Cavendish Homecare was contacted when Jessica was six weeks old. She had been born with multiple cardiac and lung complications and had undergone recent cardiac surgery (aortic dissection) shortly after birth. At the time of contact, she had a post operative lung infection, and her family sought 24/7 specialised nursing support to ensure she was closely monitored throughout her recovery. She had been diagnosed with several congenital heart conditions, which later developed into chylothorax, further adding to the complexity of her care needs.
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Our Client’s Story…
When Cavendish Homecare was contacted, Jessica had a chest drain in situ, which was due to be removed. A nurse was required to observe her condition closely and escalate to clinical teams should any concerns have arisen. She remained at high risk of chest infections and further complications due to her underlying heart conditions. She had been re-admitted to hospital with chylothorax and experienced seizures, requiring ongoing seizure management at home. Oxygen was available at home for emergency use, and her family had been trained in its administration. Her medical regime was comprehensive and required close attention, which included daily medication for seizure control and nutritional support to prevent failure to thrive.
The Cavendish Approach…
Cavendish Homecare provided consistent, specialist paediatric nursing to ensure Jessica’s condition was closely monitored and managed with clinical precision and emotional support for the family. Jessica’s care plan included the administration of prescribed medications such as Vigabatrin and Levetiracetam for everyday seizure control. In the event of a seizure, Midazolam was to be administered under strict protocols, including other specific medications depending on assessment of the type of seizure. The nurse was able to identify the type of seizure that occurred and then administer appropriate medication to resolve the issues. This was to ensure a reduction in seizures with improved management.
Feeding was also an essential part of the care plan. Monogen formula with a thickener every three hours was prescribed to help weight gain. These feeds had to be delivered on time, as any delay posed a serious risk to her development. Jessica was also prescribed vitamin supplements, including Sytron for iron deficiency, which also required regular administration. The nurse was responsible for continuous observation of Jessica’s health and for promptly escalating any signs of deterioration. Emergency equipment, including oxygen cylinders, were kept at home, and her family were fully trained to use them when necessary. The aspiration device was available to support respiratory function should the need arise. In addition, Jessica was prescribed Prednisolone for acute exacerbations of chronic lung conditions. These were administered every four hours as required. Personal care was overseen by the her mother, while the nurse focused on delivering clinical care and ensuring that all aspects of her condition were addressed with professionalism and compassion.
The Outcome…
Despite serious ongoing health challenges, the presence of a trained nurse provided stability, safety, and reassurance to Jessica’s family. This expertise made a huge difference to her recovery. Jessica required complex clinical care delivered safely in a home setting and her family was grateful for the additional support received, as it helped make the transition from hospital to home care safe. The care Cavendish Homecare provided highlighted the importance of timely and consistent medication and nutritional support for children at risk of failure to thrive, vigilant observation and escalation protocols in seizure and respiratory management, family education and empowerment as a pillar of effective homecare, and the need for flexible, responsive care that evolves with any condition.
Disclaimer: For privacy and confidentiality reasons, the names and locations in this case study have been changed. The events and outcomes described are based on real situations, but identifying details have been altered.
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