"Care and support after rapid decline of aunt's mobility"

My 85 yr old, widowed aunt, who at present is almost bed bound because of pain in her lower back and hip region, severely restricting her mobility around her home, that she has lived in for the last 52 years, suffered a rapid decline in her condition overnight, preventing her from physically getting herself out of her bed in the morning last Friday, leading to an ambulance being summoned. The 2 lady paramedics who attended were absolutely marvellous and incredibly professional in carrying out their assessments, and decisive about what needed to be done, which included the involvement of the Urgent Community Response team, to prevent further decline and hospitalisation.

The teamwork of Sam and Helen, again two amazingly competent and capable ladies, arrived late afternoon, and with their combined caring experience including Occupational Therapy, they were able to quickly assess and identify what equipment may be required to help remediate some of the practical problems around getting into and out of bed, and coping with the severe restrictions of mobility. These included the installation of a ‘hospital bed’ with the function to raise and lower my aunt at her own speed, and timing, along with other equipment associated with restricted ability to use the bathroom. As the bed did not arrive until around 8pm, they continued to provide advice and guidance on the various things the combined support of neighbours, carers, and myself could contribute towards restoring her mobility as much as possible in her own home. They even supervised the moving of the existing double bed into the other bedroom once the fitter expertly completed the assembly and installation of the bed, and by around 8pm, my aunt was also in her new temporary bed.

My gratitude to the for the help the team provided is immense, but the comfort they provided to my aunt is priceless. 😊

Thanks again to the team and their colleagues.