These final pages showcase our fictional patients, John, June, Margaret and Brian; and how the Integrated Care Centre supported them to remain independent and in their own home or care home for as long as possible.
John (64) is diabetic with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and prostate problems. He visits his GP because he has noticed that even a slight exertion makes him feel faint and unwell. John’s GP could arrange for him to visit the Rapid Access Assessment Unit in the Integrated Care Centre where he would see a senior doctor who could check his bloods and arrange any other tests like x-rays or ultrasound scans. John would be booked in for a follow up appointment to monitor his condition. John could then go home with a plan of care that would be shared with him and his GP. Managing John’s care in this way would avoid the need for him to go into hospital and give him the reassurance that he can go back to the centre via his GP if he feels unwell again.
June (83) lives in a care home and is normally in good health but has poor mobility. Staff report she has become unwell and lost appetite, suspecting she may have an infection or becoming anaemic. June could benefit from the Integrated Care Centre to have a full review of her health. Tests could be carried out on her blood in the Rapid Access Assessment Unit and treatment arranged for any infection. The health and social care teams working at the centre would then visit her back at the care home. They would support the staff there to understand June’s treatment and how to manage her on-going needs so that she does not have to go into hospital. An appointment would be made for her to return to the centre to see a hospital specialist.
Margaret (86) lives on her own. She has one son who lives Peterborough who she sees every couple of months. Apart from her son, Margaret doesn’t see anyone and feels increasingly isolated. Her health and self-confidence has declined and she has let things slip, like her personal appearance.
A local community group, which runs lunch clubs for older people to help overcome social isolation, could use the cafeteria area in the Integrated Care Centre. Lunch clubs can make a huge difference to older people on their own. They enable people to get out regularly and make new friends. Margaret says “I really look forward to attending the lunch club every week and meeting my friends. It makes me want to get out and see how everyone is.”
Brian (70) is a heavy smoker. He has been diagnosed with COPD which means that he sometimes has breathing difficulties and receives oxygen therapy. Brian has regular visits to the Integrated Care Centre to have his condition checked and whilst there he is able to speak to an officer from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. Fire and Rescue Service officers have a wealth of expertise and understanding of people who are most at risk of dying in a fire in their own home – specifically people aged over 55, living alone who are smokers. In this case the officer is able to arrange a visit to Brian’s home and undertake a full fire safety check. The Fire Service uses several measures to help mitigate fire risk which can include the installation of smoke alarms for people with hearing impairment, and, in the most vulnerable cases, domestic sprinkler systems. Decisions on the best protection for these people often needs detailed discussion with health and social care professionals. Basing these services on the same site could mean a more efficient service, supporting people at the earliest opportunity and potentially reducing further problems down the line for people like Brian.