Page 43 - October 2019

igem news

Walter mobility improved considerably and a accessed for a couple of months. The
Walter* had a disabled new purpose-designed wheelchair was atmosphere in the residential home
wife, disabled son and suggested to further his progress. This was severely affecting Ronnie’s health.
disabled daughter. allowed him to drive short distances Consequently, a more suitable care
He had become in a specially adapted car, paid for home had to be found. Obviously, this
progressively disabled by a government scheme. Dennis would be more expensive, so Ronnie
himself and suffered wrote often to say how he was faring, asked for a grant covering the difference
from stress and mental problems, as always acknowledging the help he in fees between the two homes. All his
well as progressive arthritis. He had received from the Benevolent Fund. His resources were temporarily tied up in
been forced to move house due to a job quality of life improved dramatically financing the purchase of his new home.
relocation, but had lost his job in far over several years. Sadly, his health There was a need to act quickly, so a fast
from straightforward circumstances. deteriorated and he was hospitalised. track approval was carried out. Taking
The condition of the house and the The fund trustees kept in touch with into account all the circumstances of
grounds around it had deteriorated due Dennis and he continued to stress Ronnie’s circumstances, it was decided
to his inability to maintain it, leading the psychological value of knowing that payment of the whole of the care
to a conflict with his neighbour. None that IGEM maintained an interest in home fees was justifiable.
of this was helping his health or the him and would support him further, Ronnie was greatly appreciative of the
health of his family. Walter was on if needed. When Dennis passed away, award. He and several friends and ex-
state benefits, so a regular payment his special wheelchair was donated to colleagues remarked how much relief
from the Benevolent Fund would another patient in need. the award had given him.
have resulted in a pro-rata reduction
of his income. Walter had previously Janet Barry
applied for a grant towards building Janet’s husband, a long Retired IGEM member
repairs from the local authority, which serving member, had Barry was living with
had agreed a sum towards the cost. passed away, leaving Alzheimer’s disease
However, the offer had lapsed because her confused and in a nursing home. He
Walter could not afford the balance to concerned about her required care around
pay for all the works required. finances. She applied to the clock. Apart from
IGEM approached Walter’s local the Benevolent Fund for assistance. On his Alzheimer’s, Barry was in otherwise
authority with a view to reinstating their close examination of Janet’s income good health and had many years left
offer, with IGEM making up the balance to and assets, it was clear that Janet didn’t ahead of him. The big problem for him,
the final cost. A part payment in advance need financial help from the fund – in the nursing staff, and his family was
of the building work was made by IGEM fact, if any assistance were given she that he twisted about on the armchairs
to secure the works. The situation was would have to pay tax on it. It was clear provided by the home, so much so that
improved and Walter’s health and that of that what Janet really needed was he often fell out of the chairs onto the
his family improved as a result. detailed, expert financial assistance. floor. As he was a rather large man,
Three years later, it was found that Consequently, her local Citizen’s Advice retrieving him was far from easy and
decorative timber work on the outside of Bureau was contacted. They agreed to he had bruised himself badly on more
the house had rotted in places, so IGEM see her and, after a few sessions, sorted than one occasion. Barry’s doctor had
paid for corrective work to that too. her problems out. The Benevolent recommended a special HydroTilt water
The assistance Walter received Fund always tries to give a positive chair, which would enable him to remain
has been followed by a substantial response, even if sometimes it is an comfortable and prevent him from
improvement in his health and he has unconventional one. falling out. However, neither the home
become more financially secure. He nor the family could afford to buy one.
said: “I really believe none of this would Ronnie Taking family finances into account, it
have happened without the timely Ronnie had suffered was decided the fund would purchase
support I received from the IGEM with depression for a the chair for Barry. His family and the
Benevolent Fund during an extremely long time and this had a nursing home were very grateful.
difficult period in my life.” massive effect on his life. Barry died three years later.
Sadly, it resulted in the Fortunately, another resident matched
Dennis break-up of his marriage. the requirements for the chair, so it was
Dennis suffered from He went to live with his father, who donated to the nursing home.
multiple sclerosis and later died. Three years later, Ronnie was
hypertension, resulting found collapsed at home in a very poor If you know someone who may need
in severe muscle physical condition and was admitted assistance from time to time, encourage
weakness and mobility to hospital. His condition improved, so them to approach the Institution.
problems. His wife the hospital wanted to discharge him. Membership of the fund is open to all
was also disabled. His consultant had However, he was not fit to return home grades of membership and no contribution
suggested that his condition could and was transferred to a basic residential or donation is required. However,
be relieved by functional electronic home where nearly all the residents members, and any others wishing to do so,
stimulation (FES) treatment, but it were geriatric. His family were unable to can make voluntary donations or bequests.
was not available from the NHS. The provide any help with accommodation. To find out more about the Benevolent
Benevolent Fund paid for the treatment Arrangements were made to sell the Fund email Lesley Ecob on lesley@igem.
and assisted Dennis by providing some house and use the proceeds to buy a org.uk or call 01509 678167.
ancillary equipment to improve the smaller, more manageable dwelling, *Names have been changed.
quality of his life. Dennis’ health and but the new property could not be Photos posed by models.

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