Abdi and Karen’s Lockdown Journey: Part 2

As promised, here is the second installment of Abdi and Karen’s Lockdown Journey!

Abdi:

“I suddenly realised that I would really miss Wheelchair football and Boccia that I went to every week that I now couldn’t go to.

I was about to go back for some more sessions on the CAREN at BASIC but Corona came and stopped it.

School sent me some work to do online but that felt weird and I missed being with my friends, especially my best friend Brandon.

It felt good not good not getting OT and physio with Karen and Andy. I thought I was going to chill but no chance when they both came back through the screen – it made me feel like I wasn’t getting to do what I wanted – no rest for me!

Karen talked about buying some games and activities for me to have at home which I was glad about.”

Karen:

“So, as a company passionate about the work we do, we immediately started to problem solve how we could continue to engage with our clients now that we were not able to visit them at home. We had lots of team meetings and peer support sessions to establish how to still get into people’s homes remotely. It was a VERY steep learning curve for most of us! I had occasionally used Skype in the past but apart from that “Zoom” and “Teams” were a foreign words! However they are now part of our everyday language along with Furlough, Bubbles, Shielding, Social Distancing – amazing how quickly we accept things as “normal”

Abdi has a support worker who works with him for a few hours a day. Andy, Abdi’s physio and I spent some time reviewing the information and programmes that had been put together in the past. Like so many support worker, this was time to step up to the mark and become the therapists hands!

The technology Abdi had available to him was limited to an iPad and his support worker’s phone.

We started using WhatsApp on his support worker’s phone and by the 7^th April, just 2 weeks into Lockdown, we were up and running; if not a little shaky as the support worker tried to prop the phone and follow the instructions given – but it worked.

I spent lots of time trying to figure out how I could carry on and use the activities I frequently used to work on Abdi’s cognitive difficulties. My creative OT brain was in overdrive! Connect 4 was a favourite, so I set up my game with coloured tags at the top of each column so Abdi could direct me where to place the counters – it worked so well. Playing UNO remotely was interesting too! We had a pack of cards each!

Reviews

"We have used SP Therapy Services for around 6 years. They provide an excellent service. Our Physiotherapist, Jane has been an amazing support to our son with the various techniques she uses to encourage him to undertake his physio for his cerebral palsy. Following an operation last year, his programme was adapted accordingly and his mobility has improved. Jane has continued to look at different methods to keep him engaged with his exercises, using dance, darts, Nintendo switch which has kept him enthusiastic. We would be happy to recommend SP Therapy, they definitely provide an efficient, effective and reliable service."
Lynne Hush

"The team at SP Therapy Services are always professional and understand the need for client centred goals . It has been a pleasure to have Rebecca's support to enable one of her clients to connect with me and engage in Equine Facilitated learning sessions. Their support is much appreciated ."
Sarah Squires Grimbleby

"The physio team at SP Therapy Services are life enhancers. Not only are they excellent professionals- true experts in what they do, but they are also advocates, champions, and guardians of wellbeing.
My physio Jane has been particularly supportive of me and has helped me understand my own body, improve my strength and instil confidence. Jane does everything she can to help me improve but is flexible to real life challenges.
Juggling work with my energy variation isn’t always straightforward but Jane adapts each session as needed. And I’ve found every team member are all very good and caring.
I doubted whether going back to physio would do any good- but SP teams are the best of the best and made me so grateful to have access to such excellence. Would highly recommend."
C D

"I was diagnosed with MS twenty years ago. Early on, I was advised 'physiotherapy will really help you'. Luckily, SP Therapy Services came to my rescue. They have never let me down, it has been easy to book appointments, and the quality of the sessions is excellent. Speaking to a professional who understands the condition, assess my needs, and comes up with a treatment plan for each appointment is priceless. Many, many thanks to Jane R, and the rest of the team."
Samantha Henthorn

"Susan Patterson at SP Therapy has supported Headway Salford for many years, and her dedication to the brain injury community is truly something special. She consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference for people living with brain injuries and the families supporting them.

Susan is the founder of the North West Brain Injury Forum, which has brought professionals and organisations together to improve support, understanding, and collaboration across the region. Her passion for raising awareness and improving services for those affected by brain injury shines through in everything she does.

Her commitment and hard work have rightly been recognised, including receiving the Headway Salford “Above and Beyond” Award. It’s a well-deserved honour for someone who gives so much of her time, knowledge, and compassion to others.

Susan is a true advocate for the brain injury community and a valued supporter of Headway Salford. People like Susan make a real difference, and the impact of her work continues to be felt by so many."
Sam Ashcroft

"SP Therapy Services have been a fantastic support to Headway Rotherham. Their visits to our group have made a real difference, especially through their engaging and accessible chair-based exercise sessions, which our members really enjoy and benefit from.

They are not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely warm and encouraging, helping everyone feel comfortable and included. We are particularly grateful for their ongoing support in raising funds for our charity, which shows their commitment goes far beyond their sessions.

We highly value our partnership with SP Therapy Services and look forward to continuing to work together."
Sadie Bratt

"Very professional service and high quality of reports and communication to ensure best practice and outcomes for my clients."
Elaine O'Flaherty

"Excellent service! As always. I have worked with SP Therapy services now for close to 18 years and I rate them highly."
Linda Jooste

"I am delighted to endorse the team at SP Therapy Services. They consistently provide exceptional therapy and support their practice with sound, detailed documentation, which always arrives in a timely manner. The friendly clinicians are a credit to this fabulous company and it is evident that they always keep their patients at the centre of everything they do."
Janet Penny

"SP Therapy Services has supported Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group for many years. Susan and Rebecca have demonstrated knowledge and skill and been adaptable to working in community settings. I would have no hesitation in recommending SP Therapy Services."
Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group

"I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to Sue for everything she has done for our daughter who has FND.
Her patience, encouragement, and expertise have made such a difference, and we are truly grateful for the care that she has given to her ."
Julie Meara

"I referred one of my clients to SP Therapy Services for physiotherapy input. Jayne and the team have worked really hard to help my client meet and exceed their goals in a short period of time. They have provided regular updates and have been professional and empathetic at all times with my client and their family. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services."
Grace Heppinstall