A resident, who is receiving palliative care, has been provided with essential help to support their remaining time at home, after Bedford Borough Council staff arranged for the installation of a self-contained pod with washing, showering and toileting facilities within their sitting room.
This is the first time that the innovative solution has been used by the Housing Improvement Team and can be repurposed for other clients meeting the qualifying criteria for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
The work began after it became apparent that the resident needed these facilities urgently with the purpose-built pod taking just two days to be installed.
A Council spokesman said; “There were no major building works required – the unit just needed to be connected to services within the property for waste, water and electrics. When the pod is no longer required at this property, it will be removed by the contractors, stored safely, and be ready for re-use by other clients who need this facility urgently in the future.
“The pod can be installed within a very short timeframe, with minimum disturbance to both the client and their home. Most importantly, it means the client can spend their remaining time at home, with family in familiar surroundings.”
The client said; “What an amazing product! The installers were fantastic and this is going to make my life so much easier. Thank you to everyone involved.”