CASE STUDIES
CLIENT CASE STUDY - MARY
Mary’s daughter, who lived out
of town, asked The Good Companion to assist her elderly
mother, initially for one hour per week, with grocery
shopping and some housework. Mary had become quite forgetful
and was starting to forget to turn things off in the
kitchen; she often got lost when out walking and she
was starting to struggle with keeping her home clean
and tidy, but was very reluctant to have anyone in to
help her.
Within one week the Companion’s hours increased
to twice weekly as Mary enjoyed the company so much
and felt secure.
The Companion started to help Mary with her meals and
her housework, they often took her for drives or walks,
and spent time doing jigsaws, going to the library for
books, going to the hairdresser or out for coffee. Mary
regained some self confidence and started to enjoy life
again.
As time went on and as Mary’s
condition deteriorated The Good Companion hours increased
and she often had someone stay overnight with her as
she became confused and anxious at night. They also
helped Mary with showering and dressing.
The Good Companion co-ordinated her care with her doctors,
and took her to appointments as needed. They helped
Mary to pay her bills, answer correspondence and to
look after her property. With her Companion’s
help she was able to keep in touch with family and friends.
As Mary continued to deteriorate, she
decided it was time to sell up and go into care. Her
Companion helped her to pack up her house, organise
her belongings, and made sure the house was ready for
the open homes.
Mary’s Companion helped her to
settle in to the rest home and continued to visit her
regularly. During the last week’s of Mary’s
life, her Companion sat with her during the day, helping
her to eat her meals and taking her out for walks in
her wheelchair, things which the rest home staff simply
did not have time to do.
At all times The Good Companion communicated
with Mary’s family and kept them fully informed
of her health and personal care needs. The Companion
that started for 1 hour per week with Mary was able
to continue working with her right until she passed
away, and therefore Mary felt very comfortable and secure
to the end.
"Many thanks to the companions
for making Hazel's final weeks/days/months so much more
civilised and bearable."
Mike Norris, Akaroa
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