The Chameleon of Hope: The Role of Community Hospitals for Complex Patients with Rapidly Evolving Care Needs

An 87-year-old male, with a background of ischaemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia, was admitted for an acute right frontoparietal stroke, which progressed to recurrent cortical infarcts. He was transferred to the community hospital for step-down care and slow stream rehabilitation. Although his acute issues resolved, he continued to require a high level of nursing care. Eventually, the goal of care switched to palliative as his condition deteriorated. This case report highlights the importance of a versatile hospitalist team in managing rapid changes in care, particularly in complex cases with great difficulty fitting into a neat care plan.