In Australia, many millions live with serious conditions that interfere with their work, home lives and recreational activities. Others include Leonie Nelson and Anna Dean. Their stories vividly demonstrate the importance of Occupational Therapy (OT) and the incredible help offered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Each woman has walked the winding road of recovery from a circumstance that forever altered their way of life, a story threaded with courage and strength.
Seven years ago, that routine life was turned upside down when Leonie Nelson, a retired social worker, had a stroke. Even though she had a bleed stroke, almost immediately after her stroke she started getting OT to help get her independence back. Under her therapist’s direction, Ms. Nelson learned to break these down into manageable, realistic steps. She determined to get dinner on the table for her family that night and address some Christmas cards. She did that all right—remarkably, her first goal was accomplished 12 weeks post-stroke when she prepared a family meal.
Anna Dean’s story, though distinct, exemplifies the adversity that those like her, who experience major health problems, encounter. Like many patients, Ms. Dean’s fracture went undiagnosed for several days after her initial fall. Today, she courageously lives with FND and as a paraplegic. Before her accident, she was a spray-painter and was constructing her own home. Today, Ms. Dean is an avid practitioner of archery, camping and horseback riding. She gets incredible therapy support from her Occupational Therapist, Vicki Abraham.
The Impact of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy has played an important role in both women’s recoveries. For Ms. Nelson, weekly OT sessions have all been critical in her journey back to function and independence. On a scale of zero to ten, seven months post-stroke, she recovered 95% of hand function—her ability to make a fist—with her right hand. This progress has given her the opportunity to focus on things that she used to just do without thinking.
Ms. Dean’s experience with OT has been equally life-changing. Not long ago she needed help for nearly everything. Now, thanks in part to a power wheelchair, she was no longer housebound and enjoyed an unprecedented independence in mobility. Consequently, this independence has opened the door for her to engage in non-academic, extracurricular activities and hobbies, restoring enjoyment in life that had all but dissipated.
“The sun shone through. She had rainbows.” – Vicki Abraham
Thanks to ongoing support from NDIS, both women are able to keep up their therapy. This support enables them to meaningfully work toward their individual aspirations. Ms. Nelson credits the NDIS for making her ongoing treatment affordable, while Ms. Dean’s access to resources has enabled her to explore activities that empower her.
Setting and Achieving Goals
Goal-setting was an important aspect in both women’s rehabilitation experiences. For Ms. Nelson, minor victories were prelude to bigger wins. Preparing an evening meal for her household was about more than just sustenance. It quickly turned into an important anchor for her development and a source of motivation to restore some normalcy in their new lives.
Ms. Dean discovered power in purpose, as goalsetting enabled her to steer through the hurdles that her illness introduced her life. She hadn’t performed on her legs since her friend’s wedding nine years prior. Now, with her OT’s help, she has her independence back and participates in joining activities that add happiness to her life.
“I went from being stuck in bed, you know, not really able to get to the toilet very well, dragging myself on the floor kind of thing … to just being free.” – Anna Dean
Ms. Nelson and Ms. Dean to explore the powerful and transformative journeys that advocacy can take. They each demonstrate how rethinking what’s possible can dramatically improve your life.
Overcoming Challenges Together
As difficult as their struggles may have been, both women have exhibited extraordinary strength. Ms. Nelson’s story started with a stroke that challenged her independence, but through intensive rehabilitation and personal goals she continued to overcome challenges. Listen to her passion and commitment as she outlines her accomplishments to date. As an example of her progress, she tells of re-learning how to braid her hair five years post-stroke.
Ms. Dean’s story is equally inspiring. For reasons unknown, she suffered the mysterious malady that left her paralyzed. This experience submersed her into deep emotional turmoil, leading her to doubt her desire to continue living. Her journey toward healing included not only physical health, but working to heal the emotional scars left behind by her abuse.
“I probably – definitely – didn’t want to be here anymore.” – Anna Dean
With the help of Vicki Abraham Immediate Support and NDIS, Ms Dean’s life has changed. She has gone from a place of need, to first intermediary and now, utter self-sufficiency.
