Nursing Case Study - Kate's Story
Kate arrived at Magna Care Centre in a very poorly condition, as a result of complications following an operation on her spine. She had opted for surgery to alleviate the extreme pain caused by spinal stenosis (or decompression of the spine) a condition where the narrowing of the natural spaces causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Unable to do anything for herself at first, Kate relied on carers and nurses at Magna to help her eat, drink and wash. It was expected that her health would either stabilise or decline further. She was not expected to become well enough to go home again.
However, little by little Kate began to improve. Within a few weeks, she started to drink unaided, then feed herself and these achievements spurred her on to do more. The experienced team and specialised equipment at Magna aided her recovery; 24 hr nursing enabled close monitoring of her health, while items such as hoists meant she could be transferred easily to sit in a chair.
Despite a few setbacks with infections Kate, a retired school teacher, remained strong-minded and determined to recover. She practised the exercises given to her by the physiotherapist and gradually began to get more use back into her joints. Magna’s doors are open to visitors at any time of day, and regular visits from a large circle of friends helped to keep Kate’s spirits up. Her resilience and sense of humour were always apparent, despite her difficult circumstances.
While Kate has not managed to walk again – which was her aim – she became able to use a wheelchair to strengthen her arms. Encouraged by the care team to regain as much of her independence as possible, she also became able to look after personal care such as washing herself. Kate’s advanced arthritis means that many everyday tasks are still out of reach, but after eight months at Magna, she has returned home and is helped by a live-in carer.
Kate’s story is just one example of the dedicated care and support the team at Magna Care Centre provides every day. If you would like to learn more about the variety of care provision available at Magna Care Centre, please call our Home Manager on 0808 223 5541 or click here for more information.