Success Story: Violet
Violet, 98, was seen at Midcoast MedicalCenter for the following medical issues that many older persons have: Hypertension, angina, gout, and a history of anemia. She had a fall at home on and was not able to get up. She was taken to the hospital with complaints of back pain and left leg pain. The hospital, due to her weakness, suggested a skilled facility. The family felt the goal of treatment should be comfort for the patient, without any acceleration of her care.
On admission it appeared that Violet was somewhat depressed, many elderly they feel when they are admitted to a “nursing home” that this is the final place. She did not understand what skilled rehab was. It was very clear that her daughter Maxine wanted to take her home and was especially supportive. Violet did not have a large appetite. Her daughter would bring her in an evening meal every night, which was a great start. We slowly introduced more variety to her diet and added a daily supplement.
Violet did not want to work with therapy the first week and we supported her wishes. We had nursing issues to address -- abdominal pain, her anemia, her nutrition and weakness. We had to immediately address her bowel problems (constipation, which was her abdominal pain). When that was resolved, the nursing staff and case manager reassured her daily that our goal was for her to go home with her family. When she believed that was the true goal, she did finally agree to therapies. We started slowly with physical and occupational therapy. We very much tried to work with her best energy during that day. She became more motivated every day and looked forward to the therapy team.
Her insurance was very supportive of her stay and with weekly updates and consults they agreed that she was making progress and that the goal was for her discharge to home. This is a benefit that has to be flexed if medically necessary. They were a great partner in her outcome, and also offered the home health support upon discharge.
After six weeks of therapy, nursing care and emotional support, this lovely 98-year-old lady (who celebrated her birthday here) was independent in walking and dressing herself and independent in all her activities of daily living. She did finally agree to a home monitoring system and use of a walker. She was to have a short term of home health support. We were very proud of the outcome of this lady, who was so proud of her progress and achievements and could not thank us enough for not giving up on her.
