For TPC client Barbara, there’s something special about heading out with her handbag and knowing there might be a coffee at the other end.
Barbara lives with dementia, arthritis and Type 2 diabetes. Her husband, Lynn, has limited mobility, which means he isn’t able to accompany her on longer walks.
So when Barbara’s physiotherapist, May, noticed that Barbara would often grab her handbag before their walks around the village – just in case there was an opportunity to buy a coffee – they decided on a goal that felt just right:
To be able to walk down to the local café with May – and walk all the way back!
Building up, one walk at a time
At the beginning of the year, a flare-up of Barbara’s arthritic pain meant she could manage just 100 metres of walking.
May and Barbara started small, working towards shorter-distance goals around the village and gradually building Barbara’s strength and walking tolerance.
A walker was organised to help Barbara manage her arthritic pain and shortness of breath, and they practised walking up inclines in preparation for the slightly uphill journey home from the café.
And when Melbourne’s weather wasn’t on their side, they kept working towards the goal with exercises indoors.
By April, Barbara was consistently walking around 300 metres – a huge improvement from where she had started.
But the café was 650 metres away.
May was confident Barbara could make it there. The bigger question was: could she make it all the way home again?
The day they made it
In July, it was finally time to give it a go!
Barbara needed a little encouragement along the way, but together, she and May made it to the café.
They found the perfect spot for a coffee outside on the deck, with the sun shining warmly on Barbara’s back.
Then came the journey home.
Barbara was tired and a little emotional on the walk back, so she and May took their time. Step by step, they made their way back together.
Barbara had done it – 650 metres to the café and 650 metres back!
Along the way, she expressed how thankful she was to May for helping her.
May sent a photo of the moment to Barbara’s husband, Lynn, to let him know they had made it to the café.
More than a walk to the café
For May, seeing Barbara achieve the goal was particularly special.
Earlier in their time together, Barbara could sometimes become disoriented during their walks and want to return home. But as May became a more familiar face and Barbara grew more comfortable walking longer distances, something began to change.
Her confidence grew. Her mood improved. And on their café outing, Barbara was able to relax and enjoy the experience.
May couldn’t have been prouder.
What began with walks of around 100 metres had grown into a 1.3-kilometre round trip – with a well-earned drink in the sunshine along the way.
For Barbara, it wasn’t simply about walking further.
It was about getting out into her community, enjoying something familiar and meaningful, and proving just how far she had come.
Congratulations, Barbara – you absolutely smashed it!
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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