Paulene, a resident at Moran Roxburgh Park, has been working with Suheyla, Immanuel and Joshua, the inhouse physiotherapy team from Empower Healthcare to reach her goal of increased independence. Paulene has been unable to operate the controls on her electric wheelchair due to pain, weakness and reduced movement in her hands. She was left feeling frustrated by having to rely on others for all her mobility needs. Her goal was to be able to self-operate her electric wheelchair so that she could move around with more independence. Paulene thoroughly enjoys shopping and when lockdown is over, is keen to indulge in some much needed retail therapy!
Paulene and her team of therapists were committed to her goals and worked to improve her ability to use her hands with exercise and stretching. As her hand function improved, it was decided that a new set of wheels was in order. Paulene is now able to move around inside and outside on her own with her new electric wheelchair!
The Empower Healthcare team take the time to get to know each of the residents they work with to help develop goals that are important to them. Now Paulene is in the driver’s seat, she says, “I will not have to rely on anyone, taking control of where I want to go and what I want to do.”