"Experience with a community physiotherapist "

I am writing to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for all the physiotherapy help and for everything that you have done to help my mother regain the ability and confidence to walk.

A year ago, following her spinal surgery and prolonged bed rest, as you may remember, Mum was unable to move around independently at all. She struggled to transfer from a chair using a rotunda, and sometimes had to be hoisted. She had to be taken everywhere in a wheelchair, and this had a profound impact on her life. In a busy care home, she would often have to wait some time for non-urgent help, for instance when she wanted to move from the lounge to her room after meals. She found this loss of independence very hard to bear.

What you have managed to achieve in a few months was amazing. Mum learned to use what physical capabilities she had, and in a few weeks she had learned to walk again with a zimmer frame. With just a little help to get out of the chair, she was able to walk short distances without help and to sit down again safely. This enabled her to take herself back to her room after meals, which made a huge difference to her. Then in recent weeks, following your success in getting Mum to manage ‘car transfers’, we have been able to take Mum for outings in the car. That in turn has made possible things which we couldn’t have done even just a few months ago, including taking Mum out on trips further afield to places that would have been impractical using taxis.

Key to all this was the way in which you dealt with Mum, giving her confidence and encouragement. You were also very helpful to me in providing support and advice.

We couldn’t have asked for more, and the whole family has been amazed by what you have helped Mum to achieve. Thank you!