Milly's story
Milly is an older person who is widowed and lives alone in a warden supported bungalow. She’s been admitted to an acute medical ward from home following a fall which resulted in severe bruising. Her carers had noticed that she appeared a little more confused and vague than usual at home in the two days leading up to the fall.
While in hospital she’s also been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. She is prescribed antibiotics and is also on various other medications for a number of chronic conditions including congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoarthritis. She’s been a little agitated periodically, and distressed on the ward, and has been additionally prescribed Lorazepam.
Milly has been walking from her bed area to the nurse’s station for the past hour repeatedly asking to go home. Each time, the nurse behind the desk has asked Milly to return to the bed area to rest.
Milly's dementia and confusion appear to play a significant role in the development of her challenging and distressed behaviour.
Now start the video and consider how well the nurse handles the situation.