Delivering life changing rehab at Askham

From meeting people at their most vulnerable and facing an uncertain future after significant injury or illness, Askham Rehab has a stellar track record in supporting its care users to achieve positive, life-changing outcomes.

At the very start of their rehabilitation journey, the Askham team unite behind each resident, helping them to achieve their personal goals and look to a more positive future than the one they believed lay ahead when they arrived.

Such is the reputation of Askham, based near Doddington, Cambridgeshire, that residents come from across the nation, with the compelling combination of person-centred rehabilitation - which includes hydrotherapy and the latest in robotic innovation - helping to deliver significant results, often within a 12-week placement.

And at the heart of the service Askham delivers is its team. From the care, nursing and therapy teams, through to the housekeepers and facilities support, everyone has a role in ensuring the Askham journey is the best it can be for each and every resident.

“The team we have here is incredible and we couldn’t achieve what we do without them,” says Luke Cook, Head of Rehab and Nursing at Askham Rehab.

“The role of a carer is impossible to define as they do one million roles rolled into one. They support with; personal care, mobilisation, therapy, personal issues, and holistically support our residents with absolutely everything.

“While our nursing team, with the support they provide with pain management, corresponding with MDTs and enhanced levels of care, alongside our therapy team - so the SLTs, OTs, physios and neuropsychologist - are crucial in the support, leadership and expertise they give our residents.”

Upon transition to Askham, each resident is assessed by its in-house therapy team - comprising speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and neuropsychiatry - to set out the goals during their time there, with support given on a daily basis in making them possible. “Residents have a finite amount of time here so it’s important we commence their plan at the earliest opportunity, which is then reviewed after eight weeks,” said Luke. “It’s very personalised and there is no set timeframe for recovery. You could have two people of the same age with a brain injury, but it could impact them very differently. It’s all about the individual and how they progress during their time with us.” To increase its support for residents nearing their time at Askham, and in preparation for their return to home, four on site apartments help with the transition and offer the opportunity for residents to be joined by loved ones. Luke concluded: “Delivering a high-quality service is essential and we feel a moral obligation to take steps to ensure the best for our residents. After all, we put the individual at the heart of our offering.”. ■

For more information about our services or working at Askham Rehab please visit: askhamrehab.com