"Restoring my 94-year-old mother's confidence"

My mother, who has heart failure, was in hospital for 10 days in summer 2020. Her morale was badly affected by a doctor's insensitive handling of the "do not resuscitate" conversation. A hospital physio, restored her confidence by assessing her able to go up and downstairs. This confidence was shattered by another staff member in hospital who said, Well, that won't be for long. Once back home, this resulted in my mother staying upstairs in bed for the next 2 months as she was scared of the consequences if she went downstairs.

Through St Christopher's she was referred to BHC to be seen within the Occupational Therapy Service. This proved a turning point. Carla was our very reassuring first contact followed by Haley, the physio, for assessment on the dreaded stairs. Carla ensured we were given what was needed downstairs to help mum and her follow up phone call made all the difference in encouraging mum to go down. Any problems mentioned were addressed immediately and, after Carla's next follow up call, Fran brought and installed the other item we realised mum needed. All three team members were totally professional and efficient while being encouraging, warm and friendly. Mum was listened to and given time to explain what she felt. Suggestions on how to go about things were helpful and practical. 

As her daughter and carer, I was extremely worried when mum left hospital and could see how upset she was by the doctor's remark. I was not convinced that going downstairs was in her best interests. However, contact with the BHC occupational therapy team gave me confidence that we were in good hands and well supported. Mum is more positive and moving about more and much better thanks to this dedicated team.