Mum Told She’ll Never Walk Again Facing Two Years Confined to Ground Floor
A disabled mother struggles with mobility issues, awaiting home adaptations for over a year
Ramsey, Mandy Quilliam, Multiple Sclerosis, Disability, Home Adaptations
Ramsey: A disabled mum has been living mostly in one room for over a year. Building delays at her new home have made life difficult.
Mandy Quilliam, 45, is desperate to regain her family life. She feels stuck in a house that doesn’t meet her needs.
In June 2023, Mandy learned she would never walk again. She has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), a disease affecting her central nervous system.
After her diagnosis, she struggled with movement and couldn’t climb the stairs in her three-bedroom home. She was told she would get a new bungalow adapted for her needs.
However, months later, she’s still confined to the ground floor. She relies on her partner and kids for help with basic tasks.
The Department of Infrastructure admitted the project is delayed due to a lack of specialized items. They expect to finish the work by summer.
Mandy’s wellbeing has suffered. She often feels stressed and depressed. Her partner leaves early, and she can’t wake her kids for school.
Friends and family help when they can, but she feels it adds to her emotional distress. Her current home is challenging for someone with mobility issues.
She has a hospital bed in the living room, leaving little space for family seating. She can’t access her upstairs bedroom or bathroom.
A stair lift was considered but ruled out due to her condition. This means she can’t use her bedroom or bathroom.
Her attempts to lead a normal life have led to injuries. She’s had burns from the kitchen worktops being too high.
Mandy believes a more accessible home would help her be a better mother. In August 2023, she was told the adaptations would take about five months.
Now, months later, the work is still not done. A strategic officer from Crossroads Care raised concerns about the timeline.
Mandy is frustrated with the delays. She keeps getting different completion dates. She and her kids are fed up with the situation.
She needs a stable home for her family. Moving into the bungalow would help them regain their family life.
Despite her condition, Mandy runs her cleaning business from her bedside with help from her daughter, Ava.
Mandy’s mum, Doreen, is proud of her daughter. Many suggest Mandy quit her job, but she wants to keep her business going.
The Department of Infrastructure acknowledged the delays. They explained the complexity of the work needed for Mandy’s new home.
They are working with Occupational Health professionals to create a design that supports her lifestyle. The project includes an extension, a new bedroom, and a wet room.
They are also installing a track and hoist for easier movement. The project has taken longer than expected, but they are reviewing tender returns now.
They hope to hand over the project early in the summer.