A bathroom adaptation has transformed life for a Powys man who struggled to use his previous shower.

Stephen Fleming, from near Llandrindod Wells, described his old bathroom as an “Indiana Jones-style maze,” with a tiny shower, a collapsing floor, and a door constantly blocked by his shower seat. The problems made even simple daily routines difficult and unsafe.

Thanks to the county council’s occupational therapy and housing teams, Stephen now has a level-access shower, allowing him to shower and reach his toilet safely.

“It’s just so much more straight-forward,” he said.

The work is part of a wider programme. Last year, occupational therapists across mid and south Powys helped 24 residents have level-access showers installed, with more adaptations planned this year. Referrals can be made through the council’s front door service for adult care and support, ASSIST, or via Care & Repair in Powys.

Councillor Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys said: “It’s important for us to listen to what matters to our residents, when they approach us, or partners like Care & Repair in Powys, for support. And this is a great example of that happening in practice.

“Stephen had a goal of ‘wanting to be able to shower safely and independently’ and our social care and housing staff were able to help him realise that.

“This demonstrates the key role we play in helping our residents to live healthy and active lives, and to live as independently as possible in their own homes. That role is at the heart of the changes we are making in adult social care as we look forward to supporting many more people like Stephen in the future.”

For more information on accessing support or working in social care in Powys, visit the council’s website.