A brain injury survivor has credited neuro-rehabilitation centre Reconnections with transforming his life and enabling him to live independently again.
Scott, who is in late 20s, was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in 2018 and sustained a bleed on the brain.
He struggled with low motivation, poor sleep, cognitive and organisational difficulties and physical impairment. These complex difficulties resulted in Scott being reliant on family members for support.
During his eight-week stay at Reconnections – a groundbreaking centre in Keswick which has been proven to deliver life-changing outcomes – Scott’s programme focused on cognitive and physical rehabilitation alongside daily living and vocational skills within the local community.
His rehabilitation goals included building on independent living skills, establishing a regular daily routine, increasing insight into cognitive and physical fatigue and improving physical fitness.
Scott said: “I had a serious motorcycle accident involving my bike and a fire engine – and I lost.
“I suffered a bleed on the brain but thanks to the clinical team at Reconnections I’m fighting back.
“I was in a dark place before I went to Reconnections. Now I’m in a totally different, positive frame of mind.
“Reconnections has turned my life around. I feel fitter both mentally and physically. I’m living independently and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Explaining Scott’s rehabilitation programme, Femke van Schelven, neurological physiotherapist at Reconnections, said: “As a physio team we worked closely with Scott on his goals around balance, mobility, strength and cardiovascular fitness.
“We integrated his goals into his activities such as fell walking, fishing, kayaking and aquatic therapy.
“Scott’s rehabilitation programme has given him a whole new purpose and focus.
“While the activities were carefully selected and focused towards his goals, they were also meaningful and rewarding for him.
“With support and guidance from our team, Scott developed the motivation and skills to totally turn his life around.
“He started following a healthy structure and routine for the first time since his accident. This included getting up in the morning to get out and about, engaging in activities for daily living and taking responsibility for his medication, meals and self-care.”
She added: “Before his stay at Reconnections, Scott needed family support with most aspects of his daily life.
“With his new found skills, routine and motivation he is now able to live independently in his own flat. He takes responsibility for his own day to day routine, cooks and manages his own household tasks.
“This positive, enabling and active approach has enabled Scott to break down barriers and reach his potential. He can look to the future with real optimism.”
