Windermere House Case Study 1

This case pertains to a male in his late 50’s, father of one, with strong family relationships. He had made a living as a craftsman and also engaged in various crafting pursuits in his spare time. He had an underlying heart condition, which at the time of his collapse was undiagnosed.

This male collapsed suddenly when out biking with friends. As a result he received a hypoxic brain injury which globally affected his brain function. He was unable to care for himself appropriately and required full time care and rehabilitation in a secure environment. A less restrictive environment was not suitable due to the male’s lack of insight into his injury and care and support needs. The patient lacked orientation to time and place and would often deem himself to be in his workshop. Due to lack of insight this patient often refused medications required to manage his mental health symptoms, he often invaded peers space and periods of agitation were frequent. Acceptance of assistance with personal care was also an initial barrier on admission.

The multi-disciplinary approach care and treatment plan focussed on restoring and maintaining cognitive function in order to promote optimum achievable independence. Treatment plans also focussed reducing behaviours that challenged patient and the other and on the importance of family relationships and meaningful occupation. The foremost focus for the entire staff team was to achieve a step down to a less restrictive setting.

Patient and the OT staff facilitated visits to his mother’s house to visit with family and talk about memories over a cup of tea. This was a very meaningful occupation for this patient and he voiced this regularly.

OT staff also accessed a local charity to restore this patient’s role in facilitating a woodwork group within the hospital.

Staff have established and maintained a regular daily routine in order to offer reassurance in familiar routines and engagement in personal care.

At the time of this report this patient is supported to manage his mental health behaviour therapy, psychology and IT intervention around his upcoming surgery to rectify his heart condition.

His risk behaviours have reduced significantly. He has regular contact with his family and friends. He is able to access unescorted leave with his partner. He is due to be transferred to a less restrictive setting once he has been supported through surgery and post recovery (behaviours and triggers) Patient period of stay has been

Patient agrees he is in a much better place now and is ready for his discharge pathway to continue after 16month placement at Windermere House.