Adrian participated in work hardening activities, with Jess encouraging him to perform work tasks with her, without the pressure of the work environment. These activities helped boost Adrian’s confidence, and soon the tools and teachings allowed him to be ready to return to work full-time. Jess also educated Adrian on how to navigate working in multiple environments, which was required of his role, and what modifications he could implement. The pair also created a “My Work” profile that highlighted Adrian’s strengths, challenges, needs, and strategies that Adrian could share with his line manager.
Adrian’s Story
Surviving an intracranial haemorrhage, and thriving
For years, Adrian had an undiagnosed arteriovenous malformation in his brain. One day it haemorrhaged. After emergency surgery, Adrian and his wife didn’t have a timeframe for his recovery. Despite this, Adrian refused to believe that his neurological condition would be “the end” for him, and that the physical and cognitive challenges he faced were something he had to overcome.
After a period of NHS rehabilitation, Adrian was referred to Krysalis via his income protection policy. We were asked to get Adrian back to work, a process that would involve Adrian learning about his capabilities, strengths, and challenges to overcome barriers.
The confidence Jess had in me imbued confidence in myself. The thought of not going back to work – I don’t think I had thought about it. It didn’t enter my mind. I was definitely going back to work.
An Occupational Therapist’s Story
Providing occupational therapy and transforming lives
Seven months after Adrian’s intracranial haemorrhage, he was introduced to Krysalis neurological occupational therapist, Jess. Her job was to get Adrian back to full-time work; she knew that Adrian had received some rehabilitation from the NHS and that he was keen to return to his role.
She suggested a phased return-to-work, focusing initially on administrative tasks and building up hours while educating Adrian on how to manage his fatigue — it was important he didn’t do too much too soon so as not to worsen his fatigue or risk an unsuccessful return to work.
At the start there was a lack of clarity as to whether he’d be able to return to work. But with the right support, and with the time to continue along the rehabilitation journey, Adrian’s story is a really good illustration of what can be achieved.