SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has highlighted the inspiring journey of an Emirati woman of determination, whose experience at SEHA’s Salma Rehabilitation Hospital reflects a renewed understanding of rehabilitation as restoring confidence and enabling participation in everyday life.
Living with a progressive neuromuscular condition, the patient experienced gradual physical decline over the years, becoming fully dependent on others for daily activities. Following her admission to Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, her care plan was designed around her long-term needs, personal goals, and individual strengths, with a focus on comfort, participation, communication, and preserving meaningful independence.
Through the integrated efforts of Salma Rehabilitation Hospital’s multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech and language therapy (SLT), and education and recreation services, she has been supported to take a more active role in her care, strengthen her confidence, and expand her ability to participate socially and vocationally.
A key part of her journey has been the use of advanced assistive technology, including a toe-controlled device that enables her to navigate digital platforms, communicate more independently, and create digital outputs. With this support, the patient has developed practical digital and vocational skills, prepared her CV, and is working towards potential part-time employment, including opportunities such as a library role.
Her progress reflects Salma Rehabilitation Hospital’s approach to long-term care and rehabilitation, where success is not defined only by clinical recovery, but by restoring the person’s ability to express preferences, make decisions, engage with others, and participate in life.
Nouf Alhadrami, Physiotherapist at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, said: “This journey reminds us that rehabilitation is not always about reversing a condition. In long-term care, success can mean comfort, participation, and maintaining control over life decisions. She is not defined by her limitations, but by the way she continues to engage, express herself, and shape her daily life.”
Shahnaz Ansari, Occupational Therapist at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, said: “Occupational therapy focuses on meaningful activity and purpose. For her, independence has been reimagined through technology, digital skills, and vocational readiness. Being able to type, create, prepare a CV, and work towards employment are important milestones that reflect her determination and the value of personalised rehabilitation.”
As part of SEHA’s integrated healthcare network, Salma Rehabilitation Hospital continues to strengthen its position as a dedicated provider of long-term rehabilitation care in the UAE, supporting individuals with complex conditions through tailored care plans, innovative technologies, and a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach.
