Supported Living for People With Physical Health Conditions

Many people in Essex live with a physical disability that impacts their day-to-day lives. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live as independently as possible and that a physical disability shouldn’t hold anyone back from living the life they want to live. Our supported living services for people living in Essex with a physical health condition helps people to achieve this and retain or gain their independence.

What Is a Physical Disability?

The Equality Act 2010 defines a physical disability as a physical impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Physical disabilities have varying levels of severity, meaning that some are able to live independently without additional support, while others require round the clock care. Somewhere in the middle is where supported living finds its place.

Different Types and Causes of Physical Disabilities

There are many different types and causes of physical disabilities. Some are congenital or hereditary and symptoms may have been present from birth. Whilst some may have learned to live alongside their condition and manage many of the symptoms, some physical disabilities are acquired later in life. This may initially make living independently very difficult if there are suddenly symptoms that haven't been dealt with before. Some may suddenly find themselves unable to do the things they were used to doing or realise that they are having to make adaptations to their home to accommodate their needs.

Some Different Types of Physical Disabilities Are:

Spina Bifida: A condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. Physical symptoms include:

Weakness or total paralysis of the legs
Bowel incontinence and urinary incontinence
Loss of skin sensation in the legs and around the bottom

Spinal Cord Damage: Damage to the tight bundle of cells and nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain to and from the rest of the body. The spinal cord extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back. Physical symptoms include:

Numbness, tingling or a loss of or changes in sensations in hands and feet
Paralysis, either immediately or over time, as swelling and bleeding affects the spinal cord
Pain or pressure in the head, neck or back
Loss of movement

Epilepsy: A condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. Physical symptoms include:

Uncontrollable jerking and shaking (fitting)
Losing awareness and staring into space
Becoming stiff
Strange sensations such as a “rising” feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes or a tingling feeling in your arms and legs
Collapsing

Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture and is caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth. Physical symptoms include:

Muscle weakness
Stiff muscles
Scissor-like movements when walking
Paralysis
Involuntary movements in hands, arms and legs
Twitching of the face and tongue
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of muscle tone

What is supported living for someone with a physical disability?

Meeting the needs of our clients is our highest priority. Supported living is the perfect solution for someone looking to increase their level of care whilst continuing to live as independently as possible. We like to think of supported living as a middle ground between in-home care and a residential care home. We have both single-occupancy and shared living accommodation available depending on the personal preferences of every individual.

Our carers can help with a number of tasks within the supported living environment. Some of these are:

Basic daily tasks including getting dressed and ready for the day, cleaning and cooking
Continence care including catheter management
Administering and managing medication
Hygiene care such as assisting with washing or showering
Pain and symptom management

The Benefits of Supported Living for People With a Physical Disability

We want to provide the confidence of living independently alongside having the reassurance that someone is always on hand to help with whatever is needed. With supported living, you will receive:

A range of services and living arrangements designed to suit your physical needs. We have a dedicated supported living accommodation at our Braintree and Colchester sites
The opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances who may have been diagnosed with the same or similar conditions to what you are living with. Socialising with a physical disability can be difficult, we are here to help make it much easier
An individual care plan entirely suited to your needs and preferences. We strongly believe in treating every client on an individual basis. Even two people who have the same condition will deal with and manage it in completely different ways and should be treated as such
The opportunity to live as independently as you choose whilst having carers available at all times. We want you to feel confident enough to live the life you choose whilst having the reassurance that someone is always on hand to help you
Support to help you manage your difficulties. Our carers are with you and for you and will support you in every way they can

As well as physical disability care, we are also licensed by the Care Quality Commission to provide support for mental health and learning disabilities and so we provide cross-sectional care. If you would like to find out more about our supported living services in Essex, please contact us.

Talk to us

We are more than happy to speak to you regarding any of our services or for some general advice.

Get in touch

Head Office:
Butterfly's Care Homes Ltd
3 Bromley Road
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3JE

Main Office:
01206 866 252

Domiciliary Care Office:
01206 583 743

Email:
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