Case Studies
From Minimal Awareness State Active Life Within The Community
Our client being cared for within a young disabled unit. Client having been discharged from an NHS neuro ward, where it was considered by all experts that there was little more to be achieved because of his minimal awareness state that had now been prolonged. By the time that the case manager was asked to see him he had been at the unit for nearly a year.
Had developed a number of complications including contractures.
Neuro physiotherapy was arranged and introduced by the case manager combined with speech and language therapy, incorporating facial oral tract therapy. Postural management assessments were organised and appropriate seating and wheelchair made available.
Gradual but sustained improvement was made over the period of nine months. By this time the client was sitting in his specialist wheelchair, more alert and able to take very small amounts of pureed food as tasters.
A potential chalet bungalow was identified and purchased. Arrangements were made for various adaptations to be carried out the architect and case manager working together. A treating Occupational Therapist was appointed to assess for appropriate aids and equipment to be purchased and installed in the clients home.
Recruitment and training of 24-hour team of eight support workers, who all received comprehensive, specialist training in understanding brain injury and that specific to their client and his management.
The treating neuro therapists provided training in relation to prescribed therapy to be carried out by the support workers on a daily basis.
The client continued to improve, moved into own sensitively -adapted home cared for and supported by his team of support workers. It was only a matter of weeks before he was eating a full and varied diet, feeding himself.
He has attended various family celebrations travelling in his own vehicle. He is now able to enjoy his weekly planned activities. A weekend away overnight is an aim for this year.