PETER’S PROGRESS

Peter suffered an aneurysm some two and a half years ago. An event that not only stopped him in his tracks but changed the lives of his family. Peter was in intensive care and in a coma at The Alfred for many months, then onto the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) rehab centre in Caulfield for six months more.

It was an extremely emotional and stressful time for everyone involved. It became clear that Peter had to move on from the Centre as they had done all they could for him at that time, but his impairment was still too much for his wife to manage at home.

‘We visited several aged care facilities in the area and ended up choosing BlueCross Karinya Grove in Sandringham,’ explained Peter’s wife Bente.

The family chose Karinya Grove because it was close to home, had a nice feel about it, lovely staff, but most of all a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist on site every day.

‘This was really important to us. Peter was a marathon runner and I have been a PE teacher my whole life, so getting Peter back up on his feet was a priority,” said Bente.

BlueCross Allied Health Practitioner, Luda has been there since the beginning of Peter’s journey at Karinya Grove.

‘I met Peter the day he became a permanent resident at BlueCross, while he was in his mid-60’s. At the time he required a tilted wheelchair and full hoist as he was unable to sit upright or walk,’ she said.

There was a lot of work to do but with access to expertise, hard work and patience, the team were confident they could improve Peter’s quality of life.

Peter made great progress, and Bente believes that the amazing BlueCross Allied Health team were the key reason for this.

‘They helped organise the purchase of his first wheelchair, but mostly worked with him daily and communicated with the staff to support Peter’s progress’, remarked Bente.

After working with the health professionals at Karinya Grove, Peter is now able to walk with a 4-wheel frame and can easily transfer himself in and out of Bente’s car, which means he can go home to visit his family. Peter’s recovery has also meant he doesn’t need as much medication, which has further helped his cognitive development.

‘Peter’s progress has been a source of daily celebration at Karinya Grove’, relayed local Physiotherapist Levi.

And Bente agrees, ‘it is certain to say, that without Allied Health at Karinya Grove, we wouldn’t have been where we are now. I am so appreciative for everything the team is doing here and it is so important, not just for Peter but everyone at the residence”.

Our Ivanhoe Happy Hour is all about friends coming together for an afternoon of laughter, good food, a couple of drinks and plenty of dancing.