Tom's Team

Tom is my delightful step-son, but I have also had the pleasure of being his physiotherapist when he was younger. He always worked really hard on his physio exercises and continues at home now with remote sessions.

In recent years, alongside his Adult Physio Programme, we have introduced exercises that he can do in his hot-tub at home, as hydrotherapy pools are very difficult to access.

I’m Charlotte Fox – Tom’s independent Occupational Therapist. I’ve been working with Tom since 2011. In this time it’s been great to see, and be able to support him with achieving so many of his goals and experiences such as:

Designing and moving into a specially adapted property with a range of specialist equipment that is designed to enable him to be as independent as possible and maintain a range of different interests and activities.
Accessing his IT equipment and finding ways he can use devices more independently to play games and communicate with friends and family.
Applying for a wide range of vocational activities and work experience placements.
Management of his condition
Progressing through education and into adulthood
Community access and engagement

Tom is a delight to work with – always keen and willing, and I love hearing about what he’s been up to each time I see him – there is always a good experience or story he has to tell! I look forward to continuing to work with Tom and have high hopes for what he will continue to achieve. At Occupational Therapy Norfolk myself and our team of Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation Assistants work with a wide range of individuals and organisations providing Occupational Therapy services aimed at rehabilitation, and maximising independence – we have a great mix of skills within the team which means we can work with individuals with a wide range of needs.

Since 2010, we have carried out electrical installation and modifications at Tom’s property. These have included supplies to specialist pieces of equipment, wiring of some areas, and new distribution equipment. The equipment installed and /or wired to, has included air conditioning in Toms bedroom to maintain a comfortable temperature, hoists, door openers, height adjustable sinks and therapy tub to name but a few. Also installed were supplies to new electric gates with auto opening between set times to allow for delivery of vital supplies.

External automatic lighting was installed to aid with ingress and egress for Tom during hours of darkness. Integrated into this, emergency lighting has been installed to give light as required should a power cut be experienced either through an emergency situation or a standard power outage.

Since the original works we have continued visiting the house to carry out various maintenance works and also routine and preventative maintenance, including electrical testing to ensure a safe surrounding for both Tom and his family and careers.

To aid with Tom feeling comfortable with our presence in the house we have, 99% of the time, sent our same engineer Simon to carry out the works.

It has been an honour to have been involved with Tom and the family throughout the years.

I thoroughly enjoy my time training Tom and look forward to future sessions with him. Tom iss not afraid to work hard and push himself, which makes my job a lot easier.

We usually mix things up and work both his upper and lower body. Switching between using the TRX, free weights, resistant bands, and some of the machines around the gym.

Not only is it a joy seeing Tom work hard, but also seeing him enjoying himself. It is also lovely to see how easily he fits in at the gym and the number of friends Tom makes from session to session. It’s definitely the part of my job I find most rewarding, and we are all looking forward to welcoming Tom back in the New Year.

Trading as Blossoming Speech Solutions, we offer expert speech and language therapy for individuals with neurological conditions and head injuries, supporting both adults and children. I am an Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with 19 years of experience, having qualified from City University, with a BSc (hons) in 2005. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including NHS community and acute services, as well as private neurological care environments.

Our approach at Blossoming Speech Solutions is centred on creating personalised therapy programs tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether working with teenagers or adults, I focus on improving communication skills, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. I am passionate about providing bespoke care that truly supports the unique journey of every client.

I work closely with my assistant, Bonnie, who shares my dedication to delivering the highest standard of care. Together, we offer therapy services in the comfort of your own home or at my clinic. My additional training in dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), autism, counselling, and end-of-life care allows us to provide holistic support for clients with a range of complex needs.

Tom came to us for support with his dysphagia. He wanted to be able to eat a regular Level 7 diet but after a couple of choking episodes it was acknowledged the risk of further choking was high. I supported his care team with a comprehensive dysphagia plan. Assessment indicated poor oromotor control and a difficulty in achieving adequate lip control which is needed for swallowing, drinking and producing bilabial sounds in talking such as b, p, m. A bespoke programme with twice daily exercises means he is now communicating with much better clarity. This supports his working in the community and most importantly being able to make his needs known.

I’m Ray Length and I record Tom’s ideas onto a MacBook from his choice of instruments. These are software instruments, drums and percussion, stringed instruments and vocals. We also try to use a handheld recorder so Tom can make his own sounds to use in composition. We also do song writing led by Tom for choice style and words. Tom enjoy percussive play so we will play in different time signatures and in the past Tom has provided soundtracks for his picture reels.