Di’s Journey: Recovering After a Brain Bleed

Two years ago, our mum, Di, suffered a severe brain bleed that changed all of our lives overnight. As a result of the brain bleed, she lost all movement down her left side and faced significant challenges when she returned home from hospital.

Simple daily tasks became incredibly difficult. Moving safely around the house, transferring from bed to chair, and maintaining any level of independence required constant support. Despite this, Mum remained determined to improve, which is what led us to seek specialist neurological physiotherapy at home.

While we were incredibly grateful for the care provided by the NHS, we felt that Mum needed more regular, focused rehabilitation to continue the progress she had made in hospital. We could see her potential, but she needed a more personalised and consistent approach to help her move forward.

Starting home-based physiotherapy made an immediate difference. The sessions were tailored specifically to Mum’s needs, her movement patterns, and—most importantly—her home environment. This meant that every exercise directly translated into improving her day-to-day life. It also helped establish safe routines, not just for Mum but for everyone involved in her care. With multiple carers supporting her, having consistent guidance and training ensured she was handled safely and confidently at all times.

Over time, the improvements have been clear and encouraging. Mum’s confidence has grown significantly, and she has made noticeable progress in her walking and transfers—whether moving from bed to chair, getting in and out of the car, or navigating around the house. With expert guidance, she has also been introduced to specialist equipment, including a quad stick and a leg brace, both of which have made a meaningful difference to her mobility and independence.

A key part of this journey has been the consistency and expertise of her physiotherapist. Having worked with Mum for over 18 months, he has developed a deep understanding of her goals, challenges, and personality. Their sessions are not only productive but enjoyable—Mum always finishes feeling more energised and positive. His support has extended across both home and care environments, ensuring that everyone involved in Mum’s care follows safe and effective processes.

From a family perspective, the impact has been profound. Mum’s stroke affected all of us, and having expert guidance throughout her recovery has been invaluable. We feel reassured, supported, and optimistic about her future. It’s not just about physical recovery—it’s about restoring confidence and giving us all a sense of direction.

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend neurological physiotherapy to anyone facing similar challenges. The personalised care, expertise, and ongoing support have made a genuine difference to Mum’s recovery and our family’s journey.