Dr M is an 82 year old retired GP who recently suffered a stroke which left him with major right-side paralyses, no speech and doubly incontinent. His family wanted quality care for him within his own home, to significantly aid his recovery. They selected Northwood Nursing & Care Services because of our reputation for experienced, pro-active care and nursing.

Dr M dearly wanted to attend his grandson's wedding, but this was looking extremely unlikely. We supplied nurse-led care, recommending an excellent neuro-physiotherapist who advised on the best programme for rehabilitation. Additionally, we identified (and insisted on) the best equipment to support his recovery.

We included in his rehabilitation plan:
pressure care for an immobile person mouth care bowel & bladder retraining nutrition implementation of physiotherapist's plans companionship and encouragement The whole Health Care team and family worked together to provide encouragement and to ensure that all our care plans were correctly followed.

Amazingly, only three weeks later, Dr M could speak, was continent and able to weight-bear (for transfer from chair to wheelchair). Against all the odds, we accompanied Dr M to his grandson's wedding!

Northwood Nursing & Care Services enjoys working with other health care professionals, and so when we were approached by an O.T. in private practice to supply a support worker for a young man recovering from a head injury, we accepted. The young man had suffered a head injury aged 16 years as a result of being knocked down by a car on his way home from school. Following his acute treatment he attended two specialist centres for brain injury – both these were short lived as he absconded.

We met him at his home. His daily routine was upside down – he slept during the day or at times for several days and watched T.V. and videos and surfed the internet at night. Although independent, his self regulation was poor – medicine not taken at times and appointments not kept.

Our remit was to supply a support worker (carer) to assist John to establish a routine to include housework, taking a walk, exploring leisure activities and courses. His challenge was his erratic sleep patterns; no structure to his day; no staying power and incontinence of urine particularly when sleeping.

The O.T. gave us guidelines by which we comprised our careplan for John. Our staff were given strict parameters in order to provide support for John without robbing him of his independence – a challenging balancing act!!

However well intentioned a carer may be, the chemistry with the Service User has to be right. We had several attempts at finding the right person for John and at last we did – a mature lady who had staying power.

We continued to support John until he became fully independent – eventually leaving the area to pursue a relationship with a lady who accepted him for who he was, a very nice young man not a boy with a head injury.

Our involvement with John lasted 5 years, during which time he made slow but steady progress. A mutual trust developed which was the cornerstone of his recovery.

Too often the spouse or friend of a sick person becomes ill because they are exhausted caring for their loved one.Northwood Nursing & Care Services can give these dedicated carers the break they need.

Respite care can take many forms but one of the simplest is for the person who is unwell to remain in their own home whilst their friend or relative goes on holiday. Northwood Nursing & Care Services can provide a carer who can stay with the "patient" and/or simply visit during the day to offer companionship and support.

Respite care can be provided for people who want to go to the theatre or a special day out but can't leave a dependent person at home.

It can be during a long term illness when the primary carer needs a break in order to recharge their batteries.

Required when the primary carer becomes unwell and requires admission to hospital.

Northwood Nursing & Care Services would recommend that whatever the reason for respite care, ideally it should by set up before a crisis occurs. We are happy to meet with you and assess your needs and then simply wait to hear from you.