Pauline's Story
Extra Care While Recovering From an Operation
When Pauline needed an operation, she arranged care for her husband so she could recover without worrying about managing his usual support herself. When she realised she needed longer to recuperate than expected, Bluebird Care Gravesham & Dartford was able to arrange additional visits.
Planning care around an operation
Pauline's husband is PEG fed, nil by mouth and has mobility issues, meaning he needs support with aspects of his everyday routine.
When Pauline was due to have her gallbladder removed, she knew she would need some additional help while she recovered.
Initially, Pauline booked Care Experts for two days, covering the evening and morning. She expected this would give her enough time to get back on her feet.
However, following her operation, Pauline quickly realised that she was more incapacitated than she had anticipated and would need additional time to recover.
Arranging additional support
Rather than trying to manage before she was ready, Pauline contacted Bluebird Care to explain the situation.
The team was able to arrange another four days of cover for her husband, allowing Pauline to concentrate on resting and recuperating.
As Pauline explains:
I contacted Bluebird Care and they quickly arranged cover for another four days so that I could relax and recuperate.
Being able to extend the support when circumstances changed meant Pauline didn't have to rush her own recovery.
Reliable care for her husband
During the additional visits, Pauline was impressed with the support her husband received.
She described the Care Experts as punctual, efficient and prepared, and was particularly pleased with the way they supported him with his medication.
The visits weren't simply about completing practical tasks either. Pauline appreciated that the Care Experts spent time talking with her husband throughout their visits.
She said:
They chatted with him all the time and also checked how I was coping.
That consideration meant support was being provided to her husband while Pauline herself also felt acknowledged during her recovery.
Giving a family carer time to recover
Pauline's experience shows why having additional care available can be valuable when the person who normally provides support needs time away from their caring responsibilities.
Sometimes this can be planned in advance. At other times, as Pauline discovered, circumstances can change and additional support may be needed for longer than originally expected.
For Pauline, extending her husband's care by a few more days gave her the opportunity to focus on recovering from her operation knowing that his usual needs were being supported.
Reflecting on her experience, Pauline simply said:
Well done Bluebird.
Do you need temporary support for someone you care for?
If you normally support a loved one but need additional help because of an operation, a break or a change in circumstances, our Gravesham & Dartford team can discuss the care available.
We'll take the time to understand the person's existing routines and needs and explore how personalised care at home could provide support while you're unable to provide your usual care.