Mary, aged 62, made a speedy recovery thanks to CARE Point after having a stroke and falling at her home in Wallsend.
With help from CARE Point, a joint service provided by North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, she left hospital earlier to continue her recovery at home.
Before leaving hospital, Mary was anxious and at risk of falling, worried about adjusting to a special diet and new medication. Assessments and care packages were arranged to start the day she was discharged home – including nursing, therapy and rehab.
Mary said: “I was frightened about going home. In hospital someone’s always there to do everything for you. But after a few days at home the support I got gave me confidence to believe I could do things myself. I don’t think I would be where I am today if I hadn’t got their support.”
Deb Gracey, rehabilitation officer at North Tyneside Council, said: “Mary was extremely tired initially and struggled at mealtimes, so we got her extra equipment straight away to make it easier.”
Paula Cossar, senior physiotherapist at Northumbria Healthcare, added: “Together with the council we closely monitor patients, especially when they first get home to ensure – like Mary – they have everything they need to recover. We know it’s much better for a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing to leave hospital as soon as they are medically fit to go and that’s why schemes like CARE Point are so important.”
