Jake* is a 35 year old man who had spent 20 years of his life in hospital, much of it sectioned under the Mental Health Act. MacIntyre first met Jake in 2018, when he was transferred to a hospital where, in order to prevent self-injury, they found it necessary to use restraints for 22-23 hours a day. Jake was assessed as not having mental capacity. He is visually impaired following self-injury. The contract to support Jake was awarded in early 2021, and Jake moved to his new home in 2024.
MacIntyre’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Lead met Jake and led the initial assessment. Jake was assessed as needing 4:1 support once he moved, meaning a staff team of 30 to ensure 24/7 support. Jake also has 30 hours a week of support from MacIntyre’s PBS team.
In preparing for Jake’s move, the staff team got to know the new area. Using a process called ‘community mapping’ they checked out all the local shops, parks and other facilities, including details of opening times. Working with the hospital staff, the team developed a daily and weekly plan which replicated Jake’s routine in hospital, including hydro and sensory sessions, and would ‘cushion the landing’ for Jake’s move.
In the two short months since moving to his new home in a small, quiet cul-de-sac Jake has:
- been getting to know his neighbours, including when he went ‘Trick or Treating’ at Halloween
- indulged his passion for model cars, buying some to enjoy at home
- celebrated his birthday in his own home – the first of his adult life
- been supported to establish weekly video calls with his mum
On top of that, Jake has also built a good relationship with his postman, who gave him a Post Office jacket, which Jake loves wearing. Over the Christmas period Jake hand delivered Christmas cards to his neighbours wearing it.
Future Plans
Having lived in a hospital for 20 years, it’s important to maintain a level of routine for Jake and to not change anything too quickly; the local manager and team are working very closely with MacIntyre’s PBS team to ensure continuity and structure for Jake, slowly implementing changes to his routine as Jake feels more comfortable.
*Name Changed
