At nursing and residential care home, Chorlton Place, in Manchester, one Resident has made so much progress that she has now gone home to live independently.
Patricia Cronshaw (Pat) came to Chorlton place in November 2020 following a stay in hospital. On arrival Pat required 24-hour nursing care due to her being very weak and she was at high risk of falls. Pat could not mobilize independently and required assistance from two staff members to maintain her safety. Pat was also unable to eat and drink a normal textured diet.
On arrival Pat was understandably in a very low in mood and required assistance from the local mental health team and medication to manage her condition. Pat would not leave her room and did not engage in any of the activities going on at the home.
However following interaction and encouragement from Colleagues, Pat slowly began to engage and became more confident. Then as Pat was becoming more involved and engaging Colleagues discussed with Pat, and Claire her daughter, if she would like to spend the day downstairs in the residential lounge as this would provide her with new friends that she will be able to chat to. All involved agreed this would be good for Pat.
Over the next few weeks Pat came out of her room with the assistance of staff in the lift. She also began to improve with taking diet and fluids; she began to mobilise independently and had no further falls. Pat also began to knit for fellow Residents, making hats and scarfs.
Pat made good friends with Julie, a fellow Resident. Julie encouraged Pat to mobilise outside which Pat began to do independently. Pat very quickly went from using a zimmer-frame to walking unaided and no longer required a modified diet. Pat was also reviewed by the Mental Health Consultant who could not believe the improvement in Pat and she felt that Pat required no further support.
Having reviewed Pat, her social worker explained that due to her improvement, she no longer requires 24hr care and can live independently at home. She could not believe how far Pat had come and stated that Colleagues at Chorlton should be proud of what they can achieve.
When the social worker told Pat she could go home she refused and wanted to stay at Chorlton as she stated, “You have saved my life and made it worth living again. Thank you for not giving up on me”
Pat did eventually agree to go home and wants to volunteer when allowed following lockdown.
Samantha Clayton, Care Home Manager, commented, “Pat is a fantastic lady who has an amazing personality, throughout the process we have laughed together and also cried together.”
“As a manager I just feel we need to share the excellent work the staff are doing and get them recognised for providing full holistic care, focusing on the mind, body and soul of the people we care for.”
“I am honoured to be the Manager of Chorlton place and will continue to develop staff to strive for excellence. They all should be recognized and proud of what they are achieving.”