Kelsey’s journey from crisis to enjoying life at Priory Mar Lodge
Kelsey* came to Priory Mar Lodge after her previous learning disability placement could no longer meet her needs. Her supported accommodation was poorly managed and she became involved with the police, wasn’t eating well and wasn’t attending appointments.
Due to her other diagnoses of schizophrenia and depression, it was imperative that Kelsey was safeguarded; she was in crisis but thankfully an emergency placement was found by her niece and social worker.
Despite ensuring the transition wasn’t rushed, and support was in place for Kelsey, she was understandably initially unsettled and agitated when she first came to Mar Lodge. She would be inappropriate to visitors and set fire alarms off, particularly during periods of psychosis.
Kelsey needed a full support review in every aspect of daily life. We got a DOLS in place to safeguard her as a priority and she needed one-to-one support with personal care, meals, medication, community access, and appointments. We implemented support plans, including a behavioural support plan, with the help of her niece and social worker.
As time went on, this dedicated support meant she could access things she enjoyed, and begin to rebuild her life skills. Her mental health began to improve significantly and with this improved lifestyle, we were able to get Kelsey back into our local Mencap group, which she had been previously asked to leave due to inappropriate behaviour.
Benefits of the right support
Now Kelsey enjoys to listen to music, especially Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses, and she will often want to buy CDS or records to use on her record player. She also likes to sit in the lounge with her photos and writing books near her, and she will often be found writing her stories and drinking her cups of tea.
At Mar lodge we like to do activity afternoons, whether that be crafts for our creative window, or playing bingo, and Kelsey will join in with these now, along with her friends at Mar lodge.
We are currently working on Kelsey’s confidence during shopping trips, as she can still be unsettled with unfamiliar places, or being away from her belonging. Her keyworkers helps to research and plan these trips so she doesn’t feels as overwhelmed or anxious.
“The improvements we have seen are amazing. Compared to what she was like, her behaviour has improved and she is the happiest she has been in years. She has a good routine and support - she would never sleep before and stayed up for days at a time.
Kelsey has grown as a person and staff have taken away the worry I had about her. She is now settled, content and enjoys life again. Staff have been an amazing support to both myself and Kelsey. I cannot fault the service/staff at all”
Niece
*Name and images changed to protect identity