Before moving to Woolston House, Jess spent eight months in hospital following a significant flare up of her FND symptoms, despite being medically fit for discharge for much of that time.
A lack of suitable rehabilitation left her isolated, bedbound, and uncertain about her future.
When she moved in, she had a PEG, required a hoist for mobilising, and got around the home using a wheelchair.
Today, Jess is walking short distances, eating orally, planning a return to education, and shaping life in her home as a Service User Ambassador.
With consistent nurse led oversight, and support from a multi-disciplinary team, her health has stabilised and her confidence has grown.
When hospital was no longer the right place
For Jess, the most enduring struggle was not her acute illness, but the difficulty of leaving hospital in a way that was safe and right for her.
She spent five months medically fit for discharge, but no provider was able to meet her fluctuating needs.
Without access to rehabilitation, her independence reduced, and she became uncertain about her future.
“Being there for eight months is a very, very long time.
"I was bedbound…
"That was my life.”
“I’ve never had a physio that’s pushed me as much.
"Even when I’ve had a flare up, he’s gone, ‘Right, let’s do this instead.’”
Rehabilitation that adapts when symptoms change
Jess’s condition fluctuates, requiring flexible, responsive support.
At Woolston House, nurse led care works alongside regular physiotherapy that adapts to flare ups without stopping progress.
This approach enabled Jess to move from using a hoist and wheelchair to walking short distances independently.
Stabilising health to unlock everyday life
Clinical oversight and coordinated care have supported Jess to regain physical stability and confidence.
She no longer relies on PEG feeding for nutrition and now enjoys a full oral diet.
This has allowed Jess to reconnect with her social life and focus on long term goals rather than day to day crisis management.
“I can go out with family for meals, for birthdays, and not have to worry about sitting there being the only one not eating."
“Here, they look at you as a person - what you like, what you’re interested in - and they build that into how they care for you.”
Feeling seen, heard, and involved
Jess describes Woolston House as busy, supportive, and full of life.
She’s encouraged to make everyday choices and shape her routine, full of the things she loves such as art, knitting, and pottery.
Jess is also the Service User Ambassador for the home, advocating for fellow residents, supporting improvements to activities, and contributing to recruitment.
The role has strengthened her confidence and helped her develop transferable skills.
Building towards the life she imagines
Jess is now focused on returning to education, with support to update her education, health, and care plan, and prepare for college.
Her ambition is to become a special educational needs teacher and live independently.
With ongoing rehabilitation and nurse led support, Jess continues to progress towards a life shaped by choice, independence, and community connection.
She says: “I can finally see a future now. I’m absolutely on that road.”
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