FEEDBACK Active Support News Letter – Pilot Project Solihull Services
Service User DR – Yorkminster Drive
I have been asked to feedback on one particular service user relating to the Creating an Ordinary Life – Active Support Project I spoke to the Registered Manager Jackie D’Amico and this is what she has related to me.
Service User (DR) who has a Learning Disability, used to be quite introvert and would sleep for most of the day only initiating verbal communication very occasionally. Previously when he wanted things he would just point to them.
(DR) needed a lot of support with his personal care, however, since implementing active engagement he is less shy, talks more and initiate’s conversations with staff and other service users who share his Bungalow. He was reluctant to engage in activities and fearful of trying anything new. This is a list of some the progression he has made.
He now:
- (DR) showers independently getting his toiletries and towel etc., when he is ready.
- (DR) will take his dirty clothing to the laundry room and put them into the washing machine and then the tumble drier.
- (DR) gets all things ready for his medication.
- (DR) will now engage in the choosing, shopping, preparing and the cooking of simple meal and drinks.
- After meals (DR) will gather the dishes and wash up the independently without verbal prompting.
- (DR) goes shopping with staff support for his personal shopping and for the house shopping. He is actively engaged in choosing the toiletries and clothing he wishes to purchase and in what he wants to buy to eat and drink.
- (DR) is more aware of his dietary needs (he has diabetes) and is following guidance from staff more readily.
- (DR) will now instigate activities that he wants to participate in and will say if he does not want to engage in things.
- (DR) has formed a friendship with another female service user in neighbouring bungalow. He visits this neighbour three days a week for a drink and a chat. He will go independently as before he would never have done this.
- (DR) is now able to make choices and decisions more easily about his life more easily with less anxiety.
- (DR) now has a more settled sleep pattern than he used to and it has been expressed that this is due to him being more actively engaged and happier within himself.
- (DR) is appearing to be more happy and confident in all areas of his life.
All of these improvements have been evident since staff introduced active engagement. Staff introduced things slowly to (DR) and built up in slow stages. He has come on in leaps and bounds from where he started initially. He was shy and introvert and now he is outgoing and friendly. The impact has been amazing and the manager has reported that it is like having a new service user in the home.
Julie Quigley
Service Improvement Manager