Meet Our Patients
Andy:
High Risk of Infection | Low Risk at Home
Preemie in foster care now all-A student
Andy was a preemie baby placed in foster care the day he was born. Now a teenager, he continues facing multiple challenges, including:
- Paralyzed vocal cord
- Underdeveloped immune system
- Cerebral palsy and autism
Biggest challenge: inconsistency
Andy's biggest challenge was inconsistent in-home care. Any time a new nurse joined the team, he'd get sick because of his delicate respiratory system. He was in and out of the hospital regularly.
Answer: PHS
PHS developed a safe care plan and ensured all Andy's caregivers are familiar with the equipment and emergency procedures. PHS also:
- Established a nutrition program via the g-tube in his stomach
- Conducted a sleep study; put him on BiPap at night
- Continually assesses how to decrease respiratory infections
- Promptly handles respiratory infections with in-home IV antibiotics
Now a "normal teenager"
Andy now maintains his weight, has a stable respiratory condition and gets adequate sleep. He takes sign language classes and communicates more with his family, caregivers and classmates. Best of all, Andy smiles, hugs people, makes eye contact, and likes to play with other kids.
Born:
1991
Diagnosis:
Cerebral palsy, autism, high risk of infections, MRSA, CMV, VRE
Challenge:
Andy got sick any time a nurse unfamiliar with his care regime joined the team
Solution:
PHS coordinated all Andy's caregivers with a care plan for consistently high-level pulmonary care and safety
Result:
Consistent care and caregiver education helps Andy thrive at home. He gets all A's in school, plays games, and communicates with kids his age
"Andy now interacts with family members like a normal teenager. Together, PHS, doctors and home caregivers have a partnership that will allow Andy to live a long, happy, normal life." -Rosemarie Westbury, RRT-NPS, LRT
