Sarah’s* life changed in 2017 following an assault that left her with a hypoxic brain injury. After a stay in intensive care and an initial period of neurological rehabilitation within the NHS, she was transferred to Christchurch View for continued support. Sarah lives with a personality disorder, and at times she can be confrontational, which has added complexity to her care. But throughout her rehabilitation, her determination to regain control of her life has remained clear.
With the help of our dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Rehabilitation Assistants and Psychologists, Sarah embarked on a comprehensive and structured recovery program. The team supported her in rebuilding her mobility, regaining independence in daily living, and healing emotionally from both her brain injury and past trauma.
Sarah’s rehabilitation has included daily sessions with the therapy team, community outings, and focused work on her activities of daily living. At first, she needed significant assistance with tasks such as washing, dressing, and cooking. Over time, she engaged in multiple personal care assessments and gradually achieved full independence in these areas. She now cooks her own meals, maintains her hygiene routine, and confidently navigates her daily schedule.
Mobility was a major focus for Sarah. At one point, she had a toeing gait and was at high risk of falls. Through a tailored exercise program, regular gym sessions, and close monitoring, Sarah has made remarkable progress. She now walks unaided both at home and in the community and even goes running daily.
Cognitive and emotional recovery have also been central to her journey. Sarah has worked closely with the psychology team to develop tools for managing frustration, regulating emotion, and processing past trauma. This emotional work has been essential in helping her grow in confidence and independence. She’s also explored calming techniques and strategies for navigating difficult interactions, which have improved her ability to manage challenges more constructively.
Community engagement is important to Sarah. She began taking unescorted trips into the town centre, something that once felt overwhelming. With time and support, she’s built the confidence to navigate bus routes, go shopping alone, and explore new areas. She now regularly completes over an hour of independent shopping and can choose to walk or take the bus to and from town.
Eager to re-enter the world of work, Sarah started a voluntary placement at a local café. She independently managed her transport, booked taxis, and attended shifts on her own, something she couldn’t have imagined at the beginning of her rehabilitation.
Sarah’s recent transition to a vegetarian lifestyle is another example of her independence and evolving identity. With help from the therapy team, she’s explored new recipes, written her own vegetarian meal plans, and now cooks independently. Her dietary choices are a meaningful part of her life, and something she proudly shares with others.
Throughout her time at Christchurch View, a multi-disciplinary approach has ensured Sarah receives consistent and thoughtful support – from managing her medication and finances to exploring new routes in the local community. Her confidence has soared, and she’s learned to navigate situations that would have previously caused anxiety or distress. She’s independent in many aspects of her daily life, actively involved in her rehabilitation, and continuously working toward her next chapter: further independence, potentially living in her own flat, and returning to the workforce in a paid role.
*Name and picture has been changed to protect her identity