Teresa’s Message of Hope

At 76, Teresa’s story is of a woman’s life transformed both by health challenges and by courage in addressing them.

For Teresa, whose daily existence is marked by chronic pain from complex health conditions, being part of a small community in an idyllic setting near Moreton Bay is her inspiration.

Although Teresa lives alone she is supported by loyal friends and the services she receives through our Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) program.

Our 8-week STRC program worked with clients like Teresa to identify their health goals and to match the services to achieve them.

Teresa – who has multiple health issues including obesity and vertigo – warmly responded to our support.

When Teresa identified that her goal was to return to a public heated pool and join community activities, our allied health professionals stepped in to support her with achieving this.

A review of Teresa’s home environment was conducted to identify the equipment and aids necessary to support Teresa’s ability to remain living at home.

This led to the installation of a hand-held shower hose on a grab rail and a chair for Teresa to rest on in the shower.

Through regular physiotherapy, specialising in balance and tailored exercises, Teresa was also able to more effectively manage her vertigo and feel safer when leaving her home.

Before long Teresa was attending weekly hydrotherapy which assisted in alleviating bodily and joint pains while also improving her mobility and muscle strength.

As the weeks passed, Teresa went from being homebound to going dancing with friends who remarked on her confidence.

Thankfully, Teresa’s friends are in daily contact to accompany her to cafes and shops in the locality where she has lived for 2 decades.

As Co.As.It. reaches its fourth year of providing the Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) program, our multidisciplinary and collaborative approach continues to deliver positive outcomes for our clients like Teresa. Through our tailored response many clients like Teresa have regained many of their abilities, reigniting their community engagement and involvement in social activities.

Teresa says she “cannot speak highly enough of all of the support our STRC team has provided her with’” and our Co.As.It. team are more than delighted with Teresa’s inspirational achievements.