Sonia, 91, back on her feet thanks to Tameside Council’s Reablement Team

A 91-year-old Ashton-under-Lyne resident who feared she might never return home after a serious fall is now living independently again, thanks to support from Tameside Council’s Reablement Service.

Sonia Jones, who has lived in the same house since 1958, was admitted to hospital after a fall earlier this year. What she thought would be a short stay turned into almost nine weeks, during which she lost much of her confidence.

“I thought I’d only be in a few days, but I was in for two days short of nine weeks,” Sonia explained. “Everyone in my family has always been fiercely independent, so losing my confidence was very hard. But with support from Reablement I’ve been able to stay in the place I’ve called home since 1958. I’m back to my daily routines and have peace of mind that we’ve worked together to prevent another fall.”

Following her discharge, Tameside Council’s Reablement Team worked closely with Sonia to rebuild her confidence and provide equipment to help her live safely at home. She was given a walking frame with a tray to move safely around her house, and an outdoor walker to support her daily trips to the local shop and her regular hairdresser visits.

At first, Sonia received support visits four times a day, but as her independence grew, this reduced to just one visit a day, before eventually moving to just a weekly call from her chosen care agency.

She also has reassurance through Tameside’s Community Response Service. Using a fall pendant linked to their control room at Dukinfield Town Hall, Sonia can call for immediate assistance at the touch of a button.

This story is being highlighted during Fall Prevention Week (22–26 September), with Tameside Council showcasing how reablement services can help residents regain skills and confidence after illness or time in hospital.

Cllr John Taylor, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, praised Sonia’s determination and the dedication of the Reablement Team. He said: “It’s heartwarming to hear Sonia’s story. She is an incredible lady who has worked closely with our Reablement Service to make sure she can continue to live safely and well in her own home. Thank you to our Reablement service for their dedication to working closely with Sonia to get her back on her feet and putting the right support in place to prevent another fall.”

You can hear Sonia share her story in her own words here: youtu.be/Ds1BaI61JUo.

For more information about Tameside’s Reablement Service, visit: tameside.gov.uk/adults/reablement.

To learn more about the Community Response Service, go to: tameside.gov.uk/CRS.