From hospital bed to walking again: Anna’s rehabilitation journey
At 88 years old, Anna's recovery journey highlights the powerful impact of determination, collaborative working, and access to the right rehabilitation at the right time.
After spending a month in East Surrey Hospital recovering from surgery, Anna was discharged home on 4 April 2026.
Following an assessment by a team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists from Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, it was clear that Anna's mobility had significantly declined. She was unable to stand and required hoist equipment for transfers, which led to two carers visiting four times per day.
However, the collaborative team involved in Anna's care at home quickly recognised that she had the potential to improve.
"We knew that Anna had been able to walk fairly recently, and we could see she still had the ability to engage in physical activities as we observed her sitting on the edge of the bed with only minimal help", commented Physiotherapist, Melvin and Technical Instructor, Annamaria.
The team of community therapists worked hard to provide rehabilitation for Anna at home, but there were clear challenges. The level of assistance Anna required during therapy sessions, alongside limited time for intensive input, became significant barriers for progression.
Anna was also facing multiple additional challenges including skin damage, pain and physical deconditioning. Following a joint visit from physiotherapists and occupational therapists from First Community and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust it was clear that that a different approach was required. Anna was referred to the inpatient ward at Caterham Dene Hospital on 24 April for a period of intensive rehabilitation.
"Based on Anna's clinical presentation, I knew she had rehabilitation potential and needed intensive therapy input to help her regain functional abilities, such as walking to the toilet", said Joel, Occupational Therapist.
Reflecting on how she felt, Anna said, "I thought I would never be able to walk again, and that my life would shrink to sitting in a chair".
Her concerns reflect the very real risks associated with prolonged bed and chair rest in older adults. These can include rapid loss of muscle strength, increased risk of incontinence, fragile skin, and reduced sensory stimulation, all of which can significantly impact both physical and mental wellbeing.
A team of nurses, therapists and healthcare assistants at Caterham Dene Hospital worked closely together to support Anna's recovery and developed a personalised rehabilitation care plan to work on her goals.
"We were worried that there were too many limitations for Anna to progress physically", said Agata, Physiotherapy Team Lead. "But her motivation and determination were outstanding".
Over the past four weeks, Anna has made remarkable progress and has now been discharged home without needing support from carers. She's independent with her mobility and personal care and will continue to build on this with support from First Community's Intermediate Care Team.
Anna's journey demonstrates how early identification of rehabilitation potential, combined with strong partnership working across NHS services and intensive therapy input, can make a life-changing difference.
Pictured left to right: Melvin, Physiotherapist (Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust), Joel, Occupational Therapist (Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust), Anna (patient), Agata, Physiotherapy Team Lead Caterham Dene Hospital (First Community) and Dawn, Physiotherapy Technical Instructor (First Community).