DI COVID-19 Response
May 2020
DI has over 45 years of experience, working with many hundreds of highly vulnerable people who have long term neurological conditions, physical disabilities and brain injuries. DI also supports their families to adapt to some of the most difficult and challenging circumstances imaginable. As a community based Charity, DI excels at finding solutions to help clients problem solve, build resilience, rise to challenges and achieve their goals.
On the morning of 17th March 2020, the DI Team met to discuss how each and every client could be individually supported in the face of the Covid19 Pandemic. Although no one could have foreseen such a devastating occurrence, or experienced anything like it before, DI was able to redefine the services within 24 hours.
We spoke with each client and their families to identify what their support needs were and were likely to be during the isolation period as for many, DI is the only service our clients rely on.
Those with additional support packages were concerned about their situation and so DI worked with Health and Social Care to ensure that no person was disconnected from contact or support. DI also responded to requests for help where statutory services or family carers were themselves unable to support. This has included hospital discharges, safeguarding situations, medication collection and administration, food preparation and delivery, shopping and constant contact, especially for those also struggling with their mental health.
The very nature of our client group means that people’s needs and abilities are constantly fluctuating, but DI has been able to respond and flex’s according to need. The DI Keyworkers are highly trained, versatile and committed. They know their clients and their families well and therefore have been pivotal to their wellbeing during this time.
Support has been varied and includes
400+ nutritional homemade meals prepared and delivered
115+ shopping trips
270+ home visits
145+ specialist functional mobility sessions (since 21st April 2020)
215+ activity pack drops completed
1783+ phone calls to clients and families
237+ interactive social media sessions including; fitness, art, quizzes, games, cookery and support sessions
DI is running 30+ functional mobility sessions per week across both Camberley and Fleet sites, which includes use of the Genie V2 and Motomed. We aim to safely increase these sessions over the coming weeks. These have had a significant impact on clients and has prevented further physical deterioration, improved stamina and enhanced mood. We have completed each session by offering a healthy well balanced tailored meal. This has been to take home to share with their families or to eat at the Centres with others, whilst stringently applying the social distancing rules and infection prevention controls!
It was serendipity that the DI Team qualified to drive the Dial a Ride buses last year, so where individuals have been unable to attend DI independently during the pandemic, the Team have been able to collect and return clients from home.
We ensure that DI’s rigorous Infection Prevention Controls Policy and Practices are strictly adhered to at all times in all we do, as endorsed by Frimley NHS Trust IPC department.
The sheer pace of DI’s transformation has been astonishing and the awesome Team have been incredible. I have seen courage, innovation and tenacity, along with humour and positivity in the face of adversity.
Our clients are as inspirational as ever and have demonstrated extraordinary mettle and resilience during this pandemic. The overwhelming acts of kindness and compassion we have witnessed have been breath-taking.
So to all the remarkable people who make up and contribute to DI and have kept one another safe and supported, there are no words, just eternal gratitude, admiration and respect.
Lucy.
At DI your goals are our goals
Our mission :-
"To offer opportunities and support to individuals to enable them to release their potential and aspire to their chosen goals"
DI is an established charity that specialises in the provision of services to adults with complex physical disabilities and acquired brain injury.
We specialise in providing care and slow stream rehabilitation to individuals that helps them achieve their goals, no matter how large or small. This is accomplished through a variety of activities, accredited educational courses and therapies unique to DI. Each programme is specifically designed to meet an individual's needs and aspirations.
We operate from a purpose-built centre that offers a fully accessible environment with easy access to Camberley town centre.
DI provides a high standard of care and social rehabilitation that recognises personal choices, dignity and freedom of the individual whilst the resource centre provides a vibrant, progressive and dynamic setting where everyone is able to thrive.
Ring us today for a tour of our Resource Centre on 01276 676302.
