Murray* was hit by a taxi in 2009 and suffered a brain injury, numerous fractures and internal injuries. His mother was told by hospital doctors that he would probably remain in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.

As a young adult, Murray* was moved to a local elderly nursing home and remained there for a long period. In 2016, he transitioned to a Voyage Care home in the West Midlands.

When Murray* moved to our rehabilitation home, he was severely cognitively impaired, had significant receptive and expressive dysphasia. He was doubly incontinent and had a PEG in place to administer all medications. Murray’s diet was very restricted and he had reduced mobility – using a wheelchair at all times with support to transfer.

Murray* was unable to initiate any aspect of daily living, he had a poor memory, both short and long term, and could not process information effectively.

During the first six weeks with Voyage Care, it was felt that Murray* may be able to orally accept medication. This was trialled this with success and then focus was turned to varying Murray’s* diet. Murray* was introduced to new textures and gradually he progressed to eating a normal diet. Murray’s* PEG, which had been in place since 2009 was then no longer needed and he had it removed.

The Voyage Care team also supported Murray* to work on his cognition and memory skills, Murray* can now recognise voices and names and can hold meaningful conversations.

When Murray* transitioned his home, doctors believed he would never regain his mobility; however, with support from physiotherapists, Murray* was supported to walk approximately 10 steps with help from two staff members. Gradually he has increased this distance and with involvement from the local sensory impairment team Murray* has learned to walk with support using a guide cane.

One year on, Murray* can now stand and move from his bed to a chair unaided and is able to mobilise around the whole ground floor of his home with his guide cane and one staff member for reassurance.

Murray* now visits a local gym on a weekly basis and uses the treadmill at home on a daily basis for a minimum of 10 minutes, without rest periods. He no longer relies on a wheelchair to move around at home.

Murray* still receives regular input from the local continence team and it is hoped that in the near future, he will no longer need to use continence products.

One year on and Murray* is a different person. His family are extremely proud of him and really enjoy spending time with him.

Murray* has proven to the staff team that with determination and a good support team around you, you can achieve great things.

Find out more about our acquired brain injury offerings here. If you would like to speak to our friendly enquiry team call us on 0800 0353 776 or email referrals@voyagecare.com.

*This person chose to remain anonymous, therefore, we have changed some information to protect their confidentiality.

• 
• acquired brain injury
• case study
• transition