When Leonard first came to Carrington, he couldn’t walk, but he’s just cycled 1124 kilometres. He credits our Allied Health Team with helping him find freedom again.
Before Leonard Reading moved to Carrington, he couldn’t walk, but he just came forth in Australia in the Road World for Seniors championships, having cycled a staggering 1124.4 kilometres. He’s 90 years old.
How did he go from being unable to walk to being one of the best cyclists over the age of 65 in the country?
It was with the help of our Allied Health team.
The lead Allied Health Assistant with Carrington worked closely with Leonard and the team of professionals who helped re-enable Leonard’s ability to walk.
The Allied Health Assistant said the process of helping Leonard walk was “gradual but steady”.
“We began with light walks and gentle sit-to-stand exercises,” he said.
The short-term goal was to just improve his indoor mobility, and soon he was walking outdoors and on uneven surfaces.
Leonard served in the Army for 12 years, during which he was deployed to Vietnam and Malaysia. The best part about it was the “comradeship” he formed with his unit during that time.
“On ANZAC Day, he proudly walked to the flagpole to lay a wreath without his four-wheel walker, marking a significant milestone in his rehabilitation,” the Allied Health Assistant said.
Leonard reached the rank of Corporal and was in charge of a detachment of eight men, so it was important to him to be able to pay his respects to the people he fought with.
“It has been inspiring to watch Leonard find his way back to walking again,” the Allied Health Assistant said.
“Seeing his determination, strength, and the progress he has made fills us (the Allied Health Team) with genuine pride.”
Leonard has developed a close relationship with the Allied Health Team, who were all so excited to see him walk again.
“They all go crook when they see me walking,” Leonard said.
Leonards credits the Allied Health Team with helping him walk again.
“They're marvellous.”
“We are so grateful to be part of his journey and to witness such a meaningful achievement,” The Allied Health Assistant said.
Leonard’s freedom and mobility have opened up a world of possibilities for him, recently coming fourth for Australian Men in the Road World Championships for seniors, where he averaged 374 kilometres a week on a stationary bike at the facility he lives in.
He enjoyed re-learning a skill with the help of our Allied Health team.
“When I was young, I had to push bikes, but as an adult, I never got on a bike,” he said.
“I didn’t know if I could ride one (anymore).”
He didn’t know about the championships at first; he just enjoyed riding the bike.
The Residents developed friendly competition to inspire each other and reach their combined total of 2700 kilometres travelled in just three weeks.
“We were battling every day,” Leonard said.
Leonard is just one of the many people our Allied Health Team has helped in building strength and confidence in their abilities, and get them back their freedom.
“I truly cherish seeing the difference we make in people’s everyday lives,” Callum said.
“Helping them rebuild their confidence, regain their abilities, and reconnect with a part of their former selves is incredibly meaningful.”
Our Allied Health Team is committed to the re-enablement of older people’s abilities, so they can live their lives, their way.
Our Allied Health professionals help people like Leonard regain their strength and mobility every day by creating personalised health plans that suit their needs.
To find out how they can help you or your loved one, contact customer service on 1300 590 590, email customerservice@carringtoncare.com.au or ask the CSM to get you in contact with our Allied Health team.
