Flexible funding allows Dylan to live independently for the first time in his life and save on on-going costs

Case study summary

Dylan has cerebral palsy and he uses a wheelchair for all of his mobility. Through joint flexible  funding across health and social care, he now has a new powered wheelchair has allowed him to live independently and not rely on any carers for the first time in his life, as well as save on his ongoing costs. See Dylan receiving his new wheelchair and what a difference it makes to his life.

 

Dylan is a 19 year from Hull who has cerebral palsy which results in spasms and has restricted the use of his legs so that he uses a wheelchair for all of his mobility.

A key ambition for him is to live as independently as possible and he is about to start studying computer forensics and cyber security at a university in Leeds, as well as learn how to drive.

Dylan is getting his new powered wheelchair through joint funding through his Personal Wheelchair Budget and social care funding package. This new chair will allow him to make some small but significant changes that will have a profound effect on his life. It will allow him to live independently and not rely on any carers for the first time in his life. The new wheelchair costs £5,000.

These changes include enabling him to lower his foot-rests so he can transfer and shower independently and recharge his chair without help, as well easily adjust his height so he can reach his kitchen benches to cook and walk alongside people at the same height.

By using a flexible funding process he is able to combine his funding to better meet his mobility needs and his wider health and wellbeing outcomes, as well as provide savings for the system.

By not requiring a daily carer, he’s ongoing care needs will now provide savings in the region of £13,000, over 3 years.

This all mean that he can live independently and socialise like any other 19 year old student, including going to pub!