Newly appointed Deputy Manager of Darley Hall Care Home, Shelley Bardell, recognised symptoms of a stroke when a resident’s husband called for a friendly catch up.
Shelley, an experienced carer and now Deputy Manager for Darley Hall Care Home spoke to the gentleman, Terry Henderson, regarding his relative staying with the home when she recognised his speech becoming slurred.
Shelley had undertaken an intensive first aid course only a few months before the incident. The three-day crash course (intended to improve residents’ care) proved key to the survival of one of their loved ones.
Shelley commented on the incident saying: “I had noticed that something was wrong with Terry’s voice… It was as if he was struggling to get his words out. Having worked in the care sector for many years, particularly caring for the elderly, I was able to recognise the development as a possible symptom of a stroke.”
Shelley took immediate action while continuing to comfort and reassure Terry. Shelly informed Terry that she was calling his daughter, Katie, to ask her to check on him.
Katie arrived at her Dad’s house and found him with a newly developed ‘droop’ to one side of his mouth. Katie called the Doctors’ Surgery, who promptly visited Terry and checked him over before calling 999.
The attending Doctor requested an ambulance as they too suspected that Terry was having a stroke. Terry was taken by ambulance to The Royal Derby Hospital’s A&E Department where he was assessed and treated for the dangerous condition.
Terry commented on the ordeal stating: “If it had been up to me, I might not have reacted as quickly as Shelley did. I am extremely grateful that Shelley reacted in the time frame she did as this saved precious time in the treatment of the TIA.”
Terry continued: “Without their care and compassion, the happy ending to this story could have been non-existent.”
Terry is now back at home, recovering from a TIA (a mini-stroke) and is taking things steady. He was reunited with his wife, Wendy, and enjoyed a lovely Sunday dinner with her.
Terry has asked to thank Shelley for her quick reactions and for getting him the help he needed.
