Sarah is supported by a nurse-led team to live well with complex health conditions, including an acquired brain injury, heart failure, diabetes, kidney damage, and stoma care following a prolonged coma.
After leaving hospital, she experienced placements that couldn’t safely respond when her health fluctuated, and being away from Warrington left her isolated and low in mood.
Since moving to Woolston House, she has consistent clinical oversight, is reconnected with her community, and is thriving as a confident Service User Ambassador.
When everything changed
Sarah collapsed at home and remained unconscious for seven days. The oxygen deprivation caused a hypoxic brain injury, leaving her unable to walk and with complex, lifelong health needs.
After hospital and rehabilitation, she moved into residential settings that weren’t equipped to manage her cardiac, renal, diabetic, and stoma care safely.
Her health deteriorated, and she was far from her Warrington community.
To access the right support, Sarah moved to Woolston House, where a nurse-led team now works alongside her to manage her health safely.
Clinical care that made living well possible
At Woolston House, Sarah is supported by a nurse-led team 24/7, giving her reassurance and stability.
Her cardiac, renal, diabetic, and stoma care are carefully coordinated, with close monitoring of fluid balance and medication.
Because her health can fluctuate, staffing levels are responsive and tailored to her needs.
That consistent clinical oversight has reduced instability, prevented avoidable hospital admissions, and given Sarah and her family lasting reassurance.
Supporting both body and mind
Alongside her physical health, Sarah receives ongoing emotional and mental health support.
Consistency from the team has helped her build trust, process past trauma, and regain confidence.
She describes the move as “coming home”.
Being close to family and friends has strengthened her identity and sense of belonging, improving her overall emotional stability.
Back at Bongo Bingo - and back to herself
With the right support, Sarah’s independence has grown. She confidently uses her electric wheelchair and plans her own routines.
“I need that normality in my life," says Sarah. "And because of the support here, I’ve got it.
"I go to Bongo Bingo with friends, we go for nights out, and I’ve actually got a proper social life again.”
Regular community outings and time with loved ones have replaced isolation with connection.
Being the voice she once needed
When Sarah first moved into a care home, she felt no one was there to speak up for her. Now, she makes sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else.
As a Service User Ambassador, she represents residents at the regional Service User Council, supports recruitment interviews, and contributes to staff training.
She’s especially proud to welcome new residents, offering the reassurance she once needed herself.
The role has built her confidence and sense of purpose, while ensuring residents’ voices are truly heard.
“Person-centred care means I’ve got a lot of control over my life.
"In other care homes, it’s more being looked after. Here, we get a lot of say in what we do and how we’re looked after.”
“I’m settled, I’m home, and I’m happy.”
With the right support in place, Sarah’s focused on maintaining her health, staying socially active, and continuing her ambassador role.
Her next goal is to plan a holiday - and with the right support around her, that future feels not just possible, but firmly within reach.