“I’m healthy and happy, and still motivated to regain the pleasures and joys of my pre-stroke life.” – Ian
Before starting his journey at Hobbs Rehabilitation, Ian lived life to the fullest, constantly seeking new experiences and embracing a variety of energetic activities. A devoted father and partner, he gave back to his community by volunteering at the local museum and coaching cricket, all while playing the sport himself. Ian really immersed himself into physical fitness; he loved long walks with his dog and was an avid runner, always striving to stay healthy and active.
However, this all unexpectedly changed overnight for Ian. He was having an ordinary evening with his partner and dog when he quickly started experiencing a severe headache. This escalated into a stroke occurring that night, which resulted in an ambulance being called immediately to transport him to his local hospital, much to the shock of his family. Upon assessment by the medical team, doctors recommended he be transferred to a bigger hospital to undergo thrombectomy surgery, a standard and crucial procedure for stroke patients. Thanks to the swift action of phoning the ambulance, Ian was able to be efficiently transferred to both hospitals, allowing him to receive the stroke treatment necessary for his recovery.
Ian began his journey with Hobbs Rehabilitation in February of 2024, coming directly from the hospital, at our Laverstock Care Centre. His stroke had left a profound impact on his daily life. In his own words, the effects were ‘catastrophic’ and ‘completely life-changing’. He found himself unable to speak, walk, or eat independently, continuously needing his partner to support him in dealing with these physical challenges (such as dressing, washing, and moving around the house). Ian also experienced constant, severe pain, along with significant cognitive dysfunction and severely impaired vision.
At Laverstock, he was treated by our multidisciplinary team of dedicated therapists, focusing on improving his communication and cognitive abilities, managing his constant pain, and facilitating his return to a better, more independent, daily life.
When Ian first arrived, he used a full hoist for all transfers due to the lack of mobility caused by the stroke. With the help of our specialist neurological physiotherapists, Ian was able to explore a treatment plan with the goal to reduce the amount of assistance needed to transfer with a molift. His physiotherapist created a night positioning programme to manage the pain in his legs, as well as aiming to improve his sitting balance and activity tolerance. Additionally, he received support from our speech and language therapists, and our occupational therapists, to improve his ability to eat and communicate, and enhance his confidence and independence when returning to home.
Given the significant emotional and cognitive effects of the stroke, it was important for Ian to also receive support from our clinical neuropsychology team. Ian worked closely with our Clinical Neuropsychologist, Will, who provided valuable guidance to help him navigate the psychological challenges of his rehabilitation. Through their sessions, Ian was able to better understand his limitations, manage his anxiety and frustrations, and set realistic, achievable expectations.
“Weaving neuropsychological approaches throughout the rehabilitation process significantly contributed to the success of Ian’s recovery, including pain management, optimising his participation in rehabilitation through coping with anxiety, and facilitating his adaptation to a changed life. He engaged with the rehabilitation process with grace, grit and humility. The greatest success was Ian being able to return to what he valued most, living in his cottage with his remarkable partner. It was a pleasure getting to know them both.” – Dr William Pearson, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Ian’s true determination and dedication to his rehabilitation journey, along with the support from his therapists, has made a massive impact on his progress. Thanks to the care and encouragement he received from his multidisciplinary team of therapists, Ian has improved overall, and values the joy that small successes bring. Despite leaving Hobbs Rehabilitation in a wheelchair, Ian has strengthened his mobility, requiring only one assistant when rolling and standing in his molift, compared to the 2-3 assistants previously. Ian also progressed to being able to stand in the molift for 30 minutes at a time. Additionally, his balance significantly improved; he is now able to sit midline independently and more comfortably.
Ian’s well-being has significantly improved throughout his rehabilitation journey at Hobbs Rehabilitation at Laverstock Care Centre; his motivation continues to grow, and he now feels more confident in his abilities. Ian’s sense of being deeply cared for, and appreciated, by the wonderful team, has played a vital role in boosting his self-esteem, helping him regain not only his independence but also a renewed sense of self-worth.
“As a relative, I’m thrilled that my partner had the opportunity to be part of Hobbs rehabilitation. He has really benefitted from the skill and dedication of the team.” – Ian’s partner
Recently, Ian and his partner told their story to MP Dr Danny Chambers during his visit to Hobbs Winchester and they captivated the room with their lived experiences of the impact of rehabilitation on their lives as a couple. It was a reminder of the role of the MDT in supporting not only the person affected by the injury, but their family and support network too. A truly remarkable and humbling story of humility, resilience and teamwork.