Our meeting in August focused heavily on when we were going to tell the people we support that their home would be closing and that they would need to move. An independent advocacy group has been supporting this activity and have produced accessible documents to support the discussions. We discussed our concerns regarding the level of anxiety that this news may cause and how best we could support people.
At our meeting this week the Social Worker and the Front Line Manager were describing how the meetings with the people we support had gone and people’s response to the news that they would have to move.
While relaying people’s responses to the information the Social Worker and the Front Line Manager described how one lady had thrown the accessible information sheet across the kitchen and that since the meeting she had been observed to be anxious. On my drive home I realised that we had discussed her response to the news in terms of activity rather than feelings.
During our discussion we did not describe her response to being told by considering her feelings and it was not difficult to understand that she was going to be upset, anxious, scared and feeling a sense of loss!
Our efforts to create the accessible document have been a success as the lady understood the information that we wanted to relay. The challenge now is to support her to express and accept the way she is feeling and to understand that this is exactly how anyone would respond to having to move.
SO WHAT!
So what if the laundry is stacked in a pile
So what if the papers are not in a pile
So what if a person is coming to see
So what if the talk will focus on my fee
So what if the shopping is gone in a day
So what if the baths are not cleaned the right way
So what if your day is filled with the tasks
My house would be clean, tidy and wearing a mask
I am telling you this as you sometimes forget
All that is compliance is important but yet
It’s me that these checks ensure I stay well
Would you know when I am happy as it can be difficult to tell?
So what if temperatures are measured at night
….you can spend time with me as we walk in daylight!
So what if the shopping is gone in a day
….I will come to the shops and support you to pay!
So what if the late staff are all running late
….we can listen to music, so don’t get irate!
So what if the sandwich you gave me was jam
….it doesn’t really matter that I fancied ham!
So what if you didn’t notice my look
….please turn off the TV and read me a book!
So what if Lilac is my favourite shade
….this green top is nice and it is handmade!
So what if my hair has been washed and towel dried
….when I said I like it straightened, I must have lied!
In my home I am important to all that you do
You won’t get to know me, if I don’t spend time with you
Kirsty Peachey
Head of Operations
Adult Services, South