Independent Living Skills

Promoting independence with personal, leisure and social activities

The journey towards independence begins by identifying the barriers, only then can the process of relearning lost skills truly begin.

Promoting independence through activity

As neurological occupational therapists, we are skilled in the assessment of ‘human doing’, placing emphasis on the functional skills required to be independent with daily living activities. We use activity as a medium to structure rehabilitation plans and to promote health and well-being.

Activities

Independent living skills include activities that we usually do or wish to do at home, in the community, workplace, school or college. This may include, but is not limited to:

self-care activities: bathing, washing, feeding and cleaning teeth
domestic activities: care of the home
roles and responsibilities: care of others, work and school responsibilities
daily routine and organisation: the ability to organise our self and others
leisure and recreational activities

Assessment Process

Our assessment process allows us to support an individual’s strengths and define their challenges. Challenges may include:

cognitive skills, such as memory and concentration
executive skills, such as planning problem solving and decision making
physical ability, such as walking and moving
hand and upper function
fatigue and sleep
mood and behaviour

Independent living trials and managing changing needs

We have extensive experience of working alongside case managers to implement and plan independent living trials. We have the skills required to advise on immediate and long-term care needs and housing requirements for individuals with complex presentations.

Working in partnership with the case manager and at the most appropriate time, we can facilitate a safe reduction of support when an accurate picture of individual care needs emerge. This process is highly complex and must be managed appropriately to ensure that stability is maintained for the individual and risks are reduced as much as possible,

Independent Living Skills Management

Money management

Being responsible for and managing money is, for some, a central part of independent living.

We use our ‘Financial Capability Decision Making Tool’ to help us understand an individual’s unique needs in relation to money management and the risks associated withthem managing their money themselves.

Medicine management

Sustainable health and wellbeing often derives from appropriate medication management.

Our specialist ‘Medication Risk Assessment’ will determine if an individual has the ability to self-medicate for themselves. If not, we can recommend solutions and advise on technology and tools to support an individual.

Fatigue management

Fatigue is a common symptom of brain injury, neurological illness or injury.

We use fatigue management principles to help individuals manage their energy effectively, including recommending modifications and strategies. An overview of sleep hygiene principles can also be conducted.

Cognitive rehabilitation

A neurological injury or diagnosis often changes cognitive skills such as memory or attention.

A functional assessment can assess specific cognitive skills, which then ensures the production of bespoke rehabilitation programmes that fit each individual and the symptoms they're experiencing.

Physical rehabilitation

Following a neurological diagnosis or injury, changes to physical abilities is often common.

We can introduce rehabilitation programmes that assess environments that may be causing barriers to independence, recommend coping strategies, and providing aids to assist in daily living.

Upper limb rehabilitation

A neurological diagnosis can impact an individual's abilities to use their upper limb and hand during daily living activities.

We utilise a number of specialist interventions such as upper limb and hand programmes, small aid and environmental modifications, work station assessments, and the assessment and provision of bespoke splinting.

A unique journey

Penny’s husband George sustained a brain injury after a fall in his bathroom.

She talks openly about George before the accident, the impact of his injuries and the challenges they have faced together.

What others say about us

I am always so impressed by the therapist’s commitment to and ongoing understanding of Claire and her situation. I am sure the rest of the family will share my thoughts so please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the therapy team when you next see them. Sister of brain injury survivor
I just wanted to drop you a line to say, whenever I call the office, Claire, in particular, is always very charming and efficient. She is a good representative of your company and has a nice phone manner and a good approach to customer service. So, thank you Claire. Mother of brain injury survivor
The following will never be enough to illustrate Paul’s journey but we are eternally grateful to the NHS, IM, ILS, Krysalis and the whole infrastructure that has been created for Paul. Yes, Paul is focused, determined and driven but the whole team have created a rehabilitation environment that has changed our life and Pauls future, they have made the thought of life and rehabilitation, turn from the impossible to the possible. Brother of brain injured survivor
The thought of having the family undertake this journey alone seems impossible and we will be always grateful. We all recognise that James is still on the rehabilitation journey, but there is no stopping him. He has just walked to Mum’s & Dad’s on his own (phone first to say he’s on his way)... what a way to celebrate the 2-year journey.Brother of brain injured survivor
I highly recommend Krysalis Consultancy OT services. Anna has been our life line since she came on board to help my husband following his brain injury. He has improved greatly thanks to Anna’s input in assisting him to become independent, teaching him step by step the simple things which we all take for granted. Anna is there for us 100%, teaching us both strategies to enable us to achieve better results.Wife of brain injured survivor
Just a short note to thank you very much for your hard work and persistence over the last few months, your guidance has undoubtedly helped and taken the pressure off me (I have benefited from the sessions greatly). I am really encouraged by the last few weeks and optimistic that if Peter keeps working at it he will continue to make good progress.Brother of brain injured survivor