Around Christmas, TPC client Margaret had a nasty fall on her front porch, leaving her with a concussion and fractured hip. After a lengthy stay in rehabilitation, she was finally able to return home, but getting outside independently remained a challenge.
Since losing her husband seven years ago, Margaret spends much of her time at home. Her daughter visits once or twice a week and her son lives interstate, so being able to safely get out and about on her own means a great deal to her.
To that end, Margaret set a goal: To safely and independently walk to and from her mailbox.
For Margaret, walking to the mailbox wasn’t just about collecting the mail. It was an important first step towards rebuilding her confidence and independence, and eventually being able to walk to the local community centre to enjoy activities like morning tea and birthday lunches.
With support from her TPC physiotherapists, May and Eliza, Margaret worked on building her leg strength, using her walker safely and practising walking outdoors. Her occupational therapist also helped make the entrance to her home safer, with grip paint on the porch tiles and a small ramp to make accessing the pathway easier.
There were some bumps along the way, with health challenges sometimes making it difficult for Margaret to find the energy to get outside. But little by little, she kept going.
As Margaret likes to say:
“Slow and steady – tortoise, not the hare.”
And slow and steady paid off!
Margaret can now safely walk to and from her mailbox independently.
On Friday afternoons, there is often some mail waiting for her, and during her physio sessions she and May sometimes stop at the bench nearby to do a few leg exercises and enjoy some sunshine. Even on days when Margaret isn’t feeling her best at the beginning of a session, she is often noticeably brighter after getting outside.
For May, seeing Margaret achieve this goal has been particularly special:
“Knowing it was a fall on her front porch that set Margaret back, it’s exciting to see her overcome that. Being able to get outside on her own also opens the door for Margaret to make more social connections within her village, which is so important for her wellbeing.”
The mailbox might only be the first stop. Next up, Margaret has her sights set on the local community centre.
Slow and steady, Margaret – we love it ❤️
____________________
The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat! Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]
1300 797 793