablement Bill has made progress. His confidence getting around outdoors is growing. Bill is now able to manage independently for his own personal care needs and when preparing food. He is also able to go out and socialise with friends again.

Dawn had a prolonged hospital stay due to pancreatitis. She returned home, initially supported by our Early Response Service and then progressed to support with her mobility and independence from enhanced reablement (ER).

Dawn was determined to get back her independence. With support and encouragement from her ER worker, Dawn got used to wearing the orthotic splints in her trainers which she initially found uncomfortable. She became more confident thanks to the weekly outdoor mobility practice. As this increased, she was able to walk further and eventually to her local supermarket to do her shopping for the week. 

Dawn achieved her goals and no longer needs enhanced reablement support. She is able to go out for walks and do the shopping on her own. She is also planning to start her yoga class again.

Frank has a long-term health condition and was recently discharged from hospital. He has significant breathing difficulties and was unable to leave his home. This meant he was unable to shop for food or other essentials. Frank didn’t know how to use the internet or make payments online or by phone so this was the focus of the enhanced reablement support.

The Enhanced Reablement (ER) worker taught Frank how to use online banking and the banking app, including the card reader, so that he could access his account. With support Frank was able to pay off bills and get his internet services reinstated. He was also able to register and set up accounts to do his shopping online using his phone.

During this time Frank was drinking a lot of alcohol. Because of the rapport with the worker, they were able to talk about why he drank and the effects on his physical and mental health. 

Frank wanted to get a mobility scooter but felt that he could not afford it. The ER worker suggested cutting down his alcohol intake which would cover the cost of renting a scooter. Frank agreed and reduced his intake significantly. He then decided to stop drinking and, by the end of the enhanced reablement support, had quit drinking completely.

This had a positive effect on his mental health and has lead to other positive things happening. Relationships with family members improved. Frank is looking at scooters and planning to get new flooring from the money saved by not drinking. He has also been able to employ a cleaner weekly to help him maintain his home.