When Sharon moved to Grenville House in 2019, she was facing a challenging period in her life. For nearly four years, she had confined herself to her bedroom, following a severe ankle injury in 2015 that required pins and metal rods. Convinced that her leg would no longer work, she declined physiotherapy, leading to a loss of mobility and independence.
But thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of the team at Grenville House, Sharon’s story took a remarkable turn.
Building Trust, One Step at a Time
The Grenville House team, led by Home Manager Rachel, knew that change wouldn’t come overnight. They focused on building a foundation of trust and small, consistent routines that Sharon could manage and eventually accept. Donna, a Support Worker, developed a particularly strong relationship with Sharon, working patiently to encourage gentle movements like toe-tapping and chair squats.
Instead of pushing traditional physiotherapy, the team opted for carefully chosen exercises, always with Sharon’s agreement. Every step of the way, they consulted with a local occupational therapist to ensure safety and appropriateness. As Sharon grew more comfortable, she began making tentative steps using a walking frame, and eventually, her confidence blossomed.
A Life Transformed
Today, Sharon’s progress is nothing short of inspirational. She now walks short distances using a walking frame, attends community activities like Soul Singers and the Orbit Club, and takes pride in maintaining her daily hygiene routine, including regular showers and dental care. She even ventures out to get her nails painted in town, buzzing around in her electric wheelchair.
Her improved mobility and independence have not only enhanced her quality of life but also invigorated the team at Grenville House, who feel energised and inspired by her achievements. As Home Manager Rachel puts it: “Imagining what the future holds for her is exciting, and it’s amazing to look back and see how far she’s come.”
Sharon’s story is a powerful reminder that with person-centred support, small steps can lead to big changes. At Achieve together, we believe in building lives full of choice, independence, and new opportunities, just like Sharon has achieved.
