Respite services can dramatically improve mobility

Doreen moved to Quakers Hillside Care Community for respite services care nearly 14 months ago and the pain in Doreen’s knee was affecting her functional mobility and had been drastically deteriorating her activities for daily living. She is an active person, who regularly participated in all on-site activities and this was making her life difficult and frustrating. She has had a history of chronic knee pain but in this instance, she was experiencing a severe flare-up that resulted in her becoming wheelchair-bound. To help manage the pain she was receiving post-cortisone injections but even with this extra pain relief she still refused attempts to help her with mobility due to the pain she continued to experience.

Despite her initial resistance to her physiotherapy sessions, the on-site team gave her consistent encouragement and reassurance and Doreen gradually became motivated to keep pushing through. Her hard work and her persistence have most definitely paid off. Doreen now has pain-free mobility and only needs physical assistance and the support of a frame once a month. Doreen’s smile is back and she is happily participating in her favourite activities at Quakers Hill.

Having the on-site physiotherapy and rehabilitation team is invaluable for regular and consistent help to ensure our residents receive the best care possible and the best outcomes. Functional mobility is an important part of independence and greatly contributes to the participation our residents are able to enjoy.