“It’s been a real challenge for us as a staff team too. A time of transition is difficult for everyone, but for someone with a learning disability and autism, it can be a very scary time. It was so vital that we quickly got to know Alice and support her to communicate her needs and wishes – so she can tell us what she wants and anything that is upsetting her. Alice can communicate verbally a little, but we’ve put in place other methods, using technology for example, so this year has been learning about Alice and what she wants and needs and how best to support her to express that. It’s a continual journey of learning with all our residents, not just Alice.”
“Chris from our practice development team came here to observe us supporting Alice, and to give us feedback and suggestions, and that was really useful. It’s about us understanding what she’s trying to tell us with her behaviour, so that’s what we need to understand better going forward. We want to help her grow into her new world with all the choices and experiences she can embrace.
Now Alice has settled in, she is attending On Track, our local day service, and just like any young woman, she enjoys socialising, but sometimes she just wants to sit in her pyjamas and watch TV on a Saturday morning. It is our job to support her to make those choices and live the life she chooses, but where she can embrace opportunity.
If working with people like Alice would inspire you then you can join the team at Donec Mews.
Karen said: “We are looking for more caring and creative people to join my team. It doesn’t matter if you have worked in care or not – if you are determined to make a difference, we want to hear from you.”