Just over a year ago, Yokabet - Yoki to her friends - was living in Hackney and studying law. But following an infection she was left with brain damage that robbed her of her independence and ability to do anything on her own. Once medically stable, she came to the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN), where her rehabilitation began. “I was so nervous” says Yoki, “and totally unsure of what to expect.”
Yoki’s stay at the RHN began on one of our rehabilitation wards. Making progress after a brain injury is often a long process, and when Yoki arrived she was extremely restricted by her injuries. Her movement was very limited and communication with others proved difficult. However, a tailored programme of therapy was developed from the RHN’s wide range of specialist services and gains were soon being made.
Once Yoki was well enough she moved to our Transitional Rehabilitation Service (TRS). Here patients work with a range of therapists and rehabilitation assistants, with the ultimate goal of regaining as independent a life as possible.
Over the course of her time at the TRS, Yoki has worked hard with her dedicated team of therapists and regained the ability to wash and dress herself, talk and even to stand on her own which
 |
means she no longer needs to use a hoist when getting out of bed and in to her chair.
Before coming to the TRS Yoki needed full-time help to get around but now she is fully mobile in her adapted wheelchair which means a far greater level of independence and improved quality of life.
“Moving to the TRS has given me hope” says Yoki, “hope of becoming more independent.”
One of the main advantages of the TRS is its location - just a short bus ride from Putney and Wandsworth town centres. This provides patients with the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life before moving on to more independent living. Yoki loved these trips, especially the clothes shopping - “She’s a real shopaholic!” says Annie, her speech and language therapist.
Yoki is now ready for the next step of her rehabilitation at a new facility closer to home. She has made great gains in her time at the TRS but her journey is not over yet – her next goal is to begin walking again and even to resume her studies. “I am sad to be leaving” she says, “but I am really hopeful that I can make even more progress - something I could not say before coming to the RHN.” |
©2012