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Mr Elroy's story

Mr Elroy, a 76-year-old gentleman, has been admitted to the ward following a serious suicide attempt last week. He had taken a cocktail of tablets and attempted to cut his throat, and was found unconscious at home by a neighbour. After one week in a general ward, he is admitted for rehabilitation. He appears wan and thin, with a small bandage covering sutures on his neck. His wound is causing a moderate degree of pain and he displays a reduced range of motion of his head. His speech is hoarse and halting.

At assessment Mr Elroy describes being very depressed for the past few months; he has lost all interest and energy and has isolated himself from friends. In the last few weeks he has been constantly brooding and recriminating himself about his past, ("...my whole life has been a failure", he says) culminating in his suicide attempt. He is disappointed not to have succeeded. Now he feels tired and lethargic and just wants to lie down.

Mr Elroy is slow to become accustomed to the ward and has some difficulty learning the names of staff and patients. On a couple of occasions during his first day on the ward he could not find his way back to his bed. He clearly understands new information but does not retain much.

Mr Elroy has lived alone for many years. He has no close family and has withdrawn from social contact in the past year. Several near neighbours insist on dropping in and he lets them do shopping for him. He regularly sees no one for a week and had not seen anyone in the week preceding his suicide attempt and admission.

Mr Elroy lives alone in a small weatherboard cottage that he is very happy with. The home is in need of some repairs and maintenance, however it is comfortable and secure and fully owned by Mr Elroy. Throughout this period, Mr Elroy has forced himself to maintain his cleanliness and his diet. In the past two weeks at home he has been letting this slip with things becoming messy and disorganised. He has also allowed a couple of bills to go unpaid. Mr Elroy lives close to the shops and community facilities that he actively used last year.

Page last updated: 9 December 2008