Nancy has dementia and is supported by Staffordshire Social Care and Health. Her care plan is dependent on the effective use of assistive technology which allows her to remain independent and in her own home.
What was the issue?
Nancy is a white British female, 71 years old. She lives alone in a flat within a sheltered housing complex; she has lived there for the last 15 years and does not wish to move anywhere. Nancy has been diagnosed with dementia and her short term memory is very poor. She has home care support to manage her personal care, nutritional and medication needs as well as providing reassurance, reorientation and supervision due her memory difficulties.
Nancy has good support from her daughter who helps with carrying out most personal and practical tasks as well as reassuring her mother when she is anxious or distressed.
The initial request made to Staffordshire Social Care and Health Burton was for an assessment for long term care because Nancy has been waking up in the night, confused and disorientated, and frequently phoned the police. She was not aware of what she was doing and becomes particularly anxious when unable to recall information.
What did we do about it?
Following the initial assessment visit Nancy was referred to her GP to review her current medication and to the Community Mental Health Team for assessment of her mental health. She was also referred to telecare to be assessed for assistive technology.
Telecare initially provided Nancy with equipment to aid her memory and monitored the situation to see which aids were effective. She now has a bed sensor to detect when she gets up at night. The sensor alerts a call centre if she is away from her bed for more than 15 minutes at a time. A call centre worker will call her offering reassurance and encouragement to go back to bed.
Telecare has also installed a new three button only telephone in Nancy’s home. It has been programmed to connect to just her daughter and the First Call call centre.
Nancy was also assessed as needing social stimulation and activity throughout the day to keep her occupied, and company to reduce the likelihood of her getting worried and distressed when alone. She now attends day care.
What difference did this make?
At the 6 week review Nancy and daughter said they were pleased with the current care package and the support provided. With the involvement of other professionals we can monitor changes to her physical and mental health more effectively.
Use of day care facilities and assistive technology has helped Nancy to remain in her own home and prevent admission to long term care.
What are we going to do next?
We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation while working closely with other professionals involved in Nancy’s care, to ensure she is able to remain living independently in her own home for as long as possible.
Contact: Amtyaz Bibi, Staffordshire Social Care and Health Burton, telephone 01283 239888
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