Each patient will be assigned a Link Therapist. This is a member of the team tasked with coordinating the patient’s journey and ensuring that all the processes described below are put in place in a timely manner.
Therapy starts on day one and patients engage in therapy everyday, Monday to Friday. At the weekend, they are still supported and encouraged to engage in rehabilitation by our dedicated team of nurses. Depending on their needs, patients join several therapy sessions a day—some individually with therapists, and others in group settings with fellow patients. For example, we run an exercise class in the gym. When we have a suitable group of patients in the ward, we organise yoga and tai chi classes, suitable to all physical levels. All therapy activities revolve around the achievement of patients’ individual goals. If appropriate, we support patients with their reintroduction to everyday tasks in real-life scenarios. For example, we can take patients to nearby supermarkets to practise doing their shopping or go to the hospital 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. This is an opportunity to discuss therapy goals, the rehabilitation plan and answer any questions that arise.
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.
The process continues until the inpatient goals are achieved. Some goals are better addressed in the community, where they are more relevant to daily life. At that point, we’ll plan the discharge from hospital. Some of our patients are in the ward for a few weeks only, others require a longer rehabilitation period that can last several months.
The Discharge
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 will be 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 activity brings patients together to plant and grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It provides an opportunity to apply the skills they’ve developed in rehab to a meaningful activity, improving 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
We are keen to ensure that patients have a pleasant experience in the unit. It can be challenging to go through the rehabilitation process, so we try our best to think about patients’ overall wellbeing. For this reason, We also offer fun activities that do not have a strict rehabilitation aim:
- Ward quiz. On a Friday, we get together in the communal area to play a quiz. One of the therapy staff creates and delivers the quiz as Quiz Master. We play in teams and family and friends are welcome to join. We always have a great time together and it gets very competitive…
- We have a karaoke machine and often have a singing session together at the weekend in the communal area. It is very fun and great way to switch off from rehab.
- In the ward we have a selection of videogames (Nintendo Switch), board games and books. All patients and visitors are welcome to use them.
