A Cambridgeshire rehabilitation provider is set to offer on-site accommodation for relatives of its rehab patients following a successful trial run, which saw it accommodate the partner of one of its service users – allowing them to gain first-hand appreciation of and involvement with their care needs.
It follows the launch of its pioneering robotic rehabilitation service – and the feedback from those involved with the trial has seen it hailed a ‘dramatic’ success.
Askham Village Community welcomed a married couple, Rachael and Jasmin Evans, to its Doddington site where Jasmin received rehabilitative treatment following a severe brain aneurysm and two strokes, which left her speechless, partially blind and practically immobile.
Arriving a little over ten weeks ago, the couple are now preparing to leave following an extensive programme with Askham Rehab that saw the pair move into an apartment onsite, as part of the rehabilitative journey. She was given a weekly timetable that covered seven days a week and included one-on-one therapy sessions with all four of Askham’s disciplines; speech and language, occupational, physio and psychology.
Having Jasmin at the centre of the rehabilitation programme – a core ethos at Askham – allowed Rachael to be incorporated into the sessions that included group activities too.
Describing the couple’s arrival to Askham, Rachael said: “By the time Jasmin was transferred to Askham, the stress from the acute care phase had taken its toll on me. I arrived tired, emotional, and confused about what was happening. I felt left out and alone. It was horrendous. I was immediately reassured by the team, however, and was welcomed to be part of Jasmin’s recovery process.”
The pair moved into a self-contained, fully adapted apartment for the duration of Jasmin’s rehabilitation with access to the community’s abundant gardens and grounds, which Rachael compared to staying in a 5-star holiday home. The temporary accommodation also provided ample space for Jasmin, who arrived withdrawn, low on confidence and struggling to walk and talk.
Making use of Askham Rehab’s new, state-of-the-art robotic equipment as part of her rehabilitation, Jasmin was able to work on her balance and posture, cardiovascular and muscle strength, and visual coordination. As well as building her strength up physically, she also stayed mentally stimulated and engaged with sequencing and problem-solving activities offered by the robotics – further building her confidence and aiding her progression.
Describing Askham’s facilities, Rachael said: “I’m amazed at the services on offer. Askham is not playing catchup with the latest trends in care, it’s leading the way. During the rehabilitation, we never felt like patients either. Askham is a people’s home and we were made to feel like residents. This was evident with our own apartment. Staff could’ve knocked and just walked in, but they didn’t. It’s about respect for each other.” She continued: “There was as much consideration of my needs as Jasmin’s future carer as there was for Jasmin. The team recognised that it’s about the bigger picture; if they also help the carer, the resident benefits.”
Within just six weeks, Jasmin’s was walking along Askham’s tree-lined avenue chatting away with her wife and planning their future – a drastic improvement from when she first arrived.
Summarising the experience, Rachael said: “Our journey began with me sat on the side of a road crying, now I’m about to leave with my wife. Askham has given her back to me. Thanks to the structured, holistic approach of the rehab, Jasmin responded to treatment way quicker than I could’ve ever imagined. We came to Askham looking for help and are now leaving with a family. I can only praise the staff’s respect, compassion and empathy for enabling us to leave in such a positive position.”
Jasmin added: “Before I came to Askham, I was crying everyday but not anymore. I have such a positive outlook following my treatment – I can do things for myself now.”
Jasmin will now undergo four weeks of virtual sessions as part of her post-treatment programme before finally being discharged on Wednesday 23rd December – just in time for Christmas.
Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, Director at Askham, said: “This is our first attempt at welcoming people to stay onsite at Askham for rehabilitation, and we’re delighted to see Jasmin’s dramatic progress with us. The recent addition of robotic equipment proved to be the final piece of the puzzle in terms of being able to offer our complete range of services to an international market. We have the facilities to accommodate and treat people with a wide range of extensive neurological conditions, and programmes in place to ensure those staying with us will receive structured, high-quality care with a holistic approach. Allowing Rachael to be a part of Jasmin’s journey proved significant in her road to recovery, and we look forward to celebrating more success stories in the near future.”
For more information on Askham Rehab, please visit https://askhamrehab.com/.
For more information on Askham Village Community, visit https://askhamvillagecommunity.com/.
