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Unlocking Potential | Robert’s Remarkable Progression

An update on Robert’s new sporting achievement!


It's Learning Disability Week (19-25 June 2023) and the focus of this year's theme is busting the myths about people living lives with learning disabilities. Registered Manager Stephanie, has given us an update on Robert to let us know how well he's progressing.


Stephanie told us:


"Robert is thriving at Merry Den and with the support of the team there he continues to do incredible things, especially with his personal care and mobility.


He recently achieved a significant milestone in his progression by taking the plunge at his local swimming pool.


Robert had been attending the local outdoor lido but only as a spectator to watch his housemate Alex swim. Our Merry Den colleagues had been observing Robert during the visits and so set about making plans for Robert to dip his toe in the water and join his friend.


As Robert is non-verbal it was difficult for the team to get an understanding of his feelings about being in the water, he had lived with his parents until he was 50 and there was no record of him having swam before.


Robert’s support workers took him along to the next session and with caution encouraged him to enter the pool. Robert not only got into the pool without hesitation, he showed such great enthusiasm and went on to have the best time."


Robert enjoying his swim time with his support worker.


Robert’s swim was a huge success, and he now has a new activity to enjoy on a regular basis. His newfound sporting pastime will also help the cellulitis he suffers with in his legs.


Robert is living life to the fullest. He is a shining example of someone smashing misconceptions of what people with learning disabilities can achieve. We couldn't be more prouder!


Robert, who is diagnosed with a learning disability, down syndrome and is non-verbal, moved into one of our Merry Den services in April 2020. It was his first social care setting, previously living at home with his mother. Robert’s Mum was elderly and finding it increasingly difficult to maintain his care. Especially as cellulitis legs was now causing mobility issues for Robert.


Robert moved in during the first lockdown of the pandemic, meaning his Mum couldn’t view his new bedroom and the service in person. She was sent videos and photos so she could see the home and its environment. The restrictions also meant no transition days for Robert; the day he moved in was the first time he had seen the service too.


When Robert arrived, he was unsettled and incontinent at night, he would attempt to run away and was uncompliant with all areas of his personal care - not tolerating a wash. His Mum had explained that these were behaviours Robert had presented at home too.


The team worked with their registered manager to devise a robust and clear care plan which provided a structured routine for Robert to become familiar with. The plan was broken down into small steps. Every detail was thought about, including helping him to prepare coffee, going into specific steps required to make it.


Gradually over time Robert’s sleeping pattern improved. The team followed the same approach each night to achieve this - helping calm and settle Robert before bed with low lighting and relaxed music in his room.


After 9 months of following the same morning routine, including a process of attending to his personal care, Robert began to agree to a shower. This happened over time, using the small steps approach, starting with getting Robert to hold the shower head and to touch the water. The team would start by running the shower over his hands for him to touch as he enjoyed water play, gradually accepting the shower running over more parts of his body, until he stood under the shower.


Robert is now enjoying a consistent and full morning routine. When the team ask Robert to come to the bathroom, he walks in and turns the shower on himself.


Robert has a great relationship with the whole team and even enjoyed a holiday to Butlins with them this year. Robert’s Mum is amazed by how far he has progressed and has said on numerous occasions how delighted she is to see him settled, and content knowing her son is safe and looked after.


Robert’s achievements are down to the detailed care planning, structured process, and collaborative support the team have implemented. Robert has been encouraged and empowered to become familiar with routine and is now taking more positive actions which have improved his quality of life.


The team are passionate about achieving even more progress for Robert. Supported, he is even now helping the team prepare his meals which he really enjoys.


Who said life doesn’t start at 55? Not the Merry Den team!


Thank you to Stephanie White, Merry Den Registered Manager, for sharing Robert’s story.


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