""getting there" with help from Six Degrees"

The first month of home care was dealt with by a very competent team of ladies visiting 4 times a day. In that time they established routines to make sure we (we, because my wife had just had a new knee) were able to look after ourselves, e.g. getting up, ablutions, making and having meals, exercising and settling safely at night.

The next 2 months intermediate care, different PT’s and OT's progressed me into using staircase, upstairs bathroom and bedroom, short walks with rollator, using taxis, supermarket shopping and other further necessary exercising.

The final 2 months, the therapists of the final rehab team assessed me and followed a different exercise program and used more aids to enable me to behave more normally and less painfully. Shoulder strapping and TENS machine were helpful and a low Akim sleeve gave support and whilst still in use doesn't seem to encourage proprioception. The team were always a step in front knowing what I could do despite my frustration. They were always very encouraging and persistent, yet sensitive. I am very grateful to all the carers, therapists, and others for their kind help and encouragement. I realise that I've still more to do, more milestones e.g. regaining proprioception driving (I've a modified 3 yr old automatic in order, got my licence and blue badge), continued exercising but ”getting there”.