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Speech and language therapy hits the right notes
Graham Francis’ wife Joyce, a stroke survivor, has always loved music and that’s how the speech and language therapist found a way in — by saying phrases in a rhythmical way, with highs and lows.
Speech and Language Therapist Quentin Ma and Speech and Language Therapist Assistant Sharon Kitchener have been helping Joyce, whose stroke in July affected her speech.
The technique Quentin has been using is called Melodic Intonation Therapy and has enabled Joyce to communicate with her family, including her grandchildren.
Pictured: Joyce Francis
“He also referred Joyce to a weekly Stroke Association community session and both things are making a difference,” said Graham, 79, who lives in Broadstairs.
Graham added: “Sometimes she just can’t get the words out. It helps if she is relaxed. Quentin has been very patient and has tried lots of different things, including showing us some websites and apps. Sharon is very good at reassuring Joyce and easing the pressure. They are both smashing.”
Round of a-paws for Jan’s rehab
Jan Millar, 69, is determined to keep up the good work after her six-week pulmonary rehab course – especially for the benefits it brings to her dog Jackson.
Pictured: Jan Millar and her dog Jackson
Jan, from Dartford, is now walking him with ease, without getting out of breath. She said: “The other day I even ran to my neighbour’s house and normally I would be gasping, but following the rehab course, I wasn’t.”
Jan attended sessions twice-a-week, as she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and went into respiratory failure during an operation.
Jan said: “It really made a difference. I got a lot out of it and now it’s up to me. I will definitely carry on with the exercises. Everyone who went along was given a folder which had all the exercises inside. They are easy to follow and I can do them on my own.
“The course was rehabilitation, to make us stronger physically. Each week there was an hour of exercise and then a half hour educational talk. One week it was about inhalers, where we were shown how best to use them. The girls running the course were lovely, so supportive.”
Friendships blossom at outdoor group
Occupational Therapist James Page from our Learning Disabilities Service has been working on improving attendance at the Occupations Outdoors programme.
Pictured: Occupational Therapist James Page
He said: “Service users take part in different activities to develop key skills such as working together, keeping safe and making healthy choices.”
Jasmine Davis, a care coordinator with I Say Supported Living Services in Medway, said: “James and team were very helpful and made the activity fun and exciting for all participants. The service user I work with built some great friendships at the group.”
‘Gentle and calming’ Rachel helps stroke patient Christine
After Christine Treharne suffered a stroke in August, which affected her sight, she was referred to our Neuro Rehabilitation Service.
Pictured: Christine Treharne
Christine, 83, from Canterbury, met Specialist Nurse Rachel Dyer who has supported her recovery.
Christine said: “Rachel was marvellous. She was relaxed and gave me plenty of time to talk about everything that had happened to me and how I was feeling about it.
“She had a gentle and calming personality that put me at ease. She even called me at home the following morning to check on me and take my home blood pressure reading. Thank you for your care, Rachel.”
Way to go for Mollie’s physio
Pictured: Children’s Physiotherapist Lini John
Vikee Folkes praised Children’s Physiotherapist Lini John for her daughter Mollie’s treatment at the Children’s Assessment Centre in Canterbury.
Vikee said: “Since our first meeting with Lini, we have been listened to, treated fairly and with the utmost respect.
“She has always offered brilliant advice. She is wonderful with my daughter, who by now, has really had enough of the many hospital appointments.
“Lini has gone above and beyond to support us, signposting us elsewhere and putting herself forward to help us gain further support for my daughter’s condition. She has referred us for much needed care coordination, something I wasn’t aware of, or had even been told about.
“Without her, I don’t believe my daughter would have made the progress that she has or would have been able to access the other support we now have from other teams. I feel we owe a lot to Lini. She is an absolute credit to KCHFT.”
Titta, 90, says ‘grazie’ for rehab
Rehab patient Antonietta ‘Titta’ Bennett from Maidstone, who grew up in Italy, does everything the Italian way – especially her cooking.
Pictured: Titta Bennett
But it was when she was carrying a pan of boiling water ready to make her favourite pasta dish that she hurt her back and ended up on painkillers prescribed by the GP.
After a few weeks, nothing improved and she began to feel lethargic and shaky.
“I couldn’t believe it when they diagnosed pneumonia – I had no symptoms in my chest so it was a real surprise,” said Titta.
After 10 days at Maidstone Hospital she was transferred to Tonbridge Cottage Hospital for rehabilitation, as following the illness she had been very weak and needed support with her mobility.
She said: “I have had physiotherapy and I can’t fault anything here. Everyone is so attentive and the nurses are just wonderful. I look forward to getting back home and to my kitchen.”
