Celebrating excellence: get to know our outstanding therapy team
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Danielle, a member of our therapy team at The Chocolate Quarter, shares her experiences as a physiotherapist.
At the St Monica Trust, we are proud to have a dedicated therapy team onsite at all our care homes. Our team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and assistants provide advice, support and treatments so residents can remain as physically active, mentally stimulated and socially engaged as possible.
Our therapy teams provide a person-centred approach focusing on the individual needs of the residents we work with. Focusing on both short and long-term goals, the therapy team help encourage focus, motivation and direction in achieving realistic results.
Staff spotlight: Danielle, a member of our therapy team at The Chocolate Quarter
Meet Danielle, one of our physiotherapists, who is making a big impact on the well-being of our residents. Danielle works with our residents at The Chocolate Quarter, both within the retirement village and primarily in Charterhouse care home, helping them achieve their goals to increase strength, joint range of movement and improve mobility.
Why did you join the St Monica Trust?
I started at St Monica Trust in April this year (2024). I have over 10 years’ experience working as an NHS Physiotherapist within many different services. The last five years I have worked with a brilliant team in the community. This is when I became aware of The Chocolate Quarter and St Monica Trust and the fantastic reputation it has. The lovely Jenna, an Occupational Therapist at The Chocolate Quarter, mentioned a vacancy was available in her team and I thought what a great opportunity to work here.
Why did you become a physiotherapist?
I became a physiotherapist later in my working life and went to university as a mature student. I never actually thought I was clever enough to be a physiotherapist and really wanted to be a physio assistant. However, I wanted a rewarding stable career and after working as a physio assistant for a lady suffering from a long-term condition, I knew how important physiotherapy and other health professionals were. So, it inspired me and with focus on a goal I was driven to complete the degree.
The first year was so hard as I felt I was learning a new language…After the first year, everything started to make sense and here I am with over 10 years’ experience as a physiotherapist.
Why do you enjoy being a physiotherapist?
There are many different aspects of a physiotherapist which is why I really enjoy being one. No day is the same and seeing results from the advice, reassurance, re-education, and exercise rehabilitation sessions are very rewarding.
I also really enjoy working within a team, bouncing ideas between us, and discussing challenging or positive situations.
What have been your favourite moments as a physiotherapist at The Chocolate Quarter?
My favourite moments have been taking residents to the gym or swimming pool and completely seeing their mood change. They come out after a session being more positive and happier.
I love seeing progression. We have had residents who have suffered from fractures and the therapy team have worked with them to progress their mobility enabling them to return to their previous mobility, and we have even helped people staying for a short while to gain the independence to be able to return home.
I also really enjoy using different games such as skittles, ball work or adapting games to encourage movement, balance and strengthening activities while encouraging lots of fun and laughter.
For further information on our therapy team or any of the St Monica Trust’s care homes please contact our admissions team on 0117 919 4263 or e-mail carehomes@stmonicatrust.org.uk.