On the 25 April of this year work began on a ramp at the home of Lesley and Barry, four days later it was completed and in the words of Barry, “We were off”.

Steps at the front and the back of their residence meant Lesley was almost entirely homebound and care costs had increased as health professionals needed to make home visits. Barry had supported Lesley as much as he was able, but it was no longer safe for them both to navigate the front porch steps, a safer, permanent solution was required.

Their Occupational Therapist (OT) Gemma, from WA Country Health Services Midwest accessed Indigo’s Home Modifications services, and now Lesley and Barry are safely and easily accessing their health professionals and re-connecting with, and enjoying their community.

When Gemma requested the ramp for Lesley and Barry, she also applied for GEAT (Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology) funding for a new wheelchair and cushion for Lesley.

Lesley’s wheelchair was heavy and hard to collapse and put strain on Barry when putting it in their small sedan; she now has a lightweight, easily collapsible wheelchair that fits nicely into their vehicle.

Lesley and Barry are delighted with the ramp and wheelchair, it has increased Lesley’s independence and made it easier and safer for Barry to continue to provide care.