Name: Nicole Skermer
Therapist: David Fahey (Physiotherapist)
Background: Nicole has a history of brain cancer that required multiple operations and chemotherapy. Nicole has also sustained a bleed on the brain as well as some mental health challenges throughout her recovery. She currently lives with her son and father. Nicole is a bright bubbly and positive woman with a sharp memory and cheeky sense of humour. These qualities make her a joy to work with.
Intervention: Nicole works with Health2You’s senior OT Kathy, and Physiotherapist Dave. They have worked together to assist Nicole in achieving as much physical and social independence as possible. This work includes regular physical exercise and assistance with modifications of her current home and apartment that she wishes to move into next year.
Nicole InterviewWhat do you find the most challenging aspect of your intervention? I find trusting the health professionals I work with a real challenge. I am fearful of falling, so I need to know that my Physio or Allied Health Assistant is trained and prepared to assist if I need it. I struggle to trust physically smaller therapists, as I am unsure if they can catch me. Dave is a big guy, so learning to walk with him was great. I felt I was safe. I now trust my own balance enough to work with Kat, a smaller female therapist. 2020 and 2021 have been full of challenges. I have had to deal with the fear of COVID infection, but I also have lost my mother this year and have had some challenging personal and family battles I have had to work through. My therapy has always been fun and enjoyable. The therapists are all so understanding and optimistic.
What motivates you to keep improving? I am motivated by my mother, I want to make her proud. I am also motivated by the chance to be more independent and live by myself in my own apartment. Kathy has been great with helping me modify the apartment to make it accessible. Above all my biggest motivation is my son Lachie. I want to be the best I can be for him.
What are your new goals? Now that I have succeeded in walking short distances without any physical help from Dave, I want to walk for longer distances without stopping and increase my confidence with walking in crowded places, uneven terrain and turning corners. The Glen is my race track. My goal is to walk from David Jones from to the food court and back.
Health 2 You is passionate about our patient’s improvements and share our patient case studies following consent and review of these from our patients themselves. The purpose of which is to help inspire others with medical, disability and neurological conditions and give people in this space a greater voice.
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