Beryl’s journey from aggression to least restrictive care in the community
Beryl is diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and also has a mild learning disability amongst some physical health concerns such as asthma, glaucoma and diabetes.
Beryl came to us when she was asked to vacate her property within 48 hours. When she first arrived, Beryl could be quite violent both physically and verbally, and this was directed at both staff and residents. She would often throw or smash objects and would damage other people’s property.
She initially needed most support with her medication and mental health, as she would often refuse her medication. She required 24 hour, one-on-one support and staff quickly identified that she could become very anxious when her mood disorder wasn’t managed properly.
A positive behaviour support plan and traffic light plan was immediately put in place, with the support of a learning disability mental health liaison officer, Beryl’s advocate and her psychiatrist. With consistent and calming support, Beryl’s independence has improved greatly, and with medication adjustments, and regular medication reviews, her mental health is much easier to control.
The importance of bespoke plans
She is now on 12 hour support and has not been sectioned since 2020. Beryl has been able to access the community with the least restrictive measures in place, including going on two holidays, and she likes shopping and going out for lunch, spending time with other residents and often invites them round to her new supported flat for a cup of tea. Beryl also enjoys baking with her support staff, and attends church every month on a Saturday, and every Sunday will attend the church service in Ipswich.
Beryl is a totally different person now – she interacts really well with other residents, she is much happier in herself and when out in the community, she interacts well with the general public and has a better understanding of what is socially acceptable. Beryl enjoys a laugh and a joke and is much more accepting of different staff members supporting her.
Her main support staff feel that Beryl has come a long way emotionally, and she has learned new skills such as doing her own laundry and assisting with the weekly shopping. Beryl also now prepares her own breakfast in the morning before the staff team arrive.
We now have new plans in place to reduce her anxiety and low mood around triggering times of the year. She now has things she looks forward to and is now working on improving her reading and writing skills.
*Images changed to protect identity