Michael and Melanie go head to head in Stroke Week activities
Michael Bennett was one of several patients to unleash his competitive side in Logan’s Rehab Unit last week.
The local, who is undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke, completed a round robin cycling challenge, arm strength and coordination challenge, trivia and a game of taboo alongside fellow patients.
The games were part of the Rehab Unit’s National Stoke Week activities to raise awareness about the F.A.S.T acronym.
The Stroke Foundation of Australia said knowing the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke could save a life in the event of the medical emergency.
Senior Rehab Physiotherapist Melanie Godfrey said 51 patients were admitted to the unit with stroke in 2023, each of them requiring intensive rehabilitation.
Melanie said a typical day in rehabilitation was like a full-time job for patients and involved 24-hour participation in daily self-care activities with nursing staff and multiple hour-long sessions with allied health staff each day.
“Our program includes tailored support, including daily physiotherapy for strength and balance, occupational therapy for arm exercises and cognitive tasks, speech pathology sessions for swallowing and communication, as well as independent exercises and communal dining experiences."
Melanie said patients were keen to join in the weeks' activities with nine inpatients and a number of other outpatients, like Michael, joining in on the fun.
"One patient did particularly well and won several events. He reported how much he loved getting involved and socialising," she said.
Staff also got involved with Speech Pathologist Quin Lambert and Speech Pathology Student Alannah Paterson joining the 'guess the texture challenge', trying thickened fluids.
Thanks to Occupational Therapist Camilla Guegan, Speech Pathologist Quinn Lambert and Melanie who organised the fun and games.