Falls prevention improved with rehabilitation care

29 Mar 2017

29 March 2017

Settling in to the hospital’s new ten bed Rehabilitation Pod, Lenore shares her road to recovery with us. 

“I had a dreadful fall, which left me with a broken arm and lacerations on both arms and my knuckles. I value my independence, so when I couldn’t even walk by myself, I worried what it could all mean,” says Lenore. 

“During my hospital stay, I have been able to work with a number of people who are helping me on my way to walking again and getting myself back on track.” 

Occupational Therapist, Irenee is working with Lenore when we visit. 

“People often don’t realise the impact a fall can have on a person’s health and wellbeing and the many ways it can affect everyday activities,” says Irenee. 

“Lenore is doing a fantastic job with her exercises, which include learning how to manage her sling, looking at safe ways to get on and off her bed and chairs and limb exercises to increase her mobility. 

“I am also helping her with self-care activities such as dressing and showering and even brushing her teeth and eating with one hand because she has a limited range of movement due to her injuries,” says Irenee. 

This support, combined with daily physiotherapy and visits from a social worker, will mean Lenore is better prepared to return home, incorporating these new skills into her daily life. 

A social worker will visit her and will also make sure Lenore is linked to any services she may need once she is home. 

“Everyone here has been marvellous,” says Lenore. 

“I’m really looking forward to getting back home and seeing those I love, and I feel much more confident now that I am learning more about how to prevent a fall.”