+++Vital news (page five of seven)


++What a difference a day service makes

Vitalise New Horizons provides day services for disabled people in the Derby area. Senior Day Service Worker Joan Preedy told us how two local women benefited from the specialist therapy they received.

+Sylvia’ story
As the result of a stroke, Sylvia Dyche had a number of problems. She was no longer able to hold her head up and had to have a headrest on her wheelchair. Sylvia could not straighten her left arm and her hand was clenched tight in a fist. It was causing spasms and giving her a lot of pain.

We thought a weekly massage programme would help Sylvia. Her therapy began just over a year ago. Over the ensuing weeks and months the massage gradually started to alleviate her symptoms. Progress was good and we are now pleased to report that Sylvia can straighten her arm and her hand will lie flat. The spasms have stopped, she no longer needs any pain management and she can once again hold her head up.

Sylvia told us she doesn’t know where she would have been without her weekly massage. She thinks we’ve performed a miracle and says she can’t put into words how she feels. We are just happy that Sylvia no longer has any pain and that life is a little easier for her and her carers.

+Hazel’s story
Hazel Trimmer has multiple sclerosis. When she came to us two years ago her balance and co-ordination were poor and she could only walk a short distance, with the support of furniture or her two carers.

We contacted a physiotherapist who supplied Hazel with a tripod walker and helped us devise a walking programme for her. Hazel made such good progress that with the physiotherapist and her doctor’s permission we started Hazel on a weekly swimming programme. The swimming improved Hazels' balance and co-ordination to such an extent that Hazel can now walk unassisted around the Centre.

Even though Hazel still needs her wheelchair when she’s out and about, Hazel says she is over the moon with everything and doesn’t believe she could have achieved it without our help. Hazel also has aromatherapy and massage sessions at Vitalise New Horizons to boost her balance, co-ordination and general wellbeing which, she says, have really improved her quality of life.

+More information
Vitalise New Horizons day service works in partnership with Derby Social Services to provide a specialist service for disabled people in the Derby area. For more information call 01332 346 232 or visit www.vitalise.org.uk/dayservices