Olivia faced the challenges of progressing motor neuron disease (MND), which led to diminished mobility and increased breathlessness. After contracting COVID-19, her condition deteriorated, resulting in her admission to the hospital and subsequent transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). Olivia’s family reached out to Cavendish Homecare with the aim of arranging palliative homecare, enabling her to return to her home in Wandsworth.
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Our Client’s Story…
Upon initial contact from Olivia’s family, the focus was on exploring palliative homecare while the hospital was in the process of coordinating the care package. Subsequently, she was admitted to a hospice; however, with an improvement in her condition, a strong desire arose to return home and be closer to friends and family. While the NHS addressed their daytime care needs through four short daily visits, Olivia’s family expressed concerns about covering the overnight care requirements.
Central to her care was her reduced mobility, which had led to the development of a pressure sore, requiring diligent management to prevent further deterioration and skin damage.
The Cavendish Approach…
Olivia’s family decided to enlist both day and night carers to ensure they could all have peace of mind. The Cavendish Homecare carers possessed medical expertise, enabling them to address her acute care needs effectively.
To facilitate the healing of the pressure sore, the Cavendish Homecare team arranged a hospital bed, a suitable mattress, and sliding sheets. These measures were crucial for adhering to best practices when caring for someone with limited mobility. Following guidance from the district nursing team, the carers maintained the pressure sore in a dry and clean condition and implemented a repositioning routine to prevent further skin breakdown. They also encouraged Olivia to mobilise between her chair and bed, promoting independence and a change of environment.
In addition to their physical care duties, the carers provided invaluable emotional support to Olivia, particularly during this challenging phase, where she grappled with chronic back pain. The carers’ patience, empathy, and encouragement played a pivotal role in addressing Olivia’s emotional needs and overall wellbeing.
The Outcome…
With the successful execution of the care plan, coordination between multidisciplinary team members (MDT), the Cavendish Homecare team’s dedication and training, Olivia’s family felt confident enough to take over the care package and support her independently. This stands as a testament to the effectiveness, encouragement, and support provided by Cavendish Homecare, allowing Olivia to remain at home and her family to confidently continue caring for her.
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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