Reducing emergency visits to hospital is one of the key objectives of Complex Care Teams and this case clearly demonstrates that the multi disciplinary care the patient received has not only reduced but has indeed stopped emergency admissions to hospital. It has also stabilised the patient’s condition allowing him to live happily and independently at home.
Steve MacDonald (aged 53 years) has Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle wasting condition. Steve has lived at his home in Exeter with his wife Hilary (aged 40 years) and their two sons Adam (aged 18 years) and Tom (aged 16 years).
Before the intervention of the Complex Care Team Steve rarely left the house as the only way he could do so was if Hilary pushed him in his wheelchair. Hilary found this too difficult and as a result Steve spent most of his time indoors watching television. He became bored and frustrated and began to feel very low. Hilary was trying hard to look after and care for Steve as well as the boys and the home but because of the huge demands that were being placed on her she also felt low and exhausted.
Every eight weeks Steve would be admitted to hospital with life threatening complications. For Hilary it was very difficult having to explain to Tom and Adam where their Dad was and whether they would see him again. Steve has had two major life threatening operations which was very traumatic for his family but he has recovered well although he retired early due to ill health.
The situation today is very different. Steve is fully supported by his Complex Care Team and he lives independently at home and has had no emergency trips into hospital unless it has been a planned admission.
“At one point, I felt life wasn’t worth living. No one knew how bad things were. Now my life has changed radically.” Steve explained.
Steve has been provided with an electric wheelchair and can now get out and about without Hilary having to push him and this has changed his life. “I call it my chariot as I go everywhere in it, it has made life so much easier and given me back my independence.”
For Hilary life is also much better and she feels hugely relieved. “Because Steve has got his life back and is so much happier that has makes life much easier for me – we are all much happier.”
Steve was introduced to the Community Mentoring project in Exeter called Link2 and after a short period with them has never looked back. He has become an Age Concern Exeter volunteer and now regularly visits residential homes in the area to play cards and games with the residents. He also helps to run a games group at Age Concern Exeter and has taken part in money collections for Age Concern Exeter at various supermarkets. If this wasn’t enough Steve also goes to the Stroke and Alzheimer’s group where he enjoys a chat with the members over a piece of cake.
Steve has been given a dog which he named Harley because of his love of Harley Davidsons. Steve explained, “Harley has made a huge difference to my life, he has given me back a purpose to get up and get out every day. He comes with me to all the groups and they all love Harley.”
Hilary explained “Steve had always been a really sociable person who enjoyed meeting and chatting with people but over the years he lost his confidence which was such a shame. It is lovely to have the old Steve back, he never used to go out anywhere and now he is never home - but I know which one I prefer.”
The family now enjoy their time together and have recently enjoyed a holiday to Butlins. Life has changed beyond all recognition and they are all making the most of it.
Steve MacDonald
