Residents Story – From Complex Nursing Care to Returning Home
When WE (Resident) arrived at Alexander House, the expectation was that she would require long-term nursing care. Following a serious fall at home, she had remained on the floor for an extended period before being found and admitted to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. During her stay, she was diagnosed with a Category 4 pressure wound to her sacrum, a complex wound requiring highly specialised clinical care.
At just 58 years old, the future looked uncertain. However, through collaboration, specialist nursing and truly person-centred support, WE's story became one of recovery, resilience and hope.
Preparing to Provide the Highest Standard of Care
Following discussions with WE's sister, Alexander House was approached by the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital to provide ongoing nursing care.
Although the home had not previously cared for someone with this level of complex pressure wound, the team was determined to ensure WE received the specialist support she needed.
Working closely with the hospital's Tissue Viability Team, Alexander House's nursing team attended specialist training at the hospital, learning the advanced wound packing and management techniques required to care for WE safely and effectively. The hospital also provided the specialist equipment needed, allowing the nursing team to seamlessly take over her care from the day she arrived.
This collaborative approach ensured WE could continue her recovery in a comfortable, homely environment while receiving expert clinical care every day.
More Than Treating a Wound
While the focus was naturally on managing WE's complex clinical needs, the team understood that recovery involves far more than physical treatment.
Moving away from home and into nursing care can be emotionally challenging, particularly for someone much younger than the average care home resident. The team took time to understand who WE was beyond her diagnosis, learning about the people and pets that meant the most to her.
WE often spoke about her two beloved cats, Max and Tiddles. To help her feel settled, the team supported her in personalising her room with photographs of them, creating familiar surroundings that brought comfort during her recovery.
She also enjoyed one-to-one activities with members of the team, regular dog therapy visits and listening to visiting performers Isabella and Bob, whose gentle music became a favourite part of her week.
These seemingly small moments helped create a sense of normality, ensuring WE felt like an individual rather than simply a patient receiving treatment.
Exceeding Every Expectation
When WE first moved into Alexander House in July 2025, the clinical expectation was that the priority would be maintaining her condition and preventing further deterioration.
Instead, month by month, her progress continued to exceed expectations.
Through meticulous wound care, ongoing rehabilitation and regular clinical reviews, her Category 4 pressure wound gradually healed. Alongside this, her confidence, strength and independence continued to grow.
By March 2026, something that had once seemed unlikely had become reality.
WE's wound had healed completely.
Even more remarkably, she had regained enough independence to return home.
After eight months of specialist nursing care, she was able to leave Alexander House and resume life in her own home, something that had not been considered possible when she first arrived.
A Team Effort
For everyone involved, WE's journey demonstrated the impact of collaboration, specialist knowledge and compassionate care.
Teresa, Clinical Head of Unit, said:
"Seeing WE progress from such a complex clinical condition to the point where she was able to return home was incredibly rewarding. It demonstrates what can be achieved through teamwork, specialist knowledge and truly person-centred care."
Melissa, Team Leader, added:
"From the moment WE arrived, everyone was committed to giving her the best possible chance. Watching the wound heal completely and seeing the impact that had on her confidence and independence was amazing. It reminds us why we do what we do."
A Lasting Relationship
Although WE's time at Alexander House came to an end in March 2026, the relationship with her family continues today.
Her sister still regularly visits the home to see the team who cared for WE throughout her recovery and has spoken warmly about the compassion, professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved.
She has also shared that, should the time come when she needs full-time care herself, Alexander House would be her first choice.
"My Sister was a resident with Alexander house the whole time she was there she was treated with dignity, care and had so much support. They kept me updated with all treatments she was receiving and nothing was ever too much trouble.”
Recovery Through Person-Centred Nursing Care
WE's story is a powerful reminder that great nursing care is about far more than treating a condition. It is about building trust, understanding the individual and working together to achieve the very best possible outcomes.
By combining specialist clinical expertise with genuine compassion, Alexander House helped transform what was expected to be a permanent nursing placement into a successful return home, giving WE back her independence, confidence and quality of life.
Discover Nursing Care at Alexander House
Every resident's journey is unique. At Alexander House, our experienced nursing team provides personalised, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's clinical needs, personal preferences and rehabilitation goals.
If you would like to learn more about our nursing care or arrange a visit, our friendly team would be delighted to help.
