"My care after a fall"

I had a bad fall which meant that I couldn't put my left foot to the ground.

I spent a week at home with care from my family waiting for the swelling to go down and the pain to ease but at the end of the week when this hadn't happened we made an appointment to be seen at the minor injuries department in the Ulster hospital.

I was seen promptly at 11.30am by a nurse practitioner who took a full history and sent me to x-ray where again I was seen immediately. The x-rays were back, the damage was explained to me, the orthopaedic department was consulted, my leg was encased in a full length cast and I was in bed in ward 4a by 4.30pm. 

The nursing care was exceptional as was that shown by the medical staff under the leadership of the  consultant, Mr James who very clearly explained the problems of treatment due to the damage caused. My only complaint would be that as the food was fairly inedible and was always very cold my family had to bring me a hot meal each evening.

After two weeks I was moved to Domnall Care Home for rest and rehabilitation.  I was amazed at the quality of care that I received there. 

When I arrived I was welcomed by a smiling member of staff who escorted me to a very nice ensuite room and explained how things worked there. I spent the next four months in Domnall and during that time I was treated with love and respect by all the young women and men who work so hard to make sure that the residents' every need is taken care of. I should say that, as a lady in her 80s who has never been totally dependent on anyone for personal care, I expected to be embarrassed and upset by needing such very personal help, especially from young men.  However, I shouldn't have worried as, without exception, they were totally professional and I left with my dignity intact. 

I would love to name some of the staff who really went the extra mile but I would be afraid of missing someone out.  I am happy to say that from the manager, down through the nurses, the care assistants, the chef and all the rest of the staff, they can hold their heads up with pride in an exceptionally difficult job very well done. 

Part of my care was given by the Community Discharge Service in a team of an Occupational Therapist and a Physiotherapist. These two pleasant young men, Andrew and Stuart, came to see me each week, and once the cast came off, they had me walking to the bathroom on a zimmer frame the next day. In a very short time Andrew had provided a fitment for my toilet at home and also a perching stool for my kitchen.  He came to visit me the morning after I got home to check that everything in my home was suitable and Stuart will come to check my walking etc. 

I never expected to be totally out of action for almost five months, nor did I expect to be content for all of this time but, thanks to the loving care I received in ward 4a of the Ulster hospital, Domnall Care Home and the prayers of many people, I was able to (almost) enjoy the experience.