Preventing loss of function or independence

POhWER advocate, Sheila, has recently worked with Adam, who has a condition which means his muscles are deteriorating and makes him prone to falls. Adam is determined to maintain his independence and mobility for as long as he possibly can but he felt that the staff at the day care services he attends held him back.
Adam attends day care services at Hollywell Allotments where he enjoys the physical work involved in gardening and pottery and feels that this work helps to maintain his muscle tone.
After a fall outside at the allotments, staff said that Adam would have to use his wheelchair at all times when he was there because it was not safe for him to walk around outside and he could injure himself badly if he fell again. He was very unhappy about this as he felt that if he didn’t walk as much as possible and use his legs, he would soon become permanently wheelchair bound. He discussed this with Marie, his POhWER advocate.
Marie arranged a meeting with the staff at the day care services and helped Adam to prepare for it. Adam was able to explain his concerns about losing his mobility completely if he spent entire days in his wheelchair.
As a result the risk assessment was changed and an agreement was made that Adam would use his wheelchair when he was outside but he would be able to walk about when he was indoors.

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