Patient story · Parkinson’s and dementia
From hoist to walking indoors: one family’s story
A man with Parkinson’s Plus and Lewy body dementia came home from hospital needing a hoist and two carers to move. This is how his rehabilitation went at home, and where it has reached so far.
Coming home
When “safe” is not the same as “as well as possible”
After a serious fall and a stay in hospital, he went home with a large care package: four visits a day, with two carers each time. He depended on a hoist to get from bed to chair.
NHS community physiotherapy had seen him, and he had since been discharged from that service. His wife felt there was more he could do, and contacted us.
On our free call and first visit we met someone who was motivated but held back by his condition. Dementia made following instructions harder, and low blood pressure on standing meant progress had to be gradual and careful. With the family, we agreed a first goal: to stand up from his chair without hands-on help within four to six weeks.
About this story. It is shared with the family’s permission, and details have been changed or left out to protect their privacy. It is one person’s experience. Every situation is different, and we cannot promise a similar result.
How it went
Step by step, at home
We did not start with walking. We started with the basics and moved on only when he was ready.
Weeks 1 to 6: the foundation
We began with sitting balance and core stability, then added bed mobility so he needed less help from his carers. We moved from the hoist to standing with a lot of help, and then introduced a stand aid, a wheeled frame that supports a person to stand up. Within six weeks he could stand up from his chair on his own using it.
Next: from standing to walking
With the first goal met, we set a new one: moving around indoors. We used his own kitchen worktop as a support rail for exercises, which helped build his confidence. Dementia made progress harder, so weekly visits and his family’s help with exercises between visits mattered.
Now: where he is today
He walks indoors with supervision and manages stairs with minimal assistance. We have started outdoor mobility practice and are looking at a four-wheeled walker so that he can visit local shops.
Supervision still matters
He is physically able to walk short distances, but dementia can affect judgement and safety awareness, so someone stays with him. Balancing what the body can do with what is safe is a big part of neuro physiotherapy.
Beyond the exercises
What changed for the family
The clinical steps are only part of it. These changes mattered most to them.
A lighter care package
His care package has since been reduced from four double-handed visits a day to a single visit.
More active day to day
He now takes part in his own movement, rather than being hoisted from place to place.
Looking ahead
The family is planning a holiday, something that felt out of reach a few months ago.
What helped
Three things we think mattered
One story cannot show what caused what, but these stood out.
A careful assessment
Parkinson’s Plus, Lewy body dementia and low blood pressure on standing all shape how rehabilitation is planned, so we progressed one step at a time.
His family’s help
His wife believed in the value of movement and helped with the exercises between visits.
Regular visits at home
Weekly sessions in his own home meant we could practise on his own worktop and chairs, where he needs to move.
If this sounds familiar
Questions to ask for someone you care for
Every situation is different. If someone you care for relies on a hoist after a hospital stay, these questions are worth asking their NHS team, GP or care provider.
- Has anyone assessed whether they could stand safely with a stand aid or other equipment?
- If they feel dizzy on standing, who should we tell, and what should we watch for?
- What therapy is planned next, how often, and who do we call if it has not started?
- Who can review the care package if their mobility improves?
You can also read about our Parkinson’s physiotherapy at home, or start with a free call.
Next step
Talk to us about physiotherapy at home
Start with a free 15-minute call to see whether we can help, or call or message us on 07777 793832. We work alongside your NHS team and GP, not instead of them.
This story is general information, not medical advice and not a promise of results. In an emergency, call 999. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, call NHS 111.