Each patient is assigned a link therapist who is responsible for coordinating the patient’s journey and ensuring that all the arrangements described below are put in place in a timely manner.
Therapy starts on day one and patients engage in therapy everyday from Monday to Friday. At the weekend, they are still supported and encouraged to engage in rehabilitation by the dedicated team of nurses.
Depending on their specific needs, patients may participate in several therapy sessions each day – some individually with therapists, and others in group settings with other patients. For example, exercise classes takes place in the gym and staff also organise yoga and tai chi classes, suitable for everyone.
All therapy activities revolve around the achievement of patient’s individual goals. If appropriate, staf can also support patients with their reintroduction to everyday tasks in real-life scenarios. For example, they can take patients to nearby supermarkets to practise doing their shopping or go to a cafe to practise ordering a coffee and manage money.
The link therapist will organise an initial meeting with the team, the patient and their family, approximately two weeks after admission to the Thistle Suite to discuss therapy goals, the rehabilitation plan and answer any questions they may have.
Therapy continues after this for 4-6 weeks after which the link therapist organises another meeting to review the progress and discuss the plan with the patient and their family.
These arrangements continue until relevant goals are achieved. Some goals may be better addressed in the community and, at that point, the team will plan the discharge from the Thistle Suite. Some patients are in the unit for a few weeks while others require a longer rehabilitation period that can last several months.
Discharge Arrangements
Once the rehabilitation process is coming to an end, the team works to establish what needs to be put in place for a safe discharge. For example, a package of care might be required or equipment ordered to allow safe transfers. The input of social workers is sought where needed, for example where a transfer to a care home is necessary. If the team feel that the patient would benefit from further therapy after discharge, they will refer them to a community therapy team.
Rehabilitation Groups and Social Activities
Group work involves multiple patients participating in shared therapeutic activities or exercises, led by the therapy staff. Each group focus on different aspects of rehabilitation, while also promoting motivation, peer support and social interaction.
Gardening Group
This group brings patients together to plant and grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It provides an opportunity to apply the skills they’ve developed during rehabilitation and also improves both physical and cognitive abilities, while also socialising with others.
Breakfast Club
This is an opportunity for patients to practise their everyday skills by cooking a more elaborate breakfast in the kitchen and eating together in the communal area. The conversation at the table is adapted to patients’ needs and it’s a nice way to socialise and start the day.
Exercise Group
This is a fun group in which patients work together on strength and balance. The activities can vary from week to week as they are tailored to the requirements of the patients. The group involves a game at the end and music is always involved.
Social Activities
The team are keen ensure that patients have a pleasant experience in the unit. It can be challenging to go through the rehabilitation process, so they aim to support patients’ overall wellbeing. For this reason, they also offer a range of fun, social activities. These include;-
- Unit quiz. On a Friday, staff and patients get together in the communal area to take part in a quiz. One of the therapy staff acts as quiz master and patients play in teams. Family and friends are also welcome to join in – everyone has a great time and it can get very competitive…
- The unit has a karaoke machine and often have a singing session together at the weekend in the communal area which is a great way to switch off from rehabilitation.
- There is also a selection of video games (Nintendo Switch), board games and books which all patients and visitors are welcome to use.
