ECL Reablement: Supporting Kathy to regain independence at home
Our West Sussex Community Reablement service helped Kathy return to independence just one week after returning home from hospital.
Kathy was admitted to Worthing Hospital with a urinary tract infection (UTI), following three falls at home. She also presented with swollen legs, episodes of dizziness and was newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. In the year prior to her admission, Kathy’s family had noticed increasing confusion and a decline in her mobility.
During her hospital stay and a short‑stay placement, Kathy made strong progress. As her UTI improved, her periods of confusion reduced significantly and she regained mobility, becoming independent with personal care and toileting.
Kathy was keen to return home to her husband, Ed, who was available to help with daily tasks such as meal preparation and shopping. On discharge, Kathy received support from ECL’s West Sussex Reablement Service to help her build confidence and strength at home. The focus of her care plan was on safe mobility, particularly using the stairs, as well as support with medication administration.
Initially, Kathy received two short daily visits to support personal care, dressing, stair use and medication. However, it quickly became clear that she no longer needed evening support, as Ed could help at bedtime.
Kathy’s goals
- Use the stairs independently within one week
- Shower independently within one week
- Dress in day clothes independently within one week
With tailored reablement support, Kathy achieved all three goals within a single week, requiring only one visit per day.
Kathy said: “I feel I have been doing really well; I’ve been making tea and breakfast, taking my medication regularly, shopping in the supermarket, going for walks, using the stairs multiple times a day, washing, dressing, and getting back to my puzzles and reading again.”
Her husband Ed shared: “I think Kathy has settled well back at home and she’s not really having any problems at all. We’re taking one day at a time.”
“I’ve got back to doing the things I love. Thank you!”
Kathy, West Sussex Reablement Customer
Outcome
Kathy settled back into home life quickly, establishing routines that supported her recovery and independence. Within days, she was confidently managing the stairs, personal care, dressing, medication and preparing her own meals. She even returned to shopping independently and going out for walks.
Kathy completed her reablement programme with no ongoing care needs, having fully achieved her goals and regained confidence in her abilities.