Reablement following hospital discharge:
Intensive support to rebuild strength, mobility, and independence.
Physical Disability Support Services at Home in Swindon
A person's physical disability is not a defining characteristic; it is one aspect of who they are. At Earnest Support Care Ltd, we provide specialist support to adults in Swindon living with a wide range of physical disabilities, enabling them to remain in their own homes, maintain independence, participate in community, and live lives of dignity and purpose.
Our Approach to Physical Disability Support
Good support for people with physical disabilities involves:
Close collaboration with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, who understand the rehabilitation and functional potential.
Understanding the specific condition and its impact on the person's functioning and participation.
Removing environmental and attitudinal barriers, enabling participation.
Ensuring access to necessary aids and equipment, and training in their safe use.
Supporting rehabilitation, strength, and functional improvement.
Promoting independence and autonomy, rather than dependence.
Supporting the person's goals and aspirations, whatever these may be.
Recognising the person's expertise in their own condition and needs.
Providing clinical expertise through our Nursing Lead (RGN/RMN), Gideon Ogunwale, for health-related needs.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot (ischaemic stroke) or by bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke)
Strokes can result in significant impairment, including weakness or paralysis of one side of the body, difficulty with speech or understanding, visual problems, cognitive changes, or swallowing difficulties. The recovery process is highly variable; some people recover significantly whilst others have lasting disability. We provide support throughout the recovery journey, from the acute phase following discharge from hospital through to the longer-term adjustment to living with stroke-related disability.
Stroke support includes:
Rehabilitation support
Working with physiotherapists and occupational therapists to maximise recovery and functional ability.
Rehabilitation support
Working with physiotherapists and occupational therapists to maximise recovery and functional ability.
Communication support
For people with aphasia (speech difficulties) or dysarthria (slurred speech), we can use visual supports, simple language, and alternative communication methods.
Dysphagia (swallowing) support
If swallowing is affected, we ensure safe eating and drinking, follow recommendations from speech and language therapy, and monitor for aspiration.
Continence support
Many stroke survivors experience continence difficulties; we provide discreet, respectful support.
Emotional and psychological support
Adjusting to disability following stroke is challenging; we provide emotional support and help prevent depression.
Mobility and moving and handling support
Safe transferring using correct techniques and equipment.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement control. It is characterised by tremor, rigidity (stiffness), slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and balance difficulties.
Parkinson's can also affect mood, cognition, and non-movement symptoms (sleep, constipation, orthostatic hypotension). The course of Parkinson's is highly variable; some people remain relatively stable for many years whilst others experience more rapid progression. We provide support that adapts as the condition evolves.
Parkinson's support includes:
Medication support
Medication timing is crucial in Parkinson's; missing doses or taking medications late can significantly affect functioning. We ensure medications are taken on time and monitor their effectiveness.
Mobility support
Supporting safe walking, transfer, and transfers using appropriate techniques and equipment.
Movement strategies
Using movement strategies (cueing techniques, music, visual markers) that can help people with Parkinson's move more fluidly.
Coordination with specialist services
Working with Parkinson's specialists, neurologists, and other professionals involved in care.
Non-motor symptom management
Supporting sleep difficulties, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, and cognitive changes.
Falls prevention
Parkinson's increases fall risk; we implement falls prevention strategies and provide protective equipment.
Communication support
Speech can be affected in Parkinson's; we ensure clear communication and provide support if speech becomes difficult.
Psychological support
Parkinson's can lead to depression and anxiety; we provide emotional support and ensure access to mental health services.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. MS is characterised by inflammation and demyelination of nerve fibres, leading to varied symptoms depending on which parts of the nervous system are affected.
Symptoms may include fatigue (often severe), mobility difficulties, weakness, numbness, vision problems, cognitive changes, and emotional difficulties. MS can follow different courses: relapsing-remitting (most common, with relapses and remissions), progressive (gradually worsening), or secondary progressive. We provide flexible, responsive support that adapts to changes in MS symptoms and disability.
MS support includes:
Fatigue management:
MS-related fatigue is distinct from normal tiredness. We support energy conservation strategies, pacing, and regular rest breaks.
Mobility support
As mobility may fluctuate day-to-day, we provide flexible support and use assistive equipment.
Temperature sensitivity
Heat can worsen MS symptoms; we support staying cool and managing heat sensitivity.
Cognitive support
MS can affect concentration, memory, and executive functioning; we support memory aids and structured routines.
Bladder and bowel management
Many people with MS experience bladder and bowel difficulties; we provide respectful support.
Medication support
Disease-modifying therapies and symptom management medications require careful adherence and monitoring.
Relapse support
During relapses, we provide intensive support to maintain safety and wellbeing.
Psychological support
MS can lead to depression and anxiety; we provide emotional support.
Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease
Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, can cause significant pain, stiffness, and functional limitation.
People with arthritis may struggle with everyday tasks like opening jars, gripping objects, walking, or climbing stairs. We provide support to manage pain, maintain or improve mobility, and enable participation in valued activities.
Arthritis support includes:
Pain management support
Helping identify pain triggers, using heat and cold therapy, supporting medication use, and encouraging gentle movement.
Joint protection
Using adaptive equipment, energy conservation techniques, and ergonomic modifications.
Mobility and exercise support
Supporting gentle exercise to maintain flexibility and strength.
Assistive devices
Using grab handles, jar openers, ergonomic utensils, and other devices to reduce strain.
Activity support
Maintaining participation in valued activities through adaptive techniques or equipment.
Medication monitoring
Ensuring anti-inflammatory and other medications are taken as prescribed.
Communication support
Speech can be affected in Parkinson's; we ensure clear communication and provide support if speech becomes difficult.
Psychological support
Parkinson's can lead to depression and anxiety; we provide emotional support and ensure access to mental health services.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
People with spinal cord injury often have significant care needs and have experienced significant life change. We provide comprehensive support enabling independence and community participation despite significant disability.
Spinal cord injury support includes:
Bowel and bladder management
Supporting continence through scheduled bowel programmes, catheter care, or other management strategies.
Pressure ulcer prevention
People with spinal cord injury are at high risk of pressure ulcers; we implement rigorous prevention strategies.
Transfers and mobility
Safe transfer using correct techniques and equipment; mobility using wheelchairs or other aids.
Spasticity management
Supporting stretching and positioning to manage spasticity; coordination with physiotherapy.
Rehabilitation and adaptation
Supporting adaptation to disability and working towards independence goals.
Psychological support
Adjustment to disability is challenging; we provide emotional support.
Specialist equipment
Ensuring access to specialised equipment (standing frames, transfer equipment, pressure-relieving cushions).
Community reintegration
Supporting participation in community, work, education, or other valued roles.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a congenital condition affecting movement and posture, arising from abnormal development or damage to the motor control areas of the brain.
It affects people across a wide spectrum, from mild to profound disability. Some people with cerebral palsy have learning disabilities; many do not. We provide support adapted to each person's specific motor abilities, communication needs, and life goals.
Cerebral palsy support includes:
Positioning and postural management
Using positioning, splints, and equipment to support comfortable positioning and prevent contractures.
Mobility support
Using wheelchairs, walking aids, or other equipment; safe transferring using correct techniques.
Communication support
Adapting communication methods if speech is affected.
Seizure management
Many people with cerebral palsy have epilepsy; we support safe seizure management.
Spasticity management
Managing muscle tightness through stretching, positioning, and coordination with physiotherapy or medical management.
Pain management
Some people experience pain; we support pain management strategies.
Functional support
Supporting independence in self-care, mobility, and valued activities.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited conditions causing progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
Different types of muscular dystrophy have different rates of progression and different patterns of muscle involvement. We provide support that adapts as the condition progresses, maximising independence and quality of life.
Muscular dystrophy support includes:
Mobility support
As muscle weakness progresses, we adapt mobility support from walking aids to wheelchairs.
Respiratory support
Advanced muscular dystrophy may affect breathing; we monitor and ensure access to respiratory support.
Swallowing support
Some types of muscular dystrophy affect swallowing; we ensure safe eating and drinking.
Contracture prevention
Using positioning and stretching to prevent muscle contractures.
Pain management
Managing pain that may arise from muscle disease or immobility.
Psychological support
Adjusting to progressive disability is emotionally challenging; we provide support.
Genetic counselling
Supporting access to genetic counselling and support services.
Palliative care
As the condition advances, we transition to a palliative care approach focused on comfort and quality of life.
Aids, Equipment, and Environmental Adaptations
Appropriate aids, equipment, and environmental adaptations can make an enormous difference to someone's independence and quality of life.
We work closely with occupational therapists and equipment suppliers to identify and source appropriate equipment
This may include:
Mobility aids
Walkers, sticks, wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids.
Bedroom and bathroom equipment
Bed rails, profiling beds, hoists, shower chairs, commodes, raised toilet seats.
Pressure-relieving equipment
Pressure-relieving mattresses, cushions, and positioning equipment.
Adaptations to the home
Ramps, grab rails, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, stair lifts.
Communication aids
Visual supports, AAC devices, hearing aids.
Therapeutic equipment
Splints, standing frames, stretching equipment.
Kitchen and domestic aids
Adapted cutlery, ergonomic kitchen equipment, labour-saving devices.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited conditions causing progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
Different types of muscular dystrophy have different rates of progression and different patterns of muscle involvement. We provide support that adapts as the condition progresses, maximising independence and quality of life.
Muscular dystrophy support includes:
Mobility support
As muscle weakness progresses, we adapt mobility support from walking aids to wheelchairs.
Respiratory support
Advanced muscular dystrophy may affect breathing; we monitor and ensure access to respiratory support.
Swallowing support
Some types of muscular dystrophy affect swallowing; we ensure safe eating and drinking.
Contracture prevention
Using positioning and stretching to prevent muscle contractures.
Pain management
Managing pain that may arise from muscle disease or immobility.
Psychological support
Adjusting to progressive disability is emotionally challenging; we provide support.
Genetic counselling
Supporting access to genetic counselling and support services.
Palliative care
As the condition advances, we transition to a palliative care approach focused on comfort and quality of life.
Gideon Ogunwale
Nursing Lead · RGN/RMN
Nursing ExpertiseLearn More
Our Nursing Lead
Gideon Ogunwale (RGN/RMN), brings specialist nursing expertise to our physical disability support. As a Registered General Nurse and Registered Mental Health Nurse, Gideon understands the physical health implications of disability, medication management, wound care, infection prevention, and when to escalate health concerns to healthcare professionals. Gideon provides clinical oversight of all health-related care and ensures all our support meets professional nursing standards.
All our care workers receive mental health awareness training and ongoing development in evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, collaborative problem-solving, and de-escalation techniques.
FAQ
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How to Get in Touch
If you would like to discuss care within your location, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us:
Our team is available to answer your questions and arrange a convenient time to discuss your care needs in detail.