Nursing Case Study - Mickey's Story
Mickey had already identified Southlands Place as her future home, following a viewing accompanied by her daughter Jeanette in early February. She was enthused by the friendly welcoming attitude of the care team member who showed them round. The home’s modern feel which reminded her of a hotel, with its cinema, lounges and dining rooms, was also a significant deciding factor.
The future came sooner than expected, when Mickey’s confidence took a knock following two falls within a month at her flat. Despite carers coming in three times a day to help with meals and household tasks, she felt increasingly uneasy and unable to cope when left alone. As the youngest of seven children Mickey, now 85, has had people around her all her life. She also travelled extensively with her late husband, who worked in copper and metal mining in Africa, Canada, Iran and the UK. However, reduced mobility in recent years had led to fewer opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the regular company of others.
After a spell in hospital, unrelated to the falls, Jeanette suggested Mickey book a fortnight’s respite stay at Southlands. Mickey liked it so much that just one week later she decided to make it her permanent home. She says the support and help from the nurses and other care staff aided her recovery and encouraged her to feel safe, knowing that she would be well looked after. Both Mickey and Jeanette are happier, reassured that all Mickey has to do is ring the call bell should she need help, and someone will be at hand straight away.
The care team at Southlands Place is dedicated to ensuring that Mickey’s life is as active and fulfilling as possible. Her health and mobility have improved and her personal care plan ensures that everyone is familiar with her preferences such as being woken at 8.30am and goat’s milk instead of dairy products.
When she’s not entertaining visitors in the Little Acorns Café or sitting with them in the garden, Mickey often takes part in organised activities, a favourite being Scrabble in the garden lounge. She also enjoys performances from local entertainers plus outings to attractions such as De La Warr pavilion in Bexhill for coffee and cake. Keeping in regular contact with her large family via Skype and telephone is another regular event as are her twice daily walks around the home or garden.
Mickey feels she has got her quality of life back. She says she has made lots of friends amongst both the care staff and residents and describes Southlands Place as ‘like living in a hotel with your family.’