Our Approach

Elder Care

Case Studies list

Issue

Pauline’s Mother, Wendy, was admitted to hospital after breaking her leg. A week later, the hospital told Pauline that they were going to send her mother home the next day. Pauline was concerned because she had two small children, worked full-time and lived 50 miles away. She also felt that her mother wasn’t yet well enough to cope alone.

Solution

Pauline and one of our elder care specialists discussed the rules for hospital discharge and the need for a written care plan to be in place before an older patient returns home from hospital. Following the conversation they sent some information on this subject to Pauline at her office. Community Care Assessments were also discussed as was liaising with a home care agency about getting help at home, or the possibility of finding a suitable residential or nursing home for respite care. The elder care specialist found the contact details for the social worker at the hospital and advised Pauline to call her immediately. The specialist also searched our comprehensive database for suitable nursing homes that could offer Wendy a respite care bed that week. Pauline was also put in touch with one of our counsellors, as she also was finding the whole process quite upsetting and she had feelings of guilt that she couldn’t support her mother more.

Outcome

Pauline spoke to the hospital social worker and asked for a written care plan and as a result, her mother’s discharge was postponed until there had been proper consultation with the family. Wendy was transferred to a nursing home for a two week respite stay a few days later and this delay enabled Pauline to be with her mother when she was moved from the hospital. The staff at the nursing home helped Wendy become more mobile and independent and she was able to go home two weeks later when extra help and a community alarm had been arranged through Social Services. An occupational therapist visited her home and gave her advice on how it could be adapted to make it easier for her to cope. Through the support provided by WPO’s professionals, Pauline’s anxiety about her mother’s care was reduced and practical assistance was put in place, helping her mother and enabling Pauline to be more focused at work and at home.

Case Studies 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5