Case Management - Patty's Story

Born in South Africa in the late 1950s, Patty had always been a vibrant, energetic woman with an infectious zest for life. Her international travel career reflected her curiosity and drive—qualities that would become essential in the years to come.

Initially diagnosed with a tension or migraine headache, Patty was discharged from A&E. But her condition didn’t improve. Five days later, a CT scan revealed a small subarachnoid bleed. Despite further scans, no immediate action was taken. Tragically, Patty suffered an undiagnosed stroke, resulting in significant and irreversible brain damage.

“It was terrifying,” Patty recalls. “I knew something wasn’t right, but I didn’t expect it to be something that would change my life forever.”

The stroke left Patty with profound physical and cognitive challenges. Once a globe-trotting professional, she became a full-time wheelchair user. She now relies on specialist equipment for transfers and full-time carers for personal care and daily living. Her long-term memory remains strong, but her short-term memory is impaired, and she struggles with complex decision-making, such as managing finances.

Moving Forward After Loss

Following her stroke, the Court of Protection appointed a Professional Deputy to manage Patty’s financial affairs and oversee her care needs, due to the impact of the stroke on her mental capacity to manage these sometimes complicated matters by herself.

In November 2016, the Deputy supported the appointment of Elize, Patty’s Case Manager. Elize, who has a background as an Occupational Therapist, was herself born in South Africa, which is an enjoyable point of connection between herself and Patty and has helped them to form a strong bond within their working relationship.

“I’ve really liked working with Elize as she is a fellow South African so knows how I think and feel,” Patty shares. “We can swap stories about South Africa and know exactly what the other is thinking.”

At the time of the stroke, Patty’s home wasn’t fully accessible so she had adapted by using the living room as her bedroom. Life then took another unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects the autonomic system functions like respiration, blood pressure, and bladder control. Over time, he experienced a decline in his own mobility, finally relocating downstairs to join Patty in an adjoining room. Despite her own disability, Patty cared for her husband alongside his carer, helping him to eat and drink and remaining his constant companion until he passed away in 2022.

They had been married for 22 years, and Patty describes Tim as her rock despite the challenges of his own illness.  It was an incredibly sad and difficult time for Patty. But despite this, she retained her positive outlook on life.

Living with Purpose and Passion

Patty’s resilience is matched by her desire to give back to others. Shortly after her brain injury, she discovered RUILS Independent Living, a charity that supports disabled people. She began volunteering and now works in their admin support team.

“I adore volunteering for RUILS,” Patty says proudly. “And after 14 years they asked me to become a Trustee, and I’ve joined three Sub Committees.”

Her involvement didn’t stop there. Patty joined the charity’s cycling team and participated in the Winter Wonderwheels fundraising event at Dorney Lake in Buckinghamshire—wheeling 5km around the course in her wheelchair. A feat she’s undertaken two years in a row!

“Patty is amazing,” Elize says. “She has such a strong growth mindset and is always keen to keep active, embracing opportunities for learning new skills and trying new experiences. I can’t wait to hear what she has in mind to do next!”

With support from her Occupational Therapist, Patty has explored a range of other activities. She’s joined a choir, a book club, and an art class where she enjoys painting in a variety of mediums and styles.

A Goal Fulfilled: Reuniting with Family in Australia

In May 2023, Patty embarked on a long-awaited trip to Australia to visit her sister, brother-in-law, and nieces—some of whom she hadn’t seen in over 25 years. The trip was a logistical challenge, requiring two support workers, adapted transport, and accessible accommodation. But the effort was worth it.

“It was just wonderful,” Patty beams. “My nieces have grown into such amazing women. One has three adorable children—my grand-nieces and nephew—and I loved every moment with them.”

“I used a beach wheelchair for the first time, and we spent time on the beach together every day —it was such a freeing experience. One of the children covered my arms in stamps from a birthday party. It was chaotic and joyful and just perfect.”

The family welcomed Patty’s support workers with open arms.

“They said they must be treated like family—it made me so proud. It meant the world to me.”

The trip included visits to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Blue Mountains, and two unforgettable performances at the Sydney Opera House: a ballet and a Verdi Requiem concert.

“The sound quality was awesome,” Patty recalls. “The performers got a well-deserved standing ovation. It was one of those moments that stays with you.”

She also visited the Australia Wildlife Walkabout Park, where she held reptiles—much to the envy of her grand-nephew.

“He would have loved to hold the snake and bearded dragon, but his dad explained it was for the reptiles’ sake. He was so sweet about it.”

Looking Ahead

Returning from Australia, Patty felt ready to address long-overdue adaptations to her UK home. With Elize’s support, she is now working with an architect and Occupational Therapist to redesign her space for greater independence.

The planned changes include a wet room, an accessible kitchen, and a chair lift to access her late husband’s bedroom, which will become her therapy room. It will house her standing frame and a Motomed—an exercise bike for wheelchair users.

“I can’t wait to get back into the kitchen as I love cooking,” Patty says. “And I’m looking forward to redecorating too—one of my book club friends used to be an interior designer, so I’m excited to get some ideas from her too!”

With her home soon to be transformed, Patty is already dreaming of her next adventure—a trip to the United States to visit her brother.

“Life is still an adventure,” Patty says with a smile, “and I’m living it!”