Sharon from Ardkeen would like to share her story about how stoke impacted her life and how she is setting goals. Since the stroke Sharon has experienced right-side weakness and aphasia. She is a wheelchair user but found getting out of bed an impossible task at times due to pain and other factors. In November 2021 she moved to Ardkeen. Throughout the years since, Sharon wanted to become as independent as possible in various aspects of her life. However, a major issue was Sharon's lack of confidence. She was afraid to be left alone in her wheelchair because she felt unsafe, especially since she could not manoeuvre the wheelchair on her own due to weakness on her right side.

Staff at Ardkeen spoke with Sharon and decided to set some goals. Sharon agreed to the plan and the first goal she expressed she wanted to achieve was to do her own shopping and online shopping was suggested pain was still a huge issue. The approach was successful, and Sharon was very pleased with the outcome. She now continues to do her online shopping weekly with assistance from the staff.

With the first goal was achieved, the staff had a discussion with Sharon to determine the next one.  Sharon expressed a desire to go out for a social drink. A new plan was established: Sharon would get up for one hour every other day for a few weeks, and then every day for the following weeks. This approach was intended to help improve her pain threshold and boost her confidence to sit in her chair. A specific time for each session was agreed upon between the staff and Sharon, and the staff would remain close by in case Sharon experienced any distress. A calendar was displayed for the staff to record days and times, allowing Sharon to see it as a reminder. She began this the next day, but instead of following the original plan, Sharon got up every day. The staff were delighted to support Sharon and witness the improvement in her physical and mental health. Initially, Sharon would get up but stay in her apartment. A few days later, she started going to the communal area and spending time with other tenants and staff. On hot days, she enjoyed being outside, soaking up the sun while listening to music and having fun. Five weeks later, Sharon achieved her goal and went out to the Doyen beer garden for cider and some food.

Sharon is currently working towards her goal of visiting the Kennedy Center to complete her shopping in person. This is still a work in progress due to pain management issues, as shopping will require longer periods of sitting in a chair. However, the staff are supporting Sharon with registering for DATS, and she continues to get out of bed daily. The occupational therapist has been updated on her situation, and they are collaborating to obtain new equipment, such as an electric or battery-powered wheelchair.