Dana had cared for a patient that came into the ED with a complaint of leg swelling. She came to the ED from the independent side of an Assisted Living facility. Basically, the patient would be provided food, but she is responsible for all other cares.
Upon Dana's assessment, Dana noted that she was very dirty. Her toenails were so long they were digging into her skin and she had Kleenex tucked between her toes. It was apparent that she had not bathed nor had clean clothes on. Prior to discharge, Dana made sure the patient was able to get her prescription filled. It was after hours, so Dana called the Assisted Living facility and was told the director would be notified in the morning and since she was in independent living they could only check on her. Dana took the initiative to call the Assisted Living the next morning and got a hold of the director.
The outcome of this was that once the director checked on the patient, Portage County Health and Human Services had to be called. They found the patient's apartment to be unlivable. It was filthy. The patient had been incontinent of feces and urine, garbage overflowing, and not taken out in weeks. She had not been doing laundry and did not know the last time she bathed.
How often do we discharge patients and that's it? Dana's actions had a significant impact on this patient's life. She was chaptered and placed in an SNF for her safety and wellbeing. This demonstrates a key to being a DAISY recipient; she listened not only with her ears but with her heart, too.