The Rogers family
For years, devoted mum Emma had struggled helping her daughter Courtney, 10, with daily routines at their home in Deanshanger, Northamptonshire. Courtney was born with a genetic condition resulting in reduced mobility, obesity and learning difficulties, Courtney needed her mum’s assistance to wash, go to the toilet and get down the stairs.
With Grand Union’s help, Courtney’s life was transformed. Our Occupational Therapist team installed a wet room, wash toilet and converted a downstairs room for Courtney to have her own space.
Emma said: “I cannot put into words the difference the adaptations have made to our lives. Not just for me and Courtney, but the whole family!
“Before the wet room was installed, I used to dread washing Courtney. I spent the past eight years lifting her in and out the bath, even while pregnant, with a trapped nerve in my back and struggling physically. We tried lots of different things to help the situation, such as steps to the bath, but nothing worked."
“At 10 years old, Courtney was getting to the age where she really needed her own privacy; she was also getting too heavy for me to lift. I spoke to Gemma, an Occupational Therapist at Grand Union, and told her about our situation. In just two days, she was back on the phone, organising a time to come round and complete the home assessments and installations."
“We were kept informed every step of the way and even had our own say in the choice of flooring and other renovations. Nothing was too much trouble, and alongside the wet room and wash toilet, Grand Union even facilitated an extension, making room for Courtney to have her own space, to de-stress and cope with her emotions if she needs to.”
The extension meant that Courtney didn’t have to go up and down the stairs – something which she’d need help in doing – so Emma feels she is a lot safer.
“The wet room enables Courtney to wash independently and she’s at less risk of falling over, due to her deteriorating eyesight.”
Once the wet room was finished, Emma cried tears of joy. “It’s something I don’t think people will fully understand unless they’ve walked in our shoes. It’s also something we wouldn’t have been able to afford without Grand Union’s help."
“I’m so grateful we’ve been able to make these adaptations for Courtney who, despite everything, is the happiest and most smiley child I know.”
Back With Grand Union’s help, Courtney’s life was transformed. Our Occupational Therapist team installed a wet room, wash toilet and converted a downstairs room for Courtney to have her own space.
Emma said: “I cannot put into words the difference the adaptations have made to our lives. Not just for me and Courtney, but the whole family!
“Before the wet room was installed, I used to dread washing Courtney. I spent the past eight years lifting her in and out the bath, even while pregnant, with a trapped nerve in my back and struggling physically. We tried lots of different things to help the situation, such as steps to the bath, but nothing worked."
“At 10 years old, Courtney was getting to the age where she really needed her own privacy; she was also getting too heavy for me to lift. I spoke to Gemma, an Occupational Therapist at Grand Union, and told her about our situation. In just two days, she was back on the phone, organising a time to come round and complete the home assessments and installations."
“We were kept informed every step of the way and even had our own say in the choice of flooring and other renovations. Nothing was too much trouble, and alongside the wet room and wash toilet, Grand Union even facilitated an extension, making room for Courtney to have her own space, to de-stress and cope with her emotions if she needs to.”
The extension meant that Courtney didn’t have to go up and down the stairs – something which she’d need help in doing – so Emma feels she is a lot safer.
“The wet room enables Courtney to wash independently and she’s at less risk of falling over, due to her deteriorating eyesight.”
Once the wet room was finished, Emma cried tears of joy. “It’s something I don’t think people will fully understand unless they’ve walked in our shoes. It’s also something we wouldn’t have been able to afford without Grand Union’s help."
“I’m so grateful we’ve been able to make these adaptations for Courtney who, despite everything, is the happiest and most smiley child I know.”
