Leslie is staying active with his therapy services

Fifty-nine-year-old Leslie has been accessing Northcott’s services for over 20 years. He is a wheelchair user and finds joy in water and movement.

Lately, Leslie has been a customer of a range of Northcott therapy services including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. He alternates between the two, once a week.

Leslie’s goals

Leslie’s primary goal is to live an independent life.

Northcott’s physiotherapists work with individuals and those who support them to achieve their physical goals in a range of settings such as at home, classroom, workplace, or the community.

Dianne, Leslie’s Physiotherapist at Northcott says, “ The initial 1:1 physio sessions played an important part in improving Leslie’s general posture and strength. It also re-established his confidence while walking with his crutches. He now works with an Allied Health Assistant (AHA), practicing and extending his ‘gym’ work with physio guidance”.

“At my age, if you don’t use it you lose it. With Northcott I practice walking, flexibility, balance, and coordination”, explains Leslie.

A change in location

Recently, Leslie had to move homes. The change in location made him quite nervous as he was worried about navigating unfamiliar environments. Thanks to regular physiotherapy sessions with Northcott, Leslie now feels more confident moving around his new home and suburb.

During this time, Leslie has also worked with Northcott’s Occupational Therapists for home modifications in his new apartment so he could move around with ease. He has also seen them for his wheelchair prescription and updating the cushions on the chair.

Leslie has previously accessed Northcott’s Orthotics and Custom Footwear service. This service delivers a range of custom orthotic and footwear solutions to support the mobility needs of children and adults with disability. With his custom footwear and physiotherapy learnings Leslie has gained the skills to stop dragging his feet when he walks.

What’s next for Leslie?

Leslie and his therapists are looking to get a power assist for Leslie’s manual wheelchair. If he gets this he can go further and faster without fatiguing.

Leslie enjoys coming to Northcott because he gets to mix with different people and learn new skills. He hopes to continue learning new skills and living in the moment.

He says, “I take each day as it comes, because you never know what’s around the corner. Just have to enjoy life the best you can, one day at a time.”