“I owe my renewed quality of life to all staff at Rowan Court”

“When I moved to Rowan Court Care Home, I was very ill, depressed and had neglected myself with my personal hygiene needs. I was assessed for the nursing unit, as I was not mobilising when at home and no longer had the strength to stand up independently, and I spent three weeks being cared for in bed. I could still eat and drink but required assistance with personal care.

I was assessed for a hoist and could sit out in my chair. Now that I was sitting out in my chair, the Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator would regularly discuss my interests and hobbies with me. After this discussion, I began to participate in Bee-active, a gentle exercise group, every week, which I enjoyed building my upper body strength. The more activities I attended, the more my fellow residents welcomed me as part of their community. And I was grateful to be among companions again, nattering away.

As my confidence grew, I found myself not wanting to stay in bed all day or in my bedroom. I tried to get out and explore the home and meet other residents in the other suites. I now have an electric wheelchair, which has helped with my well-being as I am now independently moving around the home, introducing myself to new residents and making further friends. My personality began to shine through, and I will be forever grateful for the chat with the Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator, who has helped me gain the confidence to get to where I am today.

I am a resident ambassador along with two other residents, and I am very proud to have been given this opportunity. Residents now know that they can come to me with any concerns they may have. I will pass the information on to management. I feel I am almost back to the person I was, and now reside on the residential floor as I no longer require nursing care.

I am proud to say that I can now help in numerous ways; I am involved in recruiting and assisting in interviewing potential new staff. I am also the bingo caller; I chair residents’ meetings, deliver the post around the home and stop for a chat along the way.

I am no longer hoisted and can take some steps whilst transferring from my chair to the bed. I get along with all staff, and we always have a good laugh. When I first came to Rowan Court, I thought about all the different things that were changing for me and all the different sounds, but now the only sound that amazes me is the sound of my laughter, something I thought I would never hear again. I owe my renewed quality of life to all the management, office team and staff at Rowan Court for picking me up and getting me back to the cheeky chap I was before.”

Paul Kearns, Rowan Court resident

Watch Paul Kearns interview below.