Case Studies
Mrs K. was 92 years old and lived independently in a large detached house, she was still driving to local shops in her own little car. Mrs K. suffered from some Short-term memory loss and Odoema in her lower legs/feet as the day wore on. It was also suspected Mrs K. wasn't eating very well as she had undergone weight loss recently. Mrs K. is fiercely independent and has little insight into her memory loss as she can remember things from over 30 years ago. Mr K. telephoned The Local Care Company to arrange some 15 minute pop-in visits for his Elderly mother whilst he, and his family, were on holiday. One of our experienced Assessors arranged to visit Mr & Mrs K. in the comfort of her own home, to assess her needs and their requirements. It was agreed The Local Care Company would call each evening, for the three weeks her son was away, for 15 minutes to check Mrs K. was well and to monitor any shopping requirements, help deal with any problems (i.e. change lightbulb etc.), and ensure she was organised for her evening meal. This service was carried out successfully and Mrs K appreciated the support given, although few tasks were completed Mrs K. felt reassured that a Carer was calling daily. Over the next three years the same support was given each time her family went on holiday. In 2004 Mrs K's memory appeared to be deteriorating and eventually she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. The Local Care Company started visiting daily in the mornings but Mrs K was reluctant to accept these services as she has always been independent. As her Short Term memory deteriorated, she thought it was 30 years ago and that her husband was at work - this resulted in surprise on her part every day that we were visiting. Once this obstacle had been overcome she began having an additional visit in the evening to monitor she was having an evening meal. At this time she was advised by the GP and Consultant to stop driving as her insurance was void. As Mrs K was reluctant to accept this a driving test was arranged which she failed, so the car was removed. The Local Care Company then began to take Mrs K to Tesco twice a week to shop. One evening Mrs K had a fall at home and she was found on the floor under a heavy antique coat stand with concussion and a nasty cut to her head, she was admitted to hospital where her Dementia appeared much worse because of her different surroundings. Mr K arranged for The Local Care Company to provide twenty-four hour live-in care, which Mrs K accepted quite easily, as she always adamantly stated she wanted to die if she went into Residential Care; her son and family obviously wanted her to be as happy as possible. This level of support was a huge benefit to Mrs K as she put some weight on and had a daily bath. This package continued for eighteen months until Mrs K's Dementia deteriorated further; she became violent towards family and Carers. The package was increased to Two Live-in Carers and this defused the situation with the violence as the Carers were able to manage situations and could avoid triggers much more easily. Mrs K died in her own bed at home with two of her 'ladies' with her. Mr K and his family were happy in the knowledge Mrs K had her wish to die at home with dignity.
Mrs P was an elderly lady with no relatives who lived near by (her son and his family lived in France). The Local Care Company began to support Mrs P with her shopping and laundry two visits per week. Mrs P contracted a severe bout of Flu and requested some additional support. Mrs P received three visits per day at meal times to support Personal Care, bed change, meal preparation and any support she needed. After a fortnight she felt well enough to reduce the package to one visit per day with the original package. This package continued as Mrs P realised the support was invaluable to her and had enabled her to remain at home. Mrs P continued with the package for four years until she died. Mrs P's son was extremely grateful for the service as his mum was reluctant to go into Residential Care or move to France to be near her family.
Mrs D, aged 67, had a fall, at home, which resulted in a fractured arm. Through Social Services it was arranged for The Local Care Company to visit morning and evening each day to support personal hygiene and dressing and undressing. When Mrs D's family were visiting they cancelled some visits as family members would support her. After six weeks the plaster cast was removed so the bed visits were cancelled, and after a further week Mrs D felt able to manage independently. Mrs D hadn't realised before her arm fracture how debilitating it is to lose the use of an arm. Mrs D quoted "The Local Care Company are a benefit to being disabled!"