If you were to get a tour of my life over the past year, Njabulo would be part of it. I've seen him multiple times every week, his smile has brought joy to my day as I brought him snacks or juice to his hospital bed. Let me explain a bit more of his story...At our monthly HBC meeting back in July, one of our home-based caregivers told me about this patient that had no one to look after him. After the meeting, eager to get back into home-visits again, I followed her on a to see the patient. He was unable to stand, speak, or care for himself and in a terrible state. We had no idea what was wrong with him, but it was evident that the home conditions were such that he was being hugely neglected by his family. His brother's wife was 'assigned' to care for him, but wasn't up for the job. He'd been staying there for over a month, and had never been taken to the clinic or hospital, and had rarely been washed. He was in a very sorry state.
I referred his case to Xoli who picked him up two days later to take him in the back of the Thembalethu pick-up to the Injesuthi clinic. They transferred him onto the hospital where he remained for almost a month. Upon discharge, Xoli returned with Njabulo back to his home where she found the situation of poor care had not improved, while his level of need remains high. I called Philanjalo Care Centre in Tugela Ferry where I am working part time since getting married. It is a step-down care unit funded by the Department of Health. The doctor agreed to admit him, and Njabulo remained there for the past five months, and with some extra tender-loving care, Njabulo is able to speak somewhat again, can roll himself in a wheelchair and feed himself. He has a great laugh, and always has a smile on his face. Amazing joy for a guy who will require assistance for the rest of his life and will probably never walk again.
Just last week, Njabulo received a 'pass-out' to return home for Christmas. He's been asking to go home for months now. I dropped him off with his brothers and sisters in law (pictured) as a kind of trial-run to see about his long-term care. I'll pick him up to return him to Philanjalo for a follow-up visit to the specialist doctor in Pietermaritzberg in early January. At this point I remain unconvinced that the care he receives at home is sufficient, and hope to work with both Philanjalo and Amangwe social workers to find a long-term solution for care for Njabulo.
