If you met John a few years ago, you would have seen a man known around town for enjoying long walks and working in his garden. His daughter Christine describes him as a man who lived for his family. Now, at the age of 87 and dealing with the impacts of Parkinson’s disease, John’s life has become a lot different. This was compounded by a bad fall last autumn when John broke his hip. 

Parkinson’s is a disease that effects the nervous system that worsens over time. It impacts a person’s movement often causing tremors, slowed movements, stiff muscles and can cause difficulties in speaking or even balance. 

In 2023, John was connected with Carly, an Occupational Therapist with Champlain Rehab Solutions, VHA’s branch in the Greater Ottawa Area, about a year before he was hospitalized for his fall. From the onset, Carly gave John and his family piece of mind. 

 “She’s like a breath fresh air,” explains Christine. “Almost instantly, she had a connection with my dad and fit right in with our family.”  

Occupational therapy plays a huge role in the care plan of many homecare clients. “We are a big part of the puzzle in keeping our clients at home but also functional at home. Whether it be facilitating a smooth discharge home from hospital or preventing further decline, we are there for it all,” says Carly. 

Watching a loved one experience changes to their independence is never easy but John’s family knew that Carly was the right person to help their father navigate it. . What started with recommendations on how to make John’s home more mobility-friendly with grab bars, a ramp and other apparatuses has progressed alongside his changing needs.. With Carly’s guidance, they’ve learned different ways to help him regain strength and keep him comfortable,  reducing deterioration and preventing issues like bed sores. Overall, her care and support has made John and his family’s day-to-day life more manageable, “which really means a lot considering we’ve all basically put our lives on hold to take care of my dad,” admits Christine, who has seen her father become basically bed-bound since breaking his hip. 

John’s care journey required skills and knowledge that Christine and her family had never experienced before. Learning to care for him after his Parkinson’s diagnosis was completely new, so having Carly there every step of the way with expertise and confidence means a better quality of life for everyone. “She always just led us through it and made sure we had everything we needed,” tells Christine. “She even helped us secure a wheelchair, which helped so much being that my parents are on a fixed income and things can be so expensive.” 

From Carly’s perspective, working with John and her family has been particularly unique because of the opportunity she’s had to build such a strong working relationship. While it’s been tough for her to witness John’s decline, the extended time she’s had to work with John as a client means that they’ve been able to build a true bond. “It’s heartwarming when John’s face lights up when I come to see him,” Carly explains. “And it’s been so rewarding to see direct impact of my OT services.” 

As John’s illness progressed, mobility became more of an issue for his family. Carly has been able to use her knowledge to guide the family through understanding what John needs and how to use it. She’s supported them through the installation of a mechanical lift, helping manage moving their father in and out of his bed as needed, which can be very stressful for any person not use to doing it. Especially when learning on a frail and fragile loved one. But, as with so many of the adaptations they’ve learned while caring for John, Cary’s confidence is contagious offering them that additional piece of mind. 

Reflecting back over the last two years, Christine says, “This has been such a difficult time for my family. We’re grieving the man that was while he’s still here. Carly sees this. She sees the bonds and connections our family has. The love and compassion she puts into what she does gives us comfort and for that, we’re truly grateful.” 

This appreciation reminds Carly exactly why she does what she does. “I do the job to help people, and when I am able to do that, whether through improving transfer ability, accessing funding for equipment or home modifications, easing caregiver burden, enabling clients to stay home and stay safe at home, it is rewarding.” Navigating the health care system can be exhausting for families like John’s but with the compassionate support of an occupational therapist like Carly, managing a difficult and stressful situation can be much more manageable. 

Learn more about Occupational Therapy services at VHA Home HealthCare here:
https://www.vha.ca/services/occupational-therapy/