Back in the summer of 2017, MacIntyre was asked to assess a young man for a vacancy at one of our Registered Care services in Milton Keynes. We had very little information other than he was in a secure hospital and had been for some time.
When we went along to complete the assessment the man was lying on a bed with no covers or sheets, just a blue plastic mattress, and with the curtains drawn. He barely said more than three words; but then why would he? We were complete strangers!
We left after around 20 minutes, both of us not really sure about what we had seen, but both knowing that we had to go back! And this we did, and after a transition period Nigel moved into the service in Milton Keynes.
This proved really successful initially, with the staff team learning about who Nigel was. However after a period of time it became obvious that this just wasn’t the right environment for him. He had had a lifetime of hospitals and various homes, not ever being in one place for any length of time, and he wasn’t used to sharing a house.
In May this year Nigel moved into his own (albeit temporary at present) home. This happened very quickly, as we were all desperately trying to avoid him being readmitted to hospital.
The transformation has been remarkable. Nigel has been able to come off very nasty medication that he had been on forever. He is master of his own home and his staff team have seen him transform into the person that he is. Nigel is enjoying life in his home: shopping, baking, cleaning, going out and about in the community and especially visits from his lovely sister. He is able to tell us what he would like to do and when he would like to do it, The smile on his face when he has done something that he enjoys is worth its weight in gold.
We are still learning about Nigel. At times we have had to use all the resources we have to continue to support him; but when we get it right the outcomes for him speak for themselves. I am extremely proud of all the staff who have supported him with the start of his new journey as this really has transformed his life for the better!
It would have been easier at times to have thrown the towel in, but with resilience, patience, care, facilitative support and understanding he really has the life he so deserves.
We are all really excited for his future and cannot wait to see what lies ahead. For me, this is what sets MacIntyre apart, as we really do see the person and their potential.
Sadie Scott
Area Manager, Milton Keynes
