We were approached by the family of an 80-year-old lady living in a care home. She had Parkinson’s disease, and although she and her husband had managed at home for some time, her care needs eventually became too great. Together, the family decided she would move into a care home for the extra support she needed.
At her first care home, she was still mobile with a frame and some carer support. While she could be a little variable — particularly if she developed an infection — she was able to get around with help. Later, she and her husband moved across the country to be closer to their daughters.
When she arrived at her new care home, however, her mobility had declined. During their initial assessment, nursing staff found she could barely stand, was leaning back heavily, and seemed very unsafe to walk. Based on this, she was placed on a care plan requiring two carers for every transfer, with the use of a Sara Steady transfer aid. From that day of arrival, this was how she was managed.
But she didn’t agree. She told her family again and again that she felt she could walk, and that she wanted to walk. She saw our physio seeing other residents and desperately wanted to be seen too. Being so dependent on carers left her feeling frustrated and restricted. She just wanted to move, or at least have the opportunity to try. That’s when her family asked us to come and assess her.
At our first assessment, it was clear she still had potential. With a zimmer frame and the assistance of one carer (with another walking behind for reassurance), she was able to walk. It was a huge moment — her friends and carers that witnessed this moment all applauded her – it was emotional!
Rebuilding Strength and Confidence
Today, she is mobile within the care home, walking up to 15 metres with the assistance of one carer. As is common with Parkinson’s, her mobility can be a little variable, certainly in relation to her medication times and also when she develops an infection – she tends to lean backwards more and require some additional physical support. To support this, we’ve been working not only on her strength and balance, but also with the care home team — encouraging them to carry out dynamic risk assessments so that her opportunities for mobility are always maximised according to how she’s presenting on that day and at that time.
We now see her fortnightly to maintain her progress, provide reassurance, and keep her moving at her best.
A Positive Impact
This lady went from needing a stand aid and two carers for every transfer, to walking again with just one carer. For her, this has meant more dignity, more independence, less time waiting for assistance and a greater sense of control. For her family, it has been hugely reassuring to see her regaining the mobility she always believed she still had.