Dani began by explaining to Hannah that it was time to brush her teeth. She explained that we need to brush our teeth regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Hannah was sitting on her bed; Dani sat down next to Hannah and calmly explained that Hannah needed to first of all get her toothbrush and toothpaste. Hannah was also shown her picture sequence to follow. Hannah was initially reluctant get her toothbrush and toothpaste but Dani continued with a calm voice and gentle prompting. Eventually Hannah responded well to this and went to her bathroom to retrieve her toothbrush and toothpaste. Dani verbally praised Hannah, something which Hannah responds very well to.
Hannah left the bathroom and sat back on her bed, leaving the toothbrush in the bathroom. Dani, knowing Hannah very well, decided it was time to step back and let Hannah have some time. Hannah can sometimes become annoyed if a person is talking too much or repeating themselves. After a few minutes or so Dani stepped back in to the bedroom and sat back down next to Hannah. She gently explained that Hannah needed to go back into the bathroom and brush her teeth; Dani used a light touch to Hannah’s shoulder to show warmth. Hannah remained seated on her bed. Dani every so often continued to encourage Hannah to go back into the bathroom, Dani tried funny ways – so talking about funny words and making it a game. This took some time, but Dani remained confident and calm, getting down to Hannah’s level. Dani engaged Hannah by talking about the funny things on the picture sequence and laughing. Dani used lots of different ways to communicate with Hannah over about a 30 minute period.
After lots of encouragement, making it fun and engaging, allowing Hannah space and time, Hannah eventually went into her bathroom and began to brush her teeth.
Dani had to keep using positive encouragement telling Hannah how well she was doing, continuing to talk to Hannah about funny words and funny fighting (tickling).
Dani used physical gestures to ensure that Hannah was properly brushing ensuring she was brushing both top and bottom teeth.
Hannah then spat out the toothpaste into the sink. Dani, again, verbally praised Hannah for this. She then explained that the last thing she needed to do was to rinse her mouth. Dani demonstrated rinsing the toothbrush. She then gave it back to Hannah for her to do the same. Hannah successfully copied and rinsed her mouth out too.
Hannah had successfully, independently brushed her teeth herself. Dani was extremely pleased with this significant progress and gave Hannah plenty of praise. She shared what they had achieved with the rest of the team on shift who all continued to praise Hannah.
Dani facilitated the situation by using a range of skills – patience, encouragement, great positioning, warmth and using her knowledge of Hannah. By doing this she enabled Hannah to achieve another level of independence.
Jennifer Marshall
Head of Service
Hillside