After a very long stay in hospital Robert has now found his forever home at Cooinda House.

After spending more than 250 days in hospital due to a complex health condition, former aged care resident Robert has found his new forever home at Cooinda House.

Specialised Age Care Nursing Director Belinda Sawtell said unfortunately due to Robert’s health care needs he couldn’t return and be supported by a residential aged care facility or within the community. 

“Clinicians and teams from three Metro North hospitals and facilities have worked together to find a solution for Robert’s ongoing care, after he spent months at Redcliffe Hospital,” she said.  

“While at Redcliffe, he had a central venous device (CVAD) inserted, allowing him to receive care he required to improve his quality of life.”    

For most patients with a CVAD they will have the device removed before they leave hospital, however this was not the case for Robert and he will need his CVAD for the rest of his life.   

“While at Redcliffe, it became apparent that because of his CVAD and higher-level care needs, his residential aged care facility would not be able to care for him, when it was time for him to go home.” 

Now, thankfully Robert has found his forever home at Cooinda House. 

“It was a collaborative effort between Redcliffe Hospital clinicians, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital nutrition services, and Community and Oral Health teams to develop a long-term plan,” Belinda said.  

“It was an exciting opportunity to upskill the workforce and provide a safe and caring home for Robert.”  

At Cooinda House more than 20 registered nurses undertook a two-day training courses to upskill and gain the qualifications needed to care for Robert.

“Nursing staff also spent time at Redcliffe Hospital to further embed their skills to care for residents while building lasting working relationships,” she said.  

Belinda said the story has identified the ongoing commitment to making a difference in people’s lives in residential aged care, through staff responsiveness and a strong commitment to the Metro North Health values.  

Robert has settled into Cooinda and is an active participant in the home and in the community.