For Jennifer, a retired volunteer who cherished her independence, life took an unexpected turn when an unwitnessed fall led to a fractured hip and a cognitive impairing brain injury. Following intensive care at hospital, Jennifer was referred to Woodlands, our specialist neurological rehabilitation facility in York. Upon admission, Jennifer faced significant challenges — struggling with mobility and weakness, and a profound fear of falling. Her memory was affected which made it difficult for Jennifer to retain information between therapy sessions and engage in conversations.
Initially, Jennifer was wheelchair bound and required assistance from two staff members to help her to get comfortable and maintain a personal care routine. However, the dedicated multi-disciplinary team crafted a personalised rehabilitation plan that would prove transformative and help Jennifer to effectively overcome the daunting challenges she faced. “Without all the help, I wouldn’t be back at home with my husband.” Jennifer happily reflects.
Physiotherapists worked tirelessly with Jennifer to rebuild her strength, balance, and confidence. Through consistent therapy and guided exercises, she progressed from needing full assistance to moving more independently with different mobility aids. The occupational therapy team guided Jennifer back to independence in daily living activities, from dressing and washing to cooking. Speech and language therapists addressed Jennifer’s mild-moderate cognitive communication disorder through group therapy sessions which improved her ability to sustain attention in conversations dramatically.
The psychology team helped Jennifer overcome her anxiety and fear of falling, while nursing staff supported her in managing medications independently. Throughout her journey, Jennifer’s husband and daughter provided unwavering support, even bringing cakes to show their appreciation for the staff’s dedication. As Jennifer’s physical and cognitive abilities improved, so did her confidence. She participated in community outings and activities at Woodlands, spent Christmas Day with her family in her own home, and even followed a recipe to bake an Easter cake independently. These milestones marked significant progress in her recovery. “When you find somewhere like this, it’s amazing,” Jennifer shared.
After five months, she returned home, equipped with the skills and confidence to live as she chooses with support from her husband and basic mobility aids. Jennifer continues to work towards her goals, while remaining active and participating in community activities. Jennifer’s story is a testament to the power of specialised, person-centred care. The compassionate team at Woodlands not only facilitated her physical recovery but also nurtured her spirit, helping her relearn skills and regain independence.
For more information about Woodlands, please visit their webpage.
