"Support l didn’t know l needed"

I have been becoming increasingly disabled over 20 year period almost without realising it was happening. However, to cut, very short, events of the last year, an awakening took place when Zoe, assistant physiotherapist in Largs, did an assessment in December 2022. Zoe was indeed alarmed by my risk of a fall and set in motion quite a lot of appointments with various health professionals covering a range of specialisms. These health professionals were, everyone, earnest, sincere, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they did. Sometimes they pointed me in correct directions where l had strayed from the path; sometimes they happily provided me with equipment that allowed my path to become safe for me; sometimes they couldn’t do anything for me to their chagrin. I was always treated with utmost respect!

Eventually an Occupational Therapist visited. This was the eureka moment of the entire process. All the assessments seemed now to makes sense. We discussed safety in my home and how to adapt it to make me less of a risk taker. 

So l discovered the Dirran Centre offering care and support to North Ayrshire’s older folks.Never went there - never needed to! Their friendly care was at the other end of the phone every single time l called! Thank you all!

Pamela, this truly inspirational therapist, arranged all the paperwork that was required for me to have stairlift and a wetroom fitted. Yes l had a few calls to make and forms to complete. But l was in control until l encountered the estimates from tradesmen: l understand the plumbers and the joiners and the forward planning and the jobs that went wrong and the this and the that. With the best of intentions, the tradesmen said “yes we’ll estimate” but Mr Smith has a big job, Mrs Jones needs a small job and it’s approaching Christmas. Yes the estimates do pose a conundrum! 

What to do? Phone Pamela…..Pamela principally assured me Do not worry; you will find tradesmen! Be careful when climbing the stairs for a week or two; get bizzy on that mobile…call every potential tradesman, get a few hints and you will find your person!”

To shorten this story: l struck gold shortly thereafter. Got a number and called: everything solved. This man answered phone and did so every time l called him as l did many times. This man fitted wet room when he said he would; he said it would take four days and it took four days. Finally, today, Pamela came to check that l was satisfied with the stairlift, which l could have mentioned but time dictates brevity, and the wetroom, which the wizard installed with skill and care….satisfied??? Satisfaction does not describe how l feel about all those caring and supportive people from Zoe right through to Pamela….l forget none of you! If there are stars permitted for only a handful…ok Zoe, Handicare, the plumbing genius, North Ayrshire Council, the Dirran Centre and, of course, Pamela.