Helena’s courage to keep moving forward
Meeting life’s challenges
For Helena Stotter, accepting support was not a simple decision. It meant acknowledging that changes in her health and mobility were making everyday life harder.
Helena loved her home and looked forward to retirement. She had planned to spend more time in the garden, enjoying the hills views and making the most of the life she had built. But ongoing health challenges began to affect her mobility, making some daily tasks difficult. At the same, Helena was supporting her parents, particularly her mother who lived with dementia.
“I realised it was also time to rethink my future,” Helena says.
Moving into a retirement living village was a significant step, along with this step came new opportunities. Helena found a welcoming community where people supported and understood one another.
“Here the circle of life is very evident,” Helena says. “Everyone is on their own journey, and each is supportive of each other – happy to stop and chat and give time to each other.”
When one phone call from ACH Group made support feel possible
About three years ago, Helena was diagnosed with a medical condition which began to impact her energy, mood and overall wellbeing.
As her health needs changed, some of the activities she enjoyed became more difficult. Helena loved attending ACH Group lunch outings, but digestive health issues began making eating out challenging. Gradually, other tasks, including cooking, outings and housework became harder too.
“My family and friends constantly suggested getting help around the house,” Helena says. “But I found it difficult to ask.”
With the expertise, services and resources to support people through changing health and mobility needs, ACH Group was able to help Helena explore options that could make daily life easier. When staff noticed she was no longer attending lunch outings, they reached out to check in and see whether additional support might help.
For Helena, that call made all the difference.
“That opened the door and made it so easy to begin the assessment for help with cleaning, gardening and exercise,” she says.
How coordinated support helped Helena take the next step
Following an assessment at ACH Group’s Health Studio Rostrevor, Helena began both resistance gym classes and balance classes. She also received home care services, including gardening and cleaning assistance – practical help that has made daily life feel more manageable.
Mark Stopps, ACH Group’s Home Support Service Planner, was one of Helena’s first points of contact. Helena describes him as professional, down-to-earth and friendly, helping her feel comfortable with the idea of accepting support and making the process easier to navigate.
“He helped organise these classes, a wonderful and much-needed gardener, as well as support me through the process of finding the right cleaner for my needs,” Helena says.
“That friendly contact over the phone helped ease me into accepting the badly needed assistance.”
Finding a safe way back to movement and feeling better
Helena is the first to admit that she has never been a fan of exercise.
“I do admit I never enjoyed exercising,” she says. “I knew I needed help to get some mobility improvement.”
The class proved to be more approachable than she expected, offering gentle resistance training and mobility exercises in a small, supervised class.
“The resistance gym is a very small class and doesn’t require me to stand or walk,” Helena says.
“When returning to my car I do notice I feel better, I can feel the blood flow.”
That sense of safety and encouragement has been important. After previous back problems, Helena says she was cautious about overdoing anything. ACH Group Personal Trainer, Dave Neuman, helped adjust exercises and resistance levels over time, reassuring her and making changes when needed.
Dave takes the time to understand what matters to each person and tailors the sessions to their individual needs.
“Dave has never made my weight an issue,” Helena says. “He talks to us all and makes suggestions for each individual.”
She says Dave checks progress, resets resistance and quietly finds time for each person in the group without making anyone feel singled out.
“This approach makes me feel supported in a group environment – always encouraged,” Helena says.
That tailored approach has continued as Helena’s health needs have changed. After experiencing a recent health issue, Dave adjusted her exercises and suggested simple movements she could do at home to support her mobility.
“It was much appreciated,” she says.
Strength, progress and staying involved
For Helena, the balance classes provide a safe and supportive environment to improve her mobility and confidence at her own pace.
“I admit, balance classes are not my favourite,” she says. “They can be challenging because they remind me of the mobility issues I am working through.”
Despite this, the small group environment and tailored support from ACH Group Physiotherapist Thomas Ho, has helped Helena stay with the program. While her mobility still varies from day to day, she has noticed gradual improvements in her balance and confidence.
“I really do feel a bit more sure-footed since starting,” Helena says. “I feel more confident – plus I understand even better the importance of getting up and moving.”
Those small gains are making a difference in everyday life, giving Helena more confidence to get out and about and continue doing the things that matter to her.
For Helena, the value of the classes is not only physical. They also provide an opportunity to connect with others who are facing their own challenges and celebrating their own successes.
“Even if I can feel quiet and a bit withdrawn, hearing snippets of others’ similar struggles, worries and celebration of achievements makes me feel less alone,” she says.
“Having to make myself go out, do something for me, then return home knowing I have made one small success – it’s a big win.”
For Helena, those small wins are about more than improving her mobility. They are helping her stay connected, build confidence and continue taking positive steps for her health and wellbeing.
Staying close to the life that matters
The support Helena receives through ACH Group is helping her keep moving towards the things she values: staying involved, improving her mobility, spending time with family and feeling more able to take part in life.
Helena has two young granddaughters and another grandchild due soon. She hopes to keep improving her mobility so she can spend more time with them, stay connected with family and continue building the confidence to get out and socialise more.
“I would personally be delighted if I could ditch my walking stick and walker,” Helena says. “But for the moment I will accept that they help me stay active, independent and connected.”
While she hopes she may rely less on her walking aids in the future, Helena is pragmatic about the role they play in helping her maintain her independence today.
Even the help at home, including a regular clean and gardening, has made a difference to how Helena feels in her own space.
“My home feels better for having a regular clean and gardening done,” she says. “It helps me feel better too.”
Doing something important for yourself
Asked what she would say to another woman who was hesitant about starting her own health journey, Helena’s advice is simple.
“Please, face your fears,” she says. “Starting exercise can feel daunting, but in a small class with someone who understands, and others working through their own challenges too, you realise you do not have to do it alone.”
Helena encourages others to make the time and not be afraid to accept support to do something important for themselves and feel proud when they notice the benefits.
“Feel comfortable to accept the help on offer,” Helena says. “It actually lifts you up.”
For Helena, support has helped her regain confidence, build routine and stay connected.
“I finally understand that all these things are important,” she says. “You need a balance in life – moving, fresh air, good food and feeling seen.”
The future, Helena says, is looking bright.
Your health journey starts with ACH Group
Our goal is to help you live safely and confidently in your own home for longer. We understand that managing your health and wellbeing can involve many different services.
That’s why ACH Group Health Studios offer a truly integrated approach, bringing everything you need under one roof for your health and fitness journey.
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ACH Group has three community-based Health Studios across Adelaide at Glenelg, Rostrevor and Christie Downs offering a suite of health and wellbeing classes as well as access to allied health experts.
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