Oxford,
10
November
2017
|
07:00
Europe/London

Cecil is recovering after his stroke with help from Adult Social Care

Anyone who has had a stroke will tell you that it takes a long time to recover and you need significant help along the way allied with your own determination.

Cecil Phillips, 47, from Oxford, has shown a great deal of determination in rebuilding his life. He has received lots of assistance from Oxfordshire County Council’s adult social care team and partner organisations, to rehabilitate and gradually improve his quality of life.

Cecil suffered from a subarachnoid haemorrhage last year, which although he survived, left him with issues. Cecil’s family and GP were concerned about his memory and daily functioning which is why a referral was made to Adult Social Care.

The council worked to have an electronic alarm device called a “Memrabel” installed in his flat, which enables him to stay independent in terms of taking his medication despite his memory problems. He has also had some grab rails installed near the shower and toilet to support with transfers, ensuring his safety around the house.

Cecil has now been referred to Headway, an established and respected Oxfordshire charity that helps people in situations like his. He attends Headway for a full day a week and has a personal assistant who works with him in his home to help him rehabilitate and relearn some of the things the stroke took away from him – such as cooking, attending appointments and financial management.”

Cecil said: “Since working with Adult social care I have started some good things that I didn’t even know existed before. During my day out in the community I do art (my favourite), yoga, exercise in the gym, and a number of different group activities which help my brain function. This all helps in my recovery and I hope to get back to work with the help of my support worker.

“At home I now have a Memrabel in place which reminds me every day to take my meds and it’s a great help. I also have some grab rails in place so I have something to hold onto when in the shower or using the toilet.

“I now have a Connections worker to support me with my housing and finances and see my daughter regularly. Overall, since my first assessment, I have seen a number of improvements in my life, and am really glad adult social care have been involved.”

After Adult Social Care received the initial referral, Lauren Poyner from Oxfordshire County Council’s Rapid Response Team went out to visit Cecil. She followed this up with several home visits, as well as keeping him informed over the phone.

She said: “It’s been great to see Cecil improve as time has gone on. He has many talents including woodwork, carpet fitting, and painting and decorating, which he told me he used to do before his stroke. He is very keen to get back to work and I foresee that with the support he is now receiving this will be possible. This is the rewarding side of working in adult social care, helping people toward living independently and seeing gradual improvements from rehabilitation.”