Transforming Rob’s health and mobility

When Rob moved into our supported living service in Malvern nearly three years ago, his health was so poor that he couldn’t walk at all. He had diabetes and was suffering with swelling in his lower legs and feet which meant that staff needed to support him to find specialist footwear.

Rob had had an extended stay in hospital before moving into our service and initially needed to attend the oedema clinic regularly. Once Rob was on appropriate medication to reduce the swelling in his legs and feet and he had properly fitting shoes, his staff were able to support him to start improving his mobility. Service manager Karen explained: “We knew that supporting Rob to kick-start his weight-loss was really important, both for his diabetes and to make it easier for him to start walking again. We supported him to prepare healthy, low-fat meals, which saw him start to lose weight in a sustainable manner.

“Once Rob had started to lose a bit of weight, he was so pleased with himself that it really inspired him to keep going. Every time he’s weighed and finds out he’s lost a bit more, he punches the air with excitement. He’s now lost over four stone, or 25 kilos, and his health is so much better that he no longer needs to go to the oedema clinic. Rob used to have to wear compression stockings all the time, but about six months ago he was able to stop using them, which shows how much his health has improved. He’s also been able to come off his diabetes medication entirely, which is fantastic.

“As the weight started to come off, it was much easier for Rob to get up and walk a bit. He’s a really determined person so the more he did and the easier it got, the more he was determined to do.”

We’re so proud of Rob and what he’s achieved, it’s just incredible – he’s such an inspiration.

Rob said: “I now walk every day and try to inspire everyone else to look after their health too – exercising and eating properly is really important. I’m really chuffed with my weight loss and my sister is very happy that I’ve lost weight too. I like to go to the farm and walk up and down the paths with the donkeys and I like walking in the park with my friends too. I also go to the hydropool once a week – swimming keeps you fit and healthy and strong.

“I help around the house a lot now, which I couldn’t do at all before. I like living here and my keyworker Gerry is really good – we have a laugh and a chat. When I first moved in, I couldn’t get up the stairs but now I can do that easily. You’ve got to get yourself involved with your health because otherwise you miss out on all sorts of things.”