The Priory Grange Hemel Hempstead Case study
Ben was admitted to the Priory Grange Hemel Hempstead with a complex history of psychiatric and physical problems. He suffers from schizophrenia and as a result of violent behaviour required detention in hospital under Home Office restrictions. Ben is currently on conditional discharge.
In addition he has complex medical problems including type 2 diabetes, recurrent UTI, incontinence, and leg weakness due to a cerebro-vasular accident.
Our care programme focused on educating Ben about how to better manage his physical health problems and to developing greater insight into his mental health problems.
Our multi-disciplinary team worked with Ben to further develop his already strong self-motivation and independence and to encourage his interest.
A major part of his care was to help him manage his diabetes; Ben has a very sweet tooth and found it difficult to maintain a low sugar and low fat diet.
Through persistence and education both with Ben and his family he has now learned to make better choices; to satisfy his craving for sweets he now purchases diabetic alternatives (with the occasional slip). Throughout he has been encouraged to increase water intake, as a result Ben has not suffered any UTI complications while at the Priory Grange. He has not used any urinary bottles and has not been incontinent. His is totally independent in taking care of his personal hygiene.
Ben's mental state has been stabilised since his admission and he does not present with any psychotic symptoms or violence. His interaction with staff and other patients is pleasant and appropriate.
Although Ben does not seem keen on in-door Occupational Therapy activities, he displayed a considerable degree of self-motivation and independence. He enjoys going into the town centre and local Sainsbury's. To encourage his interests, the OT and nursing staff escort Ben to shops such as WHSmith and other Art bookshops. He enjoys reading about legendary artists and collects literature about them.
Through consistent education and the many alternative food offered to Ben, his diabetes is now managed much better. He occasionally has relapse episodes but responds well to re-education. On his town centre trips, the OT staff also take Ben to Boots and other health food shops where he buys diabetic sweets, chocolates and biscuits to help control his cravings for sweet foods whilst reducing his sugar intake. His family have also been educated about Ben's condition and dietary needs.
The physiotherapist visits weekly to assess and meet Ben's mobility needs. He uses a walking stick around the ward. When he is in his room however, Ben manages to walk independently without the walking stick.
Ben is due to be discharged shortly. He is stable and settled enough to be managed in a care home environment within the need for low level security that the Priory Grange offers. He has developed a great insight into his mental health and physical health conditions and is therefore much more willing to be compliant in his ongoing treatment following the education offered to him during his admission with us.