Ronan’s story – Supporting a young adult to build independence, confidence and hobbies through person-centred care
Overview
Prior to receiving support from Thornbury Community Services (TCS), Ronan resided with his parents, siblings and several cats in Teesside. The family home, while caring, presented a complex environment due to the additional needs of Ronan’s siblings.
Ronan has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a severe learning disability. Without specialist intervention, he experienced significant challenges in communication and emotional regulation. He presented prolonged periods of social withdrawal and episodes of physical aggression and agitation. These behaviours posed considerable risks and demonstrated the need for a tailored person-centred care at home approach.
Recognising the need for a bespoke care at home package, NHS North of England Commissioning Support (NECS) Unit approached Thornbury Community Services (TCS) to deliver specialist support for Ronan through our Learning Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health service.
Since the commencement of his care package in February 2020, Ronan has demonstrated significant improvements. His communication has become more purposeful, his social interactions more frequent and positive, and his overall wellbeing has significantly regulated.
Snapshot
Our approach to Ronan’s care
1. Structured and consistent routines and activities
By implementing structured routines and activities into Ronan’s care, he remains engaged throughout the day, spending time doing what he enjoys with the support of his dedicated support worker team who ensure he also has the opportunity to spend time on his own when he chooses.
2. Building independence and developing communication
A key part of Ronan’s development is to enable him to become more independent and communicate often with his team. By creating a supportive and structured environment in his own home, Ronan continues to confidently communicate his needs and make informed decisions about his care.
3. Skilled and passionate core care team and clinical lead
With a highly skilled support worker team providing care to Ronan 24/7 waking nights, his Clinical Lead, Steve and Support Worker Team Leader, Amy oversee Ronan’s care, ensuring he continues to develop his social skills and independence and achieve his personal goals and aspirations.
4. Enhanced quality of life through person-centred care
Ronan’s clinical lead and team leader support worker visit him regularly at home. They spend time with Ronan to talk about how he’s doing, celebrate his progress, and check in with his wider care team. Together, they make sure Ronan continues working towards his personal goals and build his independence and communication skills.
Our impact
Improved relationships with care team and family
The care team have supported Ronan to spend dedicated time with his family whilst maintaining his routines and structured days. This has helped Ronan to build his relationships with his family and care team whilst giving him personal space.
Reduction in physical interventions and behaviours of concern
Since receiving care from TCS, our team has focused on reducing physical interventions by creating a supportive and engaging home environment for Ronan. The team helped Ronan to build a home that supports independence and encourages him to have hobbies and interests.
Development of routines, hobbies and activities
Ronan thoroughly enjoys a range of activities and has developed his own hobbies such as swimming, going to the gym and attending to his garden. His team regularly supports him on outings and activities in his local community.
Regular trips into the community and his local town
Ronan spends lots of time visiting the community Monday through to Saturday. He enjoys using the local bus with the support of his care team where he will go shopping and browse handbags and purses to add to his growing collection.
Testimonials from our healthcare professionals
From the beginning, Ronan just used to sleep all night and all day. He wasn’t speaking, maybe just 1 or 2 words that’s it. But now, as soon as he wakes up, he can talk until he goes to bed.
As Ronan’s clinical lead I have seen some great progression. What makes me most proud is his developing resilience. At one point, he struggled with knowing if a member of his family was unwell, he would ruminate, stress and escalate in his behaviour. Now, he is able to process and understand these things and rationalise his response. He is growing everyday as a person and you’re always welcome at his house and if you’re lucky, he will make you a cuppa!
Ronan is able to live independently with his own team who do brilliant work with him. He adapts to us and copes so well, and he’s always willing to take on a challenge and you can see how proud he is.
Arrange care at home with Thornbury Community Services
To discuss our care at home services and how we can specifically support you, click the button below to start your enquiry.
