Mr. S: A Wish Granted

Mr. S, 22, was admitted to Kindred Hospital La Mirada from a short-term acute care hospital for continued care of his acute respiratory failure. He was on life support and had a complicated medical history, including giant cell axoral neuropathy diagnosed at age 7, dependence on a power chair, requiring total assistance with activities of daily living, scoliosis, seizure disorder and a stage III sacral wound.

Upon admission, the interdisciplinary care team determined that Mr. S would require total bed care, GT feeding, wound care and respiratory support. Mr. S and his family expressed the wish that, when he was stable for discharge they could be together as a family and take him home.

An extensive team approach was required to meet Mr. S and his family’s social, emotional, spiritual and discharge planning needs, including respiratory, wound care, nursing, dietitian, social service/discharge planning and case management.

Mr. S’s complex condition also required extensive education for the family and community agencies for required vent and nursing care upon discharge. Eventually four home health agencies were authorized to set up a ventilator, special bed, medication and wound care supplies.

After 35 days in our hospital, Mr. S was able to be discharged home on a ventilator under the care of his parents, overseen by community agencies. His family’s wish was made possible through the focused commitment of the Kindred Hospital La Mirada team.