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WADE DAYCARE centre have now launched physiotherapy support for their elderly visitors.
In collaboration with Therapies on Thames, a private physio and occupational therapy, WADE have transformed some of their unused rooms into a variety of clinics offering targeted help for the elderly population in Wokingham.
The clinics offer assistance on Parkinson’s disease, stroke, falls prevention and pain, and run from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm each week.
Will Ferguson, lead physiotherapist at Therapies on Thames said: “The reason we have chosen to base some of our services in WADE is because what we offer is unique to the elderly population.
“We specialise in elderly care and rehabilitation, with the aim to keep people out of care homes for as long as possible so that they can lead more independent lives.”
Therapies on Thames provide a paid service, with the goal to help their patients reduce the cost of their monthly care package, and gain strength and independence.
One of the services they offer is a rental wheelchair. Where a chair may cost up to £2,500, Therapies on Thames have partnered with ENdynamics to offer rental chairs at £100 per month. This is also followed by a six-month review on the suitability of the chair as the client’s needs change in time.
Raj Senniappan, lead occupational therapist at the organisation explained: “The reason that people go into care homes is because they don’t get the right care at the right time. This is something we aim to tackle.”
Shelagh Knight, and her daughter Ali found Therapies on Thames when they were unhappy with the options that husband and father Peter Knight faced after a series of illnesses.
Mr Knight was in hospital for eight weeks with pneumonia, and found that he lost all independence over his mobility as a result.
Mrs Knight said: “After he was discharged from hospital, he came home with a hoist. We had to have two carers visiting four times a day, which was costing us roughly £3,000 per month.
“The NHS didn’t offer a physio option for Peter because they felt he wouldn’t benefit from it.
“I felt the NHS had given up on him.”
After an initial assessment with Mr Senniappan, husband Peter began physiotherapy and progressed to walking with a Zimmer frame with the aid for a carer.
“He improved so much more than expected,” said Mrs Knight. “Not only did he regain independence, and was able to sleep upstairs and shower himself, but our care package was halved.”
Whilst Mr Knight has had some set-backs, with a serious bought of the flu over Christmas last year, his family believe that without the help of Thames on Therapies, he wouldn’t be here today.
“When dad lost his independence, he got so depressed and just left like life wasn’t worth living,” explained Ali Knight. “This has all changed now.”
At the event, Therapies on Thames were praised for their commitment to the elderly population, and their outstanding level of care.
For those who feel they could benefit from a visit to WADE day centre, whether for a lunch, or for some specialist physiotherapy, visitors are welcomed throughout the week.
