A HYDE man who feared life would never be the same after a life-changing stroke is now walking independently and back doing the things that matter most to him – less than a year on.
Dean, from Hyde, returned home from hospital feeling isolated and unsure where to turn.
Everyday tasks suddenly felt overwhelming, and both his life and his family’s lives had been turned upside down.
That changed when Dean was referred to Tameside Council’s Reablement Service, a short-term, free service designed to help people regain lost skills following illness or a hospital stay.
“We’ve never experienced a situation like this, so after I came home, we had no idea where to start or what support we could get,” Dean said. “I’m so grateful that Reablement’s support workers came in. They were patient and provided personalised ways and equipment to help me, most of it I never even knew existed.”
Dean’s goal was clear but far from easy: to walk again and manage the stairs on his own.
Working alongside support workers – including Kath – and physiotherapy staff, Dean began rebuilding his confidence step by step.
“Working with Kath and other support workers and Physiotherapy gave me the confidence to start trying to wash, dress and even get up the stairs on my own. I’m proud to say less than a year after my stroke, I’m able to do the things that matter to me.”
Practical solutions also played a key role in his recovery. With the introduction of a medication carousel, Dean is now able to manage his medication independently, removing the need for ongoing care.
Dean and his family were also signposted to other local services, including Tameside Carers Centre for his partner, and Tameside Council’s Community Response Service telecare support, providing extra reassurance for the whole family.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr John Taylor, said he had met Dean and seen the impact of the service first-hand.
“His determination is truly inspiring, and he clearly demonstrates the life-changing and positive impact that Reablement can have.
“By working together, it’s encouraging to see how hopeful he is for the future. Thank you to the team for working so closely with Dean and his family, and for listening to what is important to them all during such a difficult time.”
Reablement is often one of the first steps offered when someone contacts adult social care’s Early Support and Advice Hub, with the focus on helping people live safely and independently at home for as long as possible.
More information about the Reablement Service can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/adults/reablement or by calling 0161 922 4888 (option 1).
Details about Tameside Carers Centre are available at www.tameside.gov.uk/carerscentre or on 0161 342 3344. Information about the Community Response Service can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/crs or by calling 0161 342 5100.