Last week I posted that I anticipated becoming a “Devil” when visiting two patients in facilities in New Jersey. My hope was that, in reality, I would be pleasantly surprised at what I found. It turned out to be a 50/50 proposition, and here is my first visit…
On Monday, I visited Audrey, who was one of the most determined and lovely women of her age I have ever met. She was spunky, plucky and genteel. Until a bout with pneumonia, she had been living in an Independent Living home and was able to order her ostomy supplies for her 50-year-old ileostomy, as well as care for herself and change the supplies as needed. She was a Rock Star! However, once she became infirmed, she was moved, temporarily, into the Skilled Nursing part of the campus. At that point, the staff was providing care, and using clearly ill-fitting and/or inferior supplies. Lo and behold, Audrey went from pristine peristomal skin to vulnerable and painful lesions, and we know where that leads.
I had been asked to visit and provide some support emotionally to Audrey, but I quickly realized there was so much more I could do. Upon leaving, I called Audrey’s daughter, Sue, and laid out a plan that will, hopefully, help Audrey both physically and emotionally. Since Audrey gets her supplies through a medical supply company (such as McKesson, Edgepark, etc.) and Medicare pays for the supplies, a direct order made on Audrey’s behalf should help all around. Once Audrey is back with her well-fitting appliance, she will no longer leak, giving the peristomal skin a chance to heal.
Please do not hesitate to ask for help for a loved one, or yourself. There are usually answers that a fresh pair of eyes will see. Facilities do what is necessary for the majority, but may need additional help when focusing on Ostomates. In addition to supplies, ask about diet, for example. Is the patient
getting enough salt, if necessary? Can you bring in watermelon, which is a great source of fluids for ileostomates, always fighting dehydration, etc. The UOAA website provides an incredibly thorough list of helpful ideas.
Next week, I will discuss Florence, the second visit I made this week. Her story is not one that is easily rectified, sadly. If I am learning one thing in the work I am doing as an Advocate/Trained Visitor, it is that there is no happy ending to each book.