Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was kindly awarded a grant The Ian Karten Charitable Trust in September 2018. We are extremely thankful for the grant which has helped us to purchase new equipment, enhancing our care and rehabilitation services for the benefit of our residents.
To demonstrate the impact the grant is having on residents here at Care for Veterans, we would like to tell you Tyron’s story.
Tyron first started coming to Care for Veterans in 2013 for respite care, following two strokes which left him with severe left-sided weakness. It was after his second stroke that he was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As his condition began to decline, he would come to Care for Veterans more regularly, eventually becoming a permanent resident in January 2017.
Now aged 51, Tyron works with our therapy teams on maintaining his mobility and independence as much as possible. He is unable to walk and relies on a power assisted wheelchair to navigate around Care for Veterans and when out in the community. Tyron also needs to be hoisted in and out of his wheelchair, so as his physical needs are becoming greater our aim is to find new methods of allowing him to be as independent as possible. For example, his speech has been particularly affected by his condition, and as a result he struggles at times to communicate effectively. Our occupational therapists have helped Tyron to use the voice amplifier as supplied by the Ian Karten Charitable Trust’s grant. The microphone sits comfortably around his neck and strengthens his voice, so that he can be heard and his wishes understood.
Tryon has restricted movement in his arms and so has greatly benefited from using the golf ball stylus to access his phone and iPad. He uses his iPad regularly to chat with friends and family and enjoys online shopping. The stylus has been an essential tool in keeping Tyron connected socially, which impacts his happiness and overall well-being. Over time as his grip changes, different adapters will be trialled accordingly.
Another benefit of the grant to Tyron, has been the environmental controls set up in his room. He has a bright yellow ‘buddy button’ installed on a stand in his bedroom, which allows him to control infrared devices, such as his fan, tv and light switch. The fact that it is bright and easy to access means that he does not have to ask for assistance in order to change the environment around him, which is important for his self-esteem and confidence. Assistive technology such as the equipment supplied by the Ian Karten grant is especially vital to residents like Tyron, who have a degenerative condition, as they can be adapted over time according to his needs. As Tyron’s speech declines, the occupational therapists and speech and language therapists will be able to introduce AAC programmes such as Grid Pro 18, so that he continues to have a voice. We want Tyron to remain as empowered and independent as possible, and so as his needs evolve, so will our methods of using the technology provided.
Last year, Tyron took part in the Worthing 10K with the Care for Veterans Fantastic Fifty runners taking turns to push his wheelchair along the course. He loved taking part, waving to the crowd and cheering everyone along. Tyron continues to work hard with the therapy teams at Care for Veterans and is a huge inspiration to everyone here.
Thank you!
From all of us here at Care for Veterans, thank you so much to everyone at The Ian Karten Charitable Trust.
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- This article was written by the Care for Veterans Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Spring 2019 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Centre News