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Follow Brad’s incredible journey and see how ECH Home Care Package Management supported his recovery and relieved the pressure from his family.

Brad beating the odds

Bradley Hazell’s never give up attitude and overwhelmingly positive outlook on life has seen him miraculously beat the odds after a debilitating stroke.

With support from his wife, Lis, family and ECH, Brad is now inspirationally working towards his goal to walk unaided again following a life-threatening brain stem stroke four years ago.

After the stroke occurred in 2015, Brad was paralysed – he couldn’t talk, move, eat or drink – and they were told to bring their son and daughter and grandchildren into hospital to say goodbye.

 

“They told us they didn’t think he would survive,” she says.

“The intensive care unit at the hospital wouldn’t take him, and we were told if he survived, he wouldn’t be the same.

“I said to the nurses, he’s not going to go out like this and true to form he didn’t.”

Brad, 72, had to retire from his job as a truck driver and Lis became his full-time carer. With support from ECH five days a week, Brad receives services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, transport and support at home.

He says ECH Wellness Greenacres and all the staff that work there have been critical to his rehabilitation.

“My physiotherapist’s Darren and my occupational therapist Michelle have been absolutely marvellous,” Brad says.

“I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for ECH. I have always been so independent, and I am determined to keep it that way.”

Lis says their four grandchildren and son and daughter have also been a big part of Brad’s rehabilitation, working closely together to help keep him at home with his beloved family and Chihuahua Molly.

She says ECH services such as domestic assistance, transport and physiotherapy have also been a huge help, while Brad’s Home Support staff, Martin, gives Lis respite by taking Brad out for a coffee every Wednesday.

 

Both Brad and Lis enjoy the weekly visits by ECH Home Support Team Member, Martin, who takes Brad out for a coffee every Wednesday and allows Lis to have a much-needed break. Brad has also utilised the ECH Respite Centre at Henley Beach several times, enabling Lis to enjoy some respite with the knowledge he is in safe and professional hands.

“Without ECH I think I would struggle. Anything we need, ECH organises it for us,” Lis says.

“All I have to do is ring our Care Coordinator, and I get help. We can’t speak highly enough of ECH – we appreciate everything ECH do.

“He will stay at home for as long as we can look after him.”

Brad, known affectionately as ‘Poppy’ to his grandchildren including boisterous 8-year-old twin boys, recently walked a lap of the local park with the guidance of his physiotherapist Darren.

Darren visits Brad at home every Friday and Brad also attends Conditioning classes at ECH Wellness Greenacres every Thursday.

His next goals are to be able to walk around the local shopping centre and to walk at the beach.

 

Brad’s determination to remain living independently at home and to learn to walk again is an inspiration and ECH will continue to support him in his recovery.

 

Ask about ECH Home Care Package Management  1300 275 324

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