Stroke Sufferer Praises Limelight for its Excellence

Our LQL resident Raj Singh’s life turned upside down when he suffered a massive stroke in his late 40s.

With a bleed on his brain the prognosis looked bleak, and Raj was given just six hours to live.

Miraculously, he pulled through those critical hours, but the stroke left a devastating impact – he was paralysed down his left side and now relies largely on his wheelchair to get about.

“It was a very scary time,” recalls the 55-year-old barrister, who spent almost a year in hospital.

“I was speaking on the phone to a client, and it felt like my voice was bubbling, a little bit like I was gargling water. I knew something wasn’t right. I dialled 999 and told them I think I am having a stroke.”

Not only had the stroke affected Raj's balance, but he’d lost 10% of his brain function. When he was eventually discharged from the hospital, he moved into a semi-detached house, but he quickly realised the house didn’t suit his needs.

With his family's help and support, he secured a place at Limelight’s Extra Care scheme in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. The scheme offers many facilities, community activities and services, and 81 beautiful care apartments.

“I think if I lived in a regular house, I'd have had a mental breakdown by now," said Raj. "If you're going to have a stroke, which is a horrible experience, the best place to be allowed to rehabilitate is somewhere like Limelight. I still get some degree of independence and I'm blessed with great carers."

Raj has two carers to help in the mornings and evenings. His stroke has affected his mobility, and, with only one functioning hand, Raj needs help to get himself dressed.

“My left hand doesn’t work as it’s gone into early retirement,” he laughs. “For me to stand and walk I need a foot brace on and that is a struggle to get on even with a carer with two functioning hands.

“I have to say, what surprises me, maybe it’s because of who I am, I have never felt lonely, or anything like that since I’ve been at Limelight. Living here has been a lifesaver, I think otherwise I would have had that evil thing called depression, but because I am a bit of nuisance, I get on well with people and can have a laugh.”

Charlie Culshaw, Director of Care and Support, added:

“I am delighted that the Limelight team were able to step in and help Mr Singh in his time of need after having a stroke. They have played a crucial role in his recovery and rehabilitation. I found this story heart-warming but not surprising because I have always been impressed by how passionate our teams in Trafford are about what they do.

“I have witnessed the amazing person-centered care and support that the team provides at Limelight and across all Trafford services.

At L&Q Living, we apply the ‘Mum’ test to what we do. We ask the question, “Would I want my own mother or loved one to live here?”  If the answer is no, we know we need to act.

I can categorically say that Limelight and our other Trafford services pass the Mum test. I want to thank all the team at Limelight for the compassion and care you have shown Mr Singh.”