Making a difference: Ann’s story with ReACH

Following a fall at her home in Larbert, Ann requested an assessment for home support through her local GP. This put her in touch with Falkirk’s Rehabilitation and Assessment in the Community and at Home (ReACH) Service.

Ann’s living arrangements, movement, and recovery progress were assessed by Christina Shaw from ReACH. While Christina was able to identify useful aids and adaptions to the home during the assessment, Ann’s movement also indicated a need for further review, so an X-Ray was arranged at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Unfortunately, this diagnosed a broken hip and fractured ankle which Ann had been managing as fall-related pain for four weeks. This resulted in admission to hospital for a hip replacement, which is where Doug and Ann highlighted Christina’s much appreciated efforts.

“She made her feel human again and listened too, not a babbling pensioner”

Ann’s son, Doug, described how the work of Christina and the REACH team made a difference to his mum:  “Christina went above and beyond, making people listen and take action. During mum’s hospital stay, the one thing that stood out was Christina’s frequent follow ups with the recovery unit to enquire about mum and ask pertinent questions.

“Christina also said she would be there for my mum getting out of hospital and to visit again to help her rehabilitation.  Knowing Christina had done this again perked my mother up.”

Following her discharge from hospital, Doug went to stay with his mum to help support her personal care while she recovered. The ReACH team visited Ann at her home again to assess her home and rehabilitation needs.

“Christina gave her a massive confidence boost” Doug highlighted. Providing feedback on her movements and activities in the home, Christina was able to work with Ann to identify how adaptations to movement and her home could support her recovery. The ReACH team also identified a possible care need, taking up Ann’s circumstances with colleagues in social work, who were able to arrange a daily package of care.

“I know my mum will be very sad when she no longer requires a visit.”

Doug adds: “The personal connection that Christina achieved and how she managed to build up an 82-year old’s confidence went well-beyond what we could have expected.

“Christina quickly and efficiently assessed the situation and arranged amendments to be made to the house, she assessed what my mum needed and identified how critical it was that she moved independently to aid her recovery.

“This truly showed the human side to the role of the ReACH service, it’s not just rails and bed aids, it is about that personal perspective and treating everyone as equals.

“How Christina spoke to myself and my mum, the conversations with the hospital staff – I instantly could tell she had made a difference.  I know my mum will be very sad when she no longer requires a visit.

“I think Reach is something that truly inspires and gives me hope around the services provided to the elderly.”

Commending the work of Christina and the ReACH team, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership’s Chief Officer, Patricia Cassidy said: “I’m pleased to hear of Doug and Ann’s positive experiences, which I know will be replicated by many other individuals and families across the Falkirk area.

“Christina’s enthusiasm and strong work ethos extends across the wider ReACH team, creating a valuable asset and resource for our community. The service is a vital component of support which enables more people to live as independently as possible within their own homes and communities.”