Allie’s family contacted Cavendish Homecare while she was in hospital due to a chest infection. Her family was “keen to seize that chance for her to be back home in Richmond”. Allie’s medical team saw a small window where it was suitable to discharge her for palliative care, as there was little the hospital’s palliative care team or local hospices and services could provide.
Our Client’s Story…
Allie had a history of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure. After being admitted to hospital and having several falls during this time, Allie and her consultant agreed that if suitable care was put in place, she could be safely cared for in her own home for end-of-life care.
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The Cavendish Approach…
Following an assessment by one of our Clinical Managers, a bespoke care plan was put together and it was determined that Allie required 2 nurses with her, due to the complexity of her mobility and medical needs. The nurses worked 12-hour shifts – a day and night shift, providing total day coverage.
Our nurses ensured that Allie was always kept comfortable and that all medications, such as morphine, were administered accordingly to reduce any pain. Initially, she also needed to be repositioned every 4 hours to reduce bed sores and skin breakdown. The nurses encouraged her to participate in daily activities such as taking short walks around the house, sitting in her reclining chair while doing crosswords, and completing personal care, helping to prolong Allie’s independence and quality of life.
As the illness progressed, she was no longer able to use her Zimmer Frame and became fully dependent on our nurses with assistance from a hoist. A catheter was inserted and Allie then commenced on a syringe driver for her medications – keeping her pain-free during this end-of-life period.
Throughout the care provided, our nurses practiced The Lantern Model by ensuring that she was kept as comfortable and pain-free as possible and that she were central to all care decisions. Allie’s family was kept up to date with all developments and was encouraged to prepare for her passing.
The Final Days…
Allie passed away peacefully in 2022 surrounded by her family. Our nurses were present and supported the family every step of the way, everyone had worked together to ensure the client’s wishes to remain at home were fulfilled.
Allie’s family was extremely grateful that Cavendish Homecare was able to facilitate end-of-life care.
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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