Meet Ritchie. He leads a happier and healthier lifestyle since moving into one of our Merry Den supported living services.
He has Type 2 diabetes, which was managed with a high level of medication. With support from colleagues, his diabetes is now completely diet controlled.
Due to a memory loss condition, Ritchie developed Type 2 diabetes from excessive eating habits.
He lived in a residential care home before moving into Merry Den supported living. His ultimate aim was to improve his health and fitness.
At National Care Group, we empower people to exceed their potential. Colleagues at Merry Den supported Ritchie to achieve his goal.
When Ritchie first moved into Merry Den, he had regular health checks from a visiting doctor due to the severity of his diabetes, which was controlled by a high level of metformin throughout the day. The doctors advised that he should improve his fitness.
The team at Merry Den devised a personalised care plan with Ritchie to help improve his health and develop more independence. Due to his memory loss condition, changes to his lifestyle needed to be done gradually.
Over time, and with encouraged newfound determination, Ritchie improved his eating habits, physical health, and wellness.
As a result, the doctors gradually reduced his metformin. Ritchie is now no longer on any form of medication and his diabetes is completely diet controlled by healthy eating and frequent exercise.
What’s more, Ritchie has so far lost over three stone in weight!
Ritchie has developed independence and goes shopping daily with support from colleagues, where he enjoys buying a variety of healthier meals.
The team continues to support Ritchie with meal planning, which includes homegrown vegetables from the Merry Den garden.
With the dedication and support of our Merry Den colleagues, Ritchie has adapted to his healthier lifestyle. He feels fitter and is more motivated to contribute to his weekly activity planner.
Ritchie goes swimming at the local community centre twice a week and enjoys his daily walk, which he can now do without needing to stop for a rest. He is always looking for new things to do.
Improved fitness has led to Ritchie feeling more confident about doing hobbies that he loves. He tends to the garden at Merry Den, where he plants seeds and cares for the plants.
He is an excellent artist and attends a weekly arts space in the community.
He is also a talented musician and enjoys playing his guitar. Colleagues say he is a natural and they love listening to him play.
“We’re all so proud of how much Ritchie has progressed since he joined the Merry Den family; it’s life-changing! As he continues to feel motivated to achieve his goals, next on his list is to ride a three wheeler bike, which the team is supporting him to do.”
National Care Group is one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers. We support adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people, with services across England and Wales.
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Registered office: Suite 22, The Globe Centre, St James Square, Accrington, BB5 0RE
