Fatima’s journey of hope and resilience

Fatima, a 68-year-old resident of Bandra, had lived in the slums for over four decades. Two years ago, she lost her husband, leaving her to fend for herself in a roadside “zopada”. Referred from Romila Palliative Care Centre to Sukoon Nilaya Palliative Care Centre, Fatima faced a multitude of health issues, including wound and maggot infestation, diabetes, and the need for stump dressing. Her struggles with uncontrolled diabetes, medication non-compliance, poor hygiene, and tobacco addiction had severely impacted her health, resulting in complete impairment of vision in her right eye.

During her 93-day stay at Sukoon Nilaya, Fatima received dedicated care for wound management, maggot removal, and stump dressing. However, her challenges extended beyond physical ailments, encompassing significant psychological and emotional distress. Transitioning from a life on the streets to the structured environment of an inpatient facility posed considerable difficulties for her.

To address her psychological and emotional needs, the care team employed various therapeutic techniques, including Behavior Change Communication, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Reconstruction, and Reward Mechanism techniques. These interventions aimed to support Fatima through her transition and provide her with the necessary tools to cope effectively with her circumstances. The compassionate care and emotional support provided by the team members at Sukoon Nilaya played a crucial role in easing Fatima’s journey and encouraging her to prolong her stay until her care goals were achieved.

Despite the challenges, Fatima remained hopeful, particularly about regaining her eyesight, which she understood was essential for managing her daily activities. Respecting her autonomy, Sukoon Nilaya arranged a visit to Haji Bachoo Ali Eye Hospital for an ophthalmic evaluation. Following one eye camp attendance and four consecutive outpatient department (OPD) visits, medical consultations concluded that surgical intervention was not viable due to the irreversible nature of Fatima’s condition.

Throughout this process, the collaborative efforts of the care team and Fatima’s resilience in facing her circumstances were evident. Despite the outcome not meeting her initial hopes, the support and respect she received during her journey were invaluable. We at Sukoon Nilaya, helped navigate her health challenges with dignity and care, showcasing the power of compassionate care and human resilience.

Skip to content