For confidentiality I shall refer to the following service user as Mrs.E.
Mrs.E was referred to the Rapid Response team by her G.P. as she was
finding it difficult to manage at home due to having a chest and urine infection.
Mrs. E. is an independent lady wishing to remain at home during her acute
illness.
Mrs .E. is aged 94 she lives alone, she does have arthritis, which causes her
to have poor mobility, but overall she manages without any assistance. Rapid
Response assessed and found Mrs. E. to be in bed feeling very weak, she
struggled to get out of her bed or walk to the bathroom she was very unsteady
when mobilising. She was unable to attend to her personal care; her appetite
had reduced, as she was unable to prepare her meals.
Following assessment Rapid Response immediately provided a zimmer frame
to offer stability and reduce the risk of falls, a commode was provided for in
the bedroom, and a kitchen trolley. Mrs. E agreed to support from the Trainee
Assistant Practitioners with 4 calls per day to assist with personal care,
mobility practice, meals, and medication.
The Nurses assessed for any pressure relieving equipment due to Mrs. E
being in bed for long periods during her illness. T.A.P.’s were advised to
encourage Mrs. E. to sit up out of bed for short periods in order to aid sputum
clearance. . Nutritional advice and encouragement was given.
Occupational therapist completed a full environmental assessment and
provided a second stair rail. Physiotherapist instructed the T.A.P.S. to
complete 5 minuets of exercises daily to improve mobility and strengthen
muscles, breathing techniques were also encouraged. Social Worker advised
on care on call and Manchester Care for domestic tasks.
Rapid Response supported Mrs. E. for 10 days, which enabled her to remain
in her, own home in which time her infections cleared, her mobility and
appetite had improved. Social Worker assessed before discharge and
completed a referral to Intermediate Home Care support for further reenablement to assist Mrs. E. to completely return to her previous levels of
abilities.