Champions of Recovery | Cliff Bush

As we watch the inspirational achievements at this year’s Olympics and Paralympics, we’re reminded of the remarkable efforts of our at-home clients. Just like professional athletes training, our clients demonstrate commitment and perseverance to reach their personal goals, supported every step of the way by our dedicated allied health team.

Now we’re shining a spotlight on some of our clients and their Brightwater At Home teams. We believe their achievements are nothing short of Olympian.

Ninety five year old Cliff Bush is an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

“Cliff is a lover of life and extremely motivated. I am in awe every time I see him,” said Crysta Stocco, Brightwater At Home Client Coordinator.

Cliff has been a Brightwater At Home client since he sought help with his recovery after a major stroke. The stroke had initially left him unable to walk, talk, or swallow, but he regained these abilities through an intensive hospital rehabilitation program. However, once he returned home, Cliff found his progress had stalled and he continued to face significant challenges.

“I was still unsteady on my feet and I’d lost my balance. I used to play bowls five times a week, but I had to give it up because as soon as I stood on one foot, I’d fall over,” said Cliff.

He knew he needed help to return to the activities he loved, including working in his garden.

Supporting Cliff to achieve his goals

The first step was for the Brightwater At Home team to get to know Cliff and understand his personal goals. According to senior physiotherapist, Christina Powell, this is crucial for the success of any program.

“We can set as many goals as we like, but if that doesn't relate to the client, then the motivation won't be there. So firstly, you have to really get to know the client, their likes and dislikes, and what they enjoy. Building that rapport is really important,” said Christina. 

The Brightwater team worked closely with Cliff to set achievable goals and develop a personalised exercise program focused on building strength and improving balance. Therapy assistant Raquel Santos says she is always impressed by Cliff’s positive attitude and commitment to his program.

“Cliff is always enthusiastic about doing his exercises. While some people might do them because it’s what their doctor or their family wants, Cliff sees the benefits and is genuinely motivated by that,” said Raquel Santos, Bright water At Home Therapy Assistant.

Cliff attributes his drive to his childhood experiences.

“I think it comes from being a young lad in the wartime. I was eleven years old when the war broke out. I am determined. When I set my mind on a goal, I go for it,” he said.

Supported by a strong team

Like any professional athlete, Cliff has needed tremendous commitment and perseverance to achieve his goals and maintain his independence. And just like the professional athletes, he has needed support from an equally dedicated team.

Brightwater At Home has a close-knit team of allied health professionals dedicated to helping clients maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. These include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, speech pathologists, music therapists and therapy assistants.

Senior physiotherapist Christina Powell sees this as a strength for at-home clients.

“We're fortunate to have most things in-house at Brightwater. So if we see that a client needs other support like occupational therapy or speech therapy, we have other health professionals to call on. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to work together to achieve the best outcomes for our clients,” said Christina.

Achieving golden outcomes

For Cliff, the support from Brightwater At Home has been part of his winning formula. He says the program has given him renewed confidence and plays a crucial role in maintaining his strength.

“I’ve been able to return to enjoying my life, my family, accessing the community with family and carers, I am back to enjoying hobbies. I can enjoy gardening safely, cooking with my carers and doing light house-work duties with strength and confidence,” said Cliff.

For the Brightwater At Home team, each client's success is seen as a cause for celebration. 

“At the end of a session, Cliff always thanks me and says how grateful he is for this opportunity. But I feel grateful to him as well, to be able to help him and see how we can make a difference. The important thing for us is to keep every client doing what they enjoy doing, to be productive and active in their life,” said Raquel.

How to follow Cliff’s lead

As a keen gardener, Cliff wants to remain flexible, strong and with good balance as tending to his plants requires a lot of lunging, squatting, leaning forwards and bending.

One of the key exercises continues to practise with the Brightwater At Home Therapy Assistant involves getting on and off the floor. This helps Cliff to get down onto his knees for planting and weeding. Not only that, a bonus is that he will have enough strength to be able to get himself off the floor (though we hope that never happens).

The website, Stay On Your Feet WA offers visual cards demonstrating effective techniques for getting off the floor using either your arms or knees. Our Physio team can assist in selecting the best approach and help you practise these techniques!