ECL Sensory Support helps customer cope after being discharged from hospital
“I had a lot of support from ECL, but my Rehabilitation Worker from the Sensory Service remains one of the most useful, friendly, and understanding people I’ve ever worked with."
Ronald has no vision at all in his right eye and just 5% in his left, so when he was told he was to be sent home from hospital to rehabilitate he was understandably anxious. Thankfully, his healthcare professional was able to refer him to ECL for further support. Having reviewed his needs, the Reablement Team set out a comprehensive short-term care programme which would ensure a smooth transition once he was discharged.
Along with daily visits from experienced Community Care Assistants who ensured he followed his exercise plan and administered medication; Ronald was also teamed up with a Rehabilitation Worker from ECL’s Sensory Service who worked closely with him to build his confidence. Before being introduced to her, he was conscious that his inability to distinguish between and read the labels on the various tablets he needed to take was potentially dangerous, and he found himself lacking the motivation to make progress with his physical recovery.
Before long, blister packs had been arranged to help him manage his prescriptions and he was given a host of other practical hints and tips to make day-to-day life easier. Ronald says, “I had a lot of support from ECL, but my Rehabilitation Worker from the Sensory Service remains one of the most useful, friendly, and understanding people I’ve ever worked with. We instantly clicked and she was able to truly empathise with my situation as she had a visual impairment herself which was comforting to know.”
“She gave me a wealth of advice that I’ve carried with me – lots of excellent road safety suggestions that I’d never have thought of myself, for example – but more than that, she had a lovely way about her that just made you want to do your best. In my opinion she is the ideal person to do the job because she gives you confidence and is very communicative and caring. I’m grateful for all the help I received over those six weeks, but I was particularly sorry to see her go - I’m still hoping she comes up for adoption!” he went on to say.
For more information about ECL’s Sensory Impairment Service visit www.ecl.org/services/sensory-service
