When a hospital stay revealed new diagnoses of diabetes and hypertension, their struggles intensified. Untrained in medical monitoring, the family and their caregiver were overwhelmed, until a coworker’s recommendation led them to Healingway Bedside and Home Care Nursing Services. The arrival of Nurse Dinah, a Healingway bedside/home care nurse, transformed Mama Olivah’s care and brought profound relief to her family, proving to be a lifeline in their journey through Alzheimer’s and chronic illness.

Mama Olivah’s battle with Alzheimer’s began subtly five years ago. She forgot appointments, misplaced her sewing needles, and repeated stories, which her children initially dismissed as signs of aging. By 2023, her condition worsened significantly. She grew confused, often calling James by his late father’s name, and became agitated, pacing her apartment at night. One morning, she wandered out, found disoriented near a busy Kampala street, a terrifying moment for Sarah, who lived closest. A visit to a nearby Hospital confirmed Alzheimer’s disease, but the hospital, strained by overcrowding and focused on acute cases, offered only memantine and advice to monitor her safety. James hired a caregiver, Amina, a kind but untrained woman who assisted with daily tasks like bathing and cooking, allowing Mama Olivah to remain in her beloved apartment. The family, unwilling to consider a nursing home, valued her connection to the home where she’d raised them.

In early 2024, a crisis struck. Mama Olivah fell ill, complaining of dizziness and extreme fatigue. Sarah rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed type 2 diabetes and hypertension , common comorbidities that exacerbated her Alzheimer’s. Her blood sugar was alarmingly high, and her blood pressure was dangerously elevated, requiring urgent treatment. After a week in the hospital, she was discharged with insulin injections, antihypertensives, and instructions to monitor her blood sugar and blood pressure daily. 

The family was at a loss—neither Amina, James, Sarah, nor Lillian had medical training, and they struggled to use glucose meters or interpret hypertension readings. Amina tried her best, but her lack of expertise led to inconsistent monitoring, risking serious complications like diabetic coma or stroke. The family’s stress escalated, with Sarah missing work to check on her mother and Lillian worrying about hospital readmissions.

One day, James confided in a coworker, David, during a lunch break at the bank. David, whose father had thrived with home care nursing, recommended Healingway Bedside and Home Care Nursing Services, praising their professional nurses in bedside/ home care. “They changed everything for us,” David said, urging James to consider a bedside nurse. That evening, James discussed the idea with Sarah, Lillian, and Agnes . Sarah, initially concerned about costs, was convinced by the promise of expert care, while Lillian, aware of their mother’s declining health, insisted, “Mama needs this.” The family agreed to contact us After a consultation to assess Mama Olivah’s needs—Alzheimer’s, diabetes, hypertension, and daily living challenges—we assigned  Nurse Dinah, a 34-year-old registered nurse with experience in home care and chronic disease management.

Dinah’s arrival was a turning point. From her first visit, she brought professionalism and warmth, greeting Mama Olivah with a gentle smile and calling her “Mama,” quickly earning her trust. She assessed Mama Olivah’s complex needs: severe memory loss, agitation, wandering risks, uncontrolled blood sugar, and elevated blood pressure. Dinah administered insulin injections and antihypertensives, using a portable glucometer and blood pressure monitor to track levels daily. Her expertise ensured precise dosing, stabilizing Mama Olivah’s blood sugar and reducing her blood pressure within weeks. When Dinah detected early signs of hypoglycemia, she adjusted the insulin and coordinated with a hospital endocrinologist via phone call consultation, preventing a hospital admission and easing the strain on family finances

Dinah’s Alzheimer’s care was transformative. Mama Olivah’s agitation, often peaked at dusk, distressing Agnes. Dinah introduced a structured routine—morning prayers, afternoon gospel music sessions, and evening storytelling—to reduce confusion. She used calming techniques, like playing Mama Olivah’s favorite hymns, to soothe outbursts, teaching Sarah and Amina to do the same. These measures allowed Mama Olivah to stay in her familiar home, where family photos and the hum of Kampala’s streets reduced stress, fostering emotional well-being unlike the chaotic hospital environment.

Daily living support was critical. Mama Olivah struggled with bathing and eating, tasks Amina found overwhelming. Dinah assisted with these, maintaining hygiene to prevent infections and ensuring dignity by chatting about Mama Olivah’s sewing days. Dinah’s psychosocial support—counseling Mama Olivah through distress and encouraging memory-sharing—improved her mood, countering the 61% emotional distress rate among dementia patients.

The family reaped immense benefits from Healingway’s care. Agnes, on the verge of burnout, found relief as Dinah and Amina shared responsibilities, preserving her health. “Dinah’s my rock,” Agnes said, grateful for the reduced strain. Sarah resumed her teaching schedule, knowing Dinah’s expertise ensured her mother’s safety. Lillian felt empowered by Dinah’s training on glucose monitoring, while James appreciated the financial savings. Dinah’s proactive care prevented costly readmissions, and by eliminating frequent hospital visits, Our nurse saved them of thousands of shillings compared to hospital or institutional care. The family pooled resources to afford Dinah’s services, finding them more sustainable than NCD-related expenses. Dinah’s daily WhatsApp updates, sharing moments like Mama Olivah humming a hymn, kept the family united, easing their emotional strain.

Dinah’s care enhanced Mama Olivah’s healing. The comfort of her apartment, surrounded by familiar sights, reduced agitation and improved adherence, Over six months, her blood sugar and blood pressure stabilized, her agitation lessened, and she recognized her children more often, saying, “Dinah, my daughter,” with a smile.

Seven months after Dinah’s arrival, Mama Olivah’s quality of life had transformed. She enjoyed short walks in her compound, hummed gospel tunes, and shared fleeting memories with her family. Agnes felt renewed, the children balanced work and care, and all cherished their mother’s resilience. “Dinah’s our blessing,” Sarah said, reflecting on Healingway’s impact. Mama Olivah’s story with Healingway Bedside and Home Care Nursing Services shows how professional nursing can transform Alzheimer’s care, offering hope and dignity to families.

If you would like your loved one to receive such kind of tender loving nursing care, don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

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