Friday 15 June 2012

Nan Down!

"81 year old female, fall, unable to get up"

Falls are a huge part of what we do. Very rarely is there a shift where we don't do one or more. In terms of time it is a massive drain on resources due to the sheer number of falls and time spent on scene assessing them, treating, and /or referring them. As a job I love them, and in terms of the bigger picture, there is no way to reduce the amount of calls. We are an ever ageing population and if anything, the number of elderly fallers will continue to rise. 

Today we were met at the reception by the Warden who showed us round to the apartment. As I entered my head was turned by the Aladdin's cave that was in front of me. The place was full of knik-knaks and I mean full! Every inch of wall space was taken up with shelves, cabinets or photos. There were collections of crystal owls, frogs, spoons, thimbles, teddy bears, miniature houses, Kinder egg toys, McDonald's toys, cigarette cards, coins, stamps, the list was endless! A lifetime's collection in her tiny apartment, and it was all dust free! We found our patient on the kitchen floor, propped up by a cupboard and sporting a beaming smile.

"Hello my dear, what's happened today?"

"Pardon?"

"Hello there, what's happened?" I said slightly louder

She shook her head and beckoned me down to her level. I knelt down beside her and tried again.

"What's happened today?!" I said by her ear.

"I'm just pulling your leg, no need to shout, I'm completely deaf" she said with an air of amusement in her voice.

I had a little chuckle while she laughed away! I grabbed a pen and paper and started writing questions for her: Any pain? Are you dizzy? Do you want to go to hospital? etc. She seemed a very happy lady and just wanted putting back in her armchair so she could get on with her puzzle! We obliged, helped her up off of the floor and helped her to her chair. She was all smiles and had the most infectious laugh. She laughed at everything! Whilst my crew mate was doing her OBs and I was doing paperwork, she continued with her wooden puzzle; I couldn't help but join in! She squealed with excitement as I found a piece, I even got a little clap. She insisted we had a cup of tea and some biscuits with her so that is what we did. For half an hour we sat there doing a jigsaw, drinking tea and eating shortbread whilst writing down questions and having her answer them. Between the three of us we made a sizeable dent in the puzzle but not one in the paperwork! 

As much as this job needed two people to pick her up off the floor, she also needed the company; maybe not physically, but emotionally. She told us no one ever takes an interest in her puzzles. I suppose having a conversation with someone who can't hear you can be frustrating but no more so than for her. A huge part of our job is dealing with the lonely. A lot of time they call simply for company and time is not something that we have a lot of. Today, however she got the conversation and entertainment she needed. I'm sure the big wigs in the Ivory Tower would have preferred we just picked her up, scribbled our paperwork and rushed off to the next job but there has to be a balance between the human element and the target driven machine that is the NHS. I love these jobs; I could do them all day every day. I moan a lot about the drunks, the abuse, the minefield of mental health, heavy lifting and time wasters amongst plenty more; one 'Nan down' and it's easy to remember why we do what we do. In terms of targets the job was probably a complete failure; the call had been held for a few hours, we travelled from a fair distance away and we were on scene for ages. For me it was a success; patient was happy, treated at home, I was happy, and I got tea and biscuits! That is how the success or failure of a job should be judged!



15 comments:

  1. At 0811 having been on the go from 0300 this morning reading the phrase 'Nan down' in line with the picture (treatment) of a cup of tea and biscuits made me chuckle and it was well needed.

    Your blog continues to provide a well needed release and coping strategy in an at times very emotionally challenging career.

    I am humbled by your strength of character, I am sure you get as much out of writing this blog as readers 'on the outside' get out of reading it.

    @kcmount

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    1. Thank you! What a lovely comment. Really appreciate it! x

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  2. My favourite jobs too. I don't know how I haven't got a house full of adopted Grannies ! Though down here in Wiltshire we call ours 'Doris Downs'.

    Keep up the good work x

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    1. Haha! Doris Downs! I love it! I may have to start using that!

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  3. Yellow van man15 June 2012 at 08:49

    I can sit for hours listening to their stories and everything they have achieved in life.

    Once had an old boy tell the story behind all of his medals. Haven't picked him up for a long time so can only guess he's no longer with us.

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    1. They are awesome jobs indeed! Very humbling to talk to them!

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  4. Awwww that sounds like my Aunty Et's apartment used to be. I agree. That was a success. She will probably think about how nice it was for days! Well done x

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    1. It was a great job! It made me want to go and buy a puzzle to! However, the boy would probably think the pieces were Doritos!

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  5. Even in my job there are those special people you meet that just deserve respect, admiration and a little bit of our undivided time, I can see why these are so popular with you (and I know it's not just the tea and biscuits you big softie!)

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  6. Exactly! The more 'em the merrier! And yes, its all about the tea and biscuits!

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  7. I smiled reading this. From start to finish!

    Will :)

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  8. Great to read another person's perspective on what I do every day too... I can't help myself but to act the clown and pretend to trip, or walk into the door. Especially in the lounge of a rest home, big audience, guarantee's a laugh every time. To see there otherwise expressionless faces light up is so satisfying. Have to say I do love the 'Doris Down' Gonna pinch that myself! Keep up the great work ;) @deltadam

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    1. Thank you for your comment! You are so right, it's probably one of the few places where we are NEVER judged! (and they alwyas laugh at our crap jokes!). You continue to act the clown! It's the only way!!

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