Lucy Lyon's story

Value added tasks

 A WOMAN with Alzheimer's Disease had been admitted to hospital. She had a fractured collarbone as the result of a fall. But that wasn't the only thing troubling her.  She felt as if everything was being done without her involvement. Relatives and social workers seemed to be organising her life for her.

Unique story 

Lucy Lyon came to her aid. An occupational therapist, Lucy tried to make her feel that her views counted. She listened to her.  'We talked about what it meant to be independent,' she said, 'and how accepting help wasn't an admission of being completely incapable or worthless.' 

Most of the patients Lucy works with are elderly. She has found they all have a unique personality and story. 'Their experience of being in hospital and the challenges that often come with that life stage - such as bereavement, fear of dying, loss of home and independence - can be frightening and disorienting.’ However, it sounds like Lucy’s is the kind of voice they need to hear. When asked to describe her ‘dream’, she said, 'Not sure that I go to sleep dreaming of this, but I'm motivated to show people they're worth including and that they are valuable.'

Lonely people 

In turn, this 28-year-old specialist is herself inspired by those who have experienced pain or trauma – yet have come through remaining true to their values. She is encouraged by the friendship, practical support, discipleship and teaching she has found at Open Heaven – a Pioneer church. But her happiest moment was when she married her husband Phil.

Even her favourite movie says a lot about her – ‘Amelie’ – the story of a waitress who decides to help other lonely people fix their lives.

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