Margaret’s story: How social care helped me regain my independence
Last year, Margaret Smith, a retired medical secretary, suffered a painful fall, resulting in the fracture of two pelvic bones. Following a period of rehabilitation at a residential care home, Margaret, who will be 90 years old this year, was supported by the community reablement team in her own home, receiving two visits each day. Six months later, she is making good progress, has regained her independence and is enjoying her garden, cooking and seeing her 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. This is her story.
“In August 2024, I fell in the kitchen when I was cooking our lunch and broke two pelvic bones. I spent three nights in hospital followed by three weeks in a care-home.
I was so relieved to be going home, where I live with my husband Geoffrey near Sherwood Forest. However, weight bearing was still very painful and once home, I couldn’t walk or even stand to clean my teeth. I was very restricted in what I was able to do.
The community reablement team were wonderful in helping me recover my confidence and mobility. To start with they brought me a bowl and two flannels so I could wash myself and get up each morning. Then we progressed with a Zimmer frame to the bathroom. When standing, one of the partners stood behind me so I knew she would help me if I needed it. At all times they ensured my safety and privacy.
For a month I couldn’t navigate the step down from the kitchen to the conservatory to care for my pelargoniums, but with a partner to advise and give me confidence I managed it and felt so encouraged with each step towards recovery. I met at least eight different partners during these visits and without exception they were caring, kind, and motivated to assist me in returning to normal life and independence following the trauma of a fall. They became trusted friends and helpers, communicating well with us and with each other.
Now, six months after my accident, I can drive again and do the weekly shop at my favourite supermarket in town, using the shopping trolley as my support. At home, I can do the cooking and even bake cakes! I still use the Zimmer some of the time indoors, but quite often I find I have simply walked to where I am going next and have forgotten where I left it! Outdoors I use a stick or my three-wheeler for support.
The community reablement team were invaluable in getting me on the road to this recovery and I am extremely grateful for their kindness and support for those first six weeks. By coming at 9am and 7pm each day they gave me a framework which my husband and I still largely keep to this day.
This was our first experience of the social work team and we are impressed by the vision of the community reablement programme and the way that it is being done. We are aware of the pressures on local government at the present time and believe this programme should continue to be strongly supported and defended from any cuts. It is fully in line with government priorities to move health and social care to a community level, and it reduces the costs of bed-blocking in hospitals by supporting so effectively the return of patients to home and independent living.”
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