At the beginning my life at Sistine, I was a very stressful person with obsessive behaviour and territorial routines. I was very vulnerable to many things, which made me agitated due to my routines being broken which in turn would cause me to have outbursts, self-injuring behaviour, screaming and shouting. I did not accept any change around me, as I was very sensitive to this.
3 years ago staff at Sistine Manor used teaching cards to encourage me to do some activities and tasks around the house. After this they used the teaching cards associated with actions using verbal prompts. At the beginning I needed 2 members of staff to support me. Now I only need one to one support only when I access the community.
Now staff are using only verbal prompts to encourage me to do familiar tasks (set tables, dress myself for going out, put my plate in the sink after my meal, following simple instructions as I can understand verbal prompts and I think I respond very well.
My attitude towards going out has changed; I am ready to go out at any time and happy to do this. I will even ask the staff to take me out and I will put my jacket on and stand by the door. Staff say I am now much calmer when out in the community I am more patient and I stop myself from shouting or grabbing things.
I regularly go on trips to Slough, Windsor, local parks, evening clubs, shopping, gym, bowling club and eating out. Every month I have a day trip to London and visit different places such as the British Museum, London Eye, Museum of Madame Tussauds, and London Aquarium etc. Every year I go on holiday to the destination of my choice. Last year I went to explore France and this year I am flying to Spain.
I have started to visit the cinema, at the beginning I went there for only a short time, then stayed longer and now I am happy to stay for the whole movie. Each week I visit the local working farm and recently started to go horse riding. I have grown in confidence and like this very much.
Previously staff used counting to teach to help me eat slower. This has worked and now staff only need to use verbal prompts. I also take part in some chores in the house such as clearing up after mealtimes and taking the bin out from the kitchen.
My routine at bath time is now much shorter as my behaviour has changed so much. Now I bring in my toiletries from my room and with only verbal prompt from staff can wash my own hair. I don’t display as much obsessive behaviour as before.
My routine around the house is not so strict as before. Staff are encouraging me regularly to minimise my rituals by redirecting me by use of distraction techniques.
There are still areas to work on and maintain, my favourite location is inside the house in the reception area, where I still like to lie on the floor!! Staff are working with me to encourage me to stand up and take a seat in the lounge instead.
Last year I went to a ‘Involving Everyone’ day at Buckinghamshire Civic Centre and with support from my keyworker told everyone through pictures and signs ‘My Story’ It was a great day and I felt very proud, I stood in the front of the room and showed everyone how far I had come.
Recently I attended the farewell party for the Head of Services of Bucks Social Services and dressed in my suit and tie and felt very smart joining in with the party.
All achievements and independent skills that I have now are due to hard work and continuous positive input. Staff will always have to work with me on behaviour patterns.
REACH’s mechanism of work helps me to maintain and develop independent skills of the individual and to provide the best help and support.
