The Priory Grange Ticehurst House Case study
Simon (58) was admitted to Priory Grange Ticehurst House in October 2006, with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This affected almost every aspect of his daily life causing him perpetual torment. He has endured severe mental illness all his adult life and had been a victim of the revolving door syndrome; and spent much of his life in and out of different psychiatric settings, and when not in hospital he would reside in group homes.
These homes could not cater for his needs nor cope with his challenging behaviours; many times fellow residents would physically attack him because of his fiery presentation not realising that despite being verbally aggressive, Simon was not a physically violent man.
He had no place to call home, no friends or positive social network, and his only relative, a brother, rarely saw him.
When Simon was admitted to Ticehurst he presented with:
- Non-compliance to medication
- Risk of absconsion
- Neglect through poor personal hygiene and diet
- Verbal aggression
- Violence from others
- Social withdrawal
Ticehurst's multidisciplinary team and Simon worked closely together to address his issues. This is not easy because of his fixed routines (OCD) and false beliefs he has as part of his psychotic disorder. We had to look at his past presentation to provide an environment that was not punitive, but one of acceptance and understanding.
Simon's complex needs are continually reviewed by the team who have an innovative and forward-thinking approach to his rehabilitation. Recently we were rewarded for our work by Simon's compliment to another patient of "I quite like it here".
His progress is remarkable, he seems happy and settled and no longer isolates himself and has not tried to abscond, despite the fact he has unescorted leave for several hours at a time. He has become well known and accepted by the local villagers and other patients with whom he now socialises, something he has craved for so long. His hygiene has improved and his takes pride in his appearance.
There has been a dramatic drop in verbal aggression, with the occasional 'flashpoint'. We cultivate the relationship between Simon and other patients so they know and understand that he is not a threat and he has not been attacked. His brother visits regularly and we hope to arrange visits to his brother's home soon.
The team understand they still have a long way to go to increase his independence and work with Simon at a pace that is comfortable and appropriate to his needs.