When Sheila Thomas moved into The Grange Assisted Living at Buckshaw Retirement Village, Chorley, doctors had told her she would never walk again, but just a few months later she has defied all the odds and has taken her first steps.
Sheila, 62, was the main carer for her husband Edward who suffers with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and diabetes, but when a stroke last July left her badly disabled down her left side life at home became extremely difficult.
With the support of their son and daughter the couple moved to The Grange, where they are both given the extra support and care they need to improve their quality of life but can still enjoy their own front door for privacy knowing that help is there when they need it.
Working with the expert rehabilitation team at The Grange Sheila attends the weekly healthy eating and weight management and chair based exercise classes and she receives 35 hours of care a week. As a result, Sheila’s muscle strength has increased considerably and she is now able to take steps for the first time in months .
Village Director Phil Hill said; “When Mr and Mrs Thomas moved to The Grange, they both desperately needed support, but were determined to stay together despite their illnesses. Mrs Thomas had a dense left sided weakness, the inability to bear weight and she was told she would probably never walk again. With the support of her family and the expertise of the team here, her recovery has accelerated dramatically, she has the care support she needs for her both herself and her husband.”
He added; “When Mrs Thomas took her first steps following her stroke, it was a very special moment not just for the family but for the team here too. It has been a great pleasure working with such a strong, determined lady.”
Mrs Thomas said; “My life now is unrecognisable. I was resigned to the fact that I would never walk again, but the care I have received here has been amazing. I use the onsite hydrotherapy pool to help with my rehabilitation and my strength is increasing every day.”