Wounds can turn nasty if they are not treated properly. We received a call from a worried daughter looking for help with her mum. She explained that her mum’s wound looked infected but she was declining help. The daughter shared that her mum is fiercely independent and a very private person. Could we help? “Absolutely”, was our response.
My first visit was a gentle introduction on the doorstep. I took time to listen to her mum’s reasons about why she did not need help. Diverting away from discussing the wound, I asked how she was sleeping. I listened to reasons why she sometimes found a good rest difficult. She had been feverish and did not think the tablets the doctor had prescribed were doing her any good. I suggested she try honey on her wound as it reduces bacterial load. This appealed to her and she shared that her mother had used honey to heal everything. I asked her to think things over and she agreed to me coming back in a few days’ time.
On my second visit I was welcomed into her house, she remembered meeting and had been thinking over what we had discussed. We got chatting and I listened intently. Really taking the time to care about what she had to share. She allowed me to apply dressings to her leg using honey. Every visit I tended to her wound, I listened a little more and her wound improved and healed without the need for antibiotics.
She also explained she was isolated and struggled getting out for shopping. She did not always ask her family for help as she did not want to bother them. She found moving around her kitchen tricky and did not always feel steady. She did not enjoy her bath anymore, the taps had seized.
Working with the family we took steps to help our lovely client. We do a light shop each week and stop in for a chat and a cup of tea. We love hearing her stories and looking at her photos. We liaised with her GP surgery, and referred for an OT and physio assessment, which we attended. Now, she has kitchen aids and has gladly welcomed a walking aid. A simple maintenance fix was arranged for her taps and she is again, enjoying long soaks in the tub.
Over time she communicated more issues and we worked together to create solutions. It has been truly amazing to see her flourish and become more empowered. She had declined help and not fully communicated her needs. Slowly and gently, we listened and took great care to include her in decisions and a wonderful partnership has formed based on trust.
Her son called from New Zealand this week to thank us. Her family has noticed such a huge difference in her mental and physical wellbeing and are especially glad in the pandemic to have extra help. I am now the first to know if any nursing needs arise!
A registered nurse, Nurse Call
