Intermediate Care
The Better Healthcare Closer to Home team is working on plans to develop intermediate care services, providing rehabilitation and support so people can keep their independence, when they might otherwise face unnecessarily prolonged hospital stays, or inappropriate admission to hospital or residential care.
The project is looking to provide a substantial amount of this service in patients' own homes through a community team of therapists and nurses, as well as providing NHS staffed intermediate care beds.
David Stileman, aged 84, had an operation on his feet. He was unable to walk after the operation, and was treated by an intermediate care team at Woodlands Lodge in Colliers wood, and then in his own home. David's grandaughter, Emily Gilchrist, is working as his carer. She commented:
"The care my grandfather has received in Woodlands Lodge and in his own home, has been absolutely outstanding. He has been helped by a team of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses.
"To begin with, David couldn't leave his bed and had problems with leaning forward. To help him recover, they started by giving him exercises in his bed, moving his legs and arms. After about six weeks, he was able to walk on a zimmer frame, and returned home.
"A healthcare professional came to my grandfather's home three times a day to help him with daily tasks, like washing and shaving. They also did exercises so he could build up strength and regain mobility and installed equipment to help him cope around the house, like hand rails, a pressure relieving mattress and a hospital bed.
"Thanks to all this help, and his own determination, my grandfather's life is so much better. He can walk on two sticks, and is able to carry on with his life more independently. The whole family is thrilled to see the difference."
