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In 2020, Daniel and his family contacted Cavendish Homecare after recognising the need for additional support. Due to the severity of the acquired brain injury, this required a high level of specialist input and expertise in neurological, endocrine, and diabetic management. Despite challenging complex injuries and a long hospitalisation, it was agreed that further improvements and recovery would best suit Daniel his family whilst at home in Harrow. The key to this decision was the need for a familiar and comforting environment, supported by loved ones, especially their spouse.
Daniel suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a road traffic accident. This significantly affected his speech and mobility. Following the incident, Daniel developed epilepsy and became insulin dependent. His spouse took on the primary caregiving role, overseeing medication schedules and managing regular reviews with a neurologist and an endocrinologist. His spouse was keen to have support within the home, as their own health was also affected by the daily rigorous schedules of providing care.
Daniel received daily insulin, administered by his spouse, who also monitored his blood glucose levels. Although Daniel followed a healthy and balanced diet, he did not require a specific diabetic meal plan. In addition to these conditions, Daniel experienced episodes of hypotension which could result in brief losses of consciousness, adding further complexity to his care, with a high risk of falls and injuries.
Cavendish Homecare developed a tailored care package addressing Daniel’s clinical needs while emphasising consistency, routine, and dignity. Initially, one experienced carer supported Daniel for eight hours daily, assisting with personal hygiene, continence support, exercise routines, food preparation, hydration, medication prompting, and monitoring for side effects or seizures. Given Daniel’s seizure risk and drowsiness from medication adjustments, extra care was taken with mobility risk assessments during transfers, especially during bathing activities or when mobilising using the standing hoist. Appropriate domestic support and efforts to engage Daniel socially and emotionally in meaningful activities and exercise were also provided.
As Daniel’s condition improved, some care needs increased. Cavendish Homecare introduced a second carer per shift, ensuring safer manual handling and more effective responses during periods of low energy or higher clinical risk. The care team, trained to communicate using short, clear sentences and visual cues, maintained central communication with the spouse to consistently meet Daniel’s preferences and needs. The number of carers and level of support provided would adjust according to the Daniel’s varying needs. Overall, a great improvement in his physical and mental well being was noticed.
Daniel preferred familiar carers, so the office team ensured consistency in scheduling, minimising changes and building trust. Detailed daily records captured hydration levels, bowel movements, mental and emotional wellbeing, physical mobility, nutrition, and medical observations, supporting accurate care adjustments and ongoing safety.
Cavendish Homecare was able to meet Daniel’s evolving needs, while empowering the spouse to remain actively involved in the care journey. All care delivery centered on his wishes and preferences, so that best practice outcomes continue to be evidenced. Ongoing collaboration with external healthcare professionals, including neurologists, endocrinologists as well as the case manager, ensured that the care remained clinically appropriate and well-coordinated. Regular communication between the Daniel, his family and Cavendish Homecare allowed for responsive adjustments.
Though living with a brain injury presents ongoing challenges, Daniel continued to make the most of each day with the support of a loving spouse and a committed care team. Their experience reinforced the value of specialist care delivered in the home, where comfort, familiarity, and dignity are never compromised.
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.
At Cavendish Homecare, we recognise that no journey with acquired brain injury is the same. Our experienced and compassionate carers and registered nurses are accomplished in empowering individuals to regain cognitive, physical, and emotional function. We are leaders in acquired brain injury homecare in London and the home counties, enabling our clients to flourish in the comfort of their own homes.