Love grows where my Rosemary goes

Rosemary does more than get by, with a little help from her friends

When Maidstone smallholder Rosemary Clarke, 88, was in hospital after treatment for a broken hip, she was worried about how she’d cope when she got home.

“My life was busy and active before my fall and I wasn’t ready to slow down,” explained Rosemary, who lives and works on her homestead in Leeds village, near Maidstone.

Rosemary in her garden

“I’ve been tending to the animals and selling my fresh free-range eggs from my cottage yard for 40 years. I’m not used to feeling weak and vulnerable, or asking for help; I just wanted to get back to where I was before the accident, as soon as possible.”

After a seven-week stay in William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Rosemary was relieved to be transferred to Hawkhurst Community Hospital for rehabilitation.

She said: “The nurses at Hawkhurst took the time to get to know what makes me tick and find out what mattered most to me – I think they were a bit surprised when I told them it was looking after my brood of chickens and herd of rescue goats!

“Livestock is my life; I was brought up on a local farm, it’s what makes me happy.”

While in the specialist 22-bed rehabilitation unit, just over 15 miles away from where she lives, Rosemary was cared for by a specialist multi-disciplinary team who focused on her wellbeing, as well as physical progress.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists worked alongside the nursing team to create a personalised care plan that would help Rosemary regain her confidence. As well as regular exercises to strengthen her weakened muscles and help with the pain, Rosemary was encouraged to carry out the everyday routines and chores she wanted to pick back up when home.

Rosemary in her kitchen at home

Hawkhurst Matron Nicola Clements said: “We help the people staying with us get back to normal, or find their new normal.

“The older we get, the more we de-condition in a hospital bed so it’s really important to get patients up and moving as soon as possible.

“Rosemary was keen to wash and dress every morning and learn to walk with a frame. Together, we practised making a cup of tea, putting a plate in the oven and taking her first tentative steps outside.”

After just four weeks of community hospital care, Rosemary was ready to continue her recovery at home, supported by friends, family and our community-based health and care professionals.

Rosemary said: “Taking the help offered and making the most of the services available when you leave hospital, means I can live a good life, how and where I want to – in my own home.

“I’m no spring chicken anymore but I still have a lot to offer.

“I’ve looked after people, and animals, from when I was a tot and I’m so pleased I have people to look after me now, when I need it the most.”