I attended the centre for my appointment with my wife and sister-in-law who are carers for me. I was met by the Occupational Therapist who did not rush us, answered all our questions, took time to test me on the walkers until we arrived at the most suitable model. The whole appointment boosted my confidence and will to improve and use new equipment.
So, so, very grateful for the time and advice. Tremendously appreciative of your patience and knowledge. It was a lot to take in and I was very grateful that I had someone with me who could listen to the advice given. It was good to have the “buying guides” to take away and read later, as was the recommended suppliers list. I came away with lots to think about and, just as importantly, what would not work for me. I have felt rather overwhelmed by my condition, hospital appointments, therapists, physios, etc, etc, but felt less “disabled” after this appointment and more upbeat due to the help/advice given; knowing that there are things that could help me. I would not hesitate to recommend this service to anyone who needs a guiding hand. Thank you again.
I always find the service to be excellent, helpful, kind and friendly. I was able to look at and try equipment without pressure and have been given excellent advice. All staff were professional and made me feel at ease. Thank you.
Gave lots of good ideas on technologies for my mother to try and relieve anxiety and also other people to contact for advice and support.
Thank you very much for all your help and patience, guiding mum and I through all the gadgets available. It was so helpful and will really make a difference to mum’s everyday functioning. Reducing all the frustration she feels especially with using smart gadgets. Thank you too, for the thorough detailed information you have sent. I will spend the weekend ordering it all. Mum sends her best wishes, as I do.
My mother who is almost 90 was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2023. She has always liked to keep up with the times and has various digital gadgets, but in the last few months, she has been having problems, and we realized it was time to change them and make things easier for her and less frustrating. So, we visited the Independent Living Centre in Newton Abbot, to get some advice on what digital gadgets would be most helpful for her and a few other things. We had a lovely warm welcome by the receptionist, and then were seen by the ILC OT. The ILC OT was fantastic, very friendly, empathetic, understanding, and knowledgeable. She gave us many ideas for replacement technology that my mum would be able to use now and, in the future, and showed us examples of what is on the market to buy. She also suggested other ideas that we hadn’t even thought of that will make a real difference for my mother. So, my mother and I would definitely give the ILC OT a 10/10 for doing a fabulous job. We would highly recommend her and this resource, to anyone who has a disability and is struggling in their everyday life.
My husband who has vascular dementia, myself and family had a pre-arranged appointment in May. We were made to feel very welcomed by a lovely lady on entering the centre. We then met the therapy team lead, who was very knowledgeable, personable, and spent a great deal of time talking us through and demonstrating various pieces of equipment of interest to us, to help going forward. Thank you so very much, we came away feeling much more confident and knowledgeable about what to look for in the way of chairs, beds and of course the amazing advice.
I spoke with the ILC Physiotherapist who was very helpful, informative and friendly. She took a lot of time explaining how important it is having the correct size chair, to improve mobility and posture issues. She then took the measurements I would require and gave me all my information I needed to help me buy the right armchair for me. She also helped me with finding kitchen equipment to assist me with the issues that I have with my hands. We also looked at improving the crutches that I use, so as to relieve some of the stress to my body. I was highly impressed and delighted at the care shown by the staff at the Independent Living Centre in Newton Abbot.
The OT that helped me was very welcoming and understanding and took his time explaining things so I could understand fully as well as showing me the bath lift. He also showed me stuff to help me cook and do things in the kitchen independently. He was very kind and had a good sense of humour. He really made the experience helpful and enjoyable.
My experience was fantastic. I got full information about rollators. Everything about different rollators was explained and demonstrated. I tried out various ones then found one that really suited. I was given its make, my measurements, and who locally may stock them. Plus, a leaflet re: them. Then I moved onto recliners. Mine is getting old. I needed a dual motor. I was measured etc. so that I could get the correct chair. I was given leaflets and the information as to who/where I could get one custom-made to my measurements. The ILC OT was very kind and patient and did everything to make me comfortable. Whatever I queried she gave me the information. I could not have had a better OT, she is excellent. No changes to the service needed.