Sara’s Rehabilitation journey at Cramond Residence

We caught up with Sara, who has recently returned home after a two-week rehabilitation stay at the Residence, here is her story. From all of us here at Cramond Residence, it was a pleasure to help you on your recovery journey!

I arrived at Cramond Residence for rehabilitation following a hip replacement.

It was a robotic surgery & recovery was much much quicker than expected. I was fully independent, bar the compression socks, after a few days and walking without sticks just 5 days after surgery. Despite this, I had no inkling whatsoever to return home early. At a mere 53 years old (the youngest resident by far!) I was determined to make the most of the 2 weeks to get as far ahead with my recovery as I could before returning home.

First off, Cramond Residence is an amazing place. The staff, without exception, are incredible. The love, care, attention and endless time given to each resident is exemplary. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Everyone has their own daily needs and routines and the staff provide one to one care. The way the building is split into 9 houses is super, same faces (both staff & residents) on each corridor & no overwhelming big spaces. I was lucky enough to be in Bonaly House and the team – both the day & night staff – were just incredible. It’s not a job that I could do and I take my hat off to each and everyone here that has chosen a career in care.  Amazing people.

The Physio offered was a big lure for me too. Physio is contracted out to the team at Balanced. A group of highly skilled and just lovely lovely people. I chose to book extra daily one-to-one sessions & I made great progress not only with the hip, but with my shoulder that had been operated on earlier on in the year. I also joined in on the group sessions twice a week with other residents which I really enjoyed. I cannot recommend the Balanced team highly enough.

Rather than stay in my room all day, I set myself up in the Lounge next door. This was a perfect space for me to spend my time. I was lucky enough to have lots of friends visit too, especially in the first week. I spent my days doing jigsaws, reading, catching up with old friends, working, going for my daily walk, bit of telly, doing jobs I’d been putting off for months. I found it very easy to fill my days and time just flew by! The highlight of each day was obviously the mealtimes (3 courses twice a day!)  – and the 11am coffee & biscuit run & the 3pm coffee & cake cart!! The food was amazing!!!

Two weeks on I can safely say that this was the best decision I ever made! I am ready for home now, but will look back with great affection to those I was lucky enough to share my corridor with, both the amazing staff and the residents alike.

Thank you for looking after me so well!