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Richardson Partnership for care - Residential care for people with brain injuries and learning disabilities in the midlands
Case Study
A typical day
Woke up this morning at 07.00h, feeling positive about my new activity schedule. Its pinned up on my notice board, because I forget. Dave's just knocked on the door to tell me the time and ask me what I want for breakfast. He gave me my medication and a cup of tea. I like Dave, he gives me time to get my morning routine sorted before going out. I'd best get up and in the shower.
Right time to go downstairs for breakfast, must check my orientation sheet so that I don't forget anything. Yes I knew I'd forget something; my watch and my gym membership card. Morning Frank, he's a quiet sort of chap, always up early and ok to talk to. He needed to check my blood sugar first, it was ok, just a hassle.
Cereal and toast today Dave said that he'd update my orientation sheet at 09.00h for the day's activities. I fancy swimming today and going to a day placement later to meet some friends. Dave wants to talk about my anger control as well, I don't remember what happened but Dave said it scared some people, I don't want folk being frightened of me. There's an art session on this morning, but I don't feel like it.
A new girl came to talk to me about the food I wanted to eat today. Anne I think she said her name was. We only spoke for a little bit but I already know what I wanted. Jacket potato with tuna and salad for lunch, and then eat out tonight. Anne said we could go to a restaurant for dinner, which will be nice.
Just back from the supermarket with Janie, she's really nice, she helps me with my money and tries to get me to eat good things. I prefer biscuits and crisps, but that sends my blood sugar levels through the roof. I can't help myself; I bought a Mars bar, she told me that it could make me ill and that she has eyes in the back of her head! I compromised and ate half and threw away the rest, she seemed happy.
Swimming was great, but I hate queuing for anything. The pool was quiet, gave me the chance to swim in peace. My trainer Mark was watching but this was for safety reasons. I had a Jacuzzi as well.
Lunch was ok, not enough salad cream but I suppose that's to do with my Diabetes, blood sugar good again, due to the exercise Dave said. He bought me a book on it the other day, it explains things, but I can't remember where I've put it. Dave wrote that on my orientation sheet. I use it all the time, it's great.
I asked if i could help clear up after lunch. It looked like the cook had used every pan in the kitchen, to make jacket potatoes! I like to help where I can.
I was supposed to go to the day placement today to see my friends, but its shut for school holidays. How that relates to me I don't know. I'm not at school. The late shift have done me proud though, they've arranged for me to see my friends at the local café this afternoon instead. I'm really pleased. I normally only chat over the noise of the woodwork room, its noisy and dusty but I've made some great stuff. I have photos of what I've made in my room so I don't forget. A table, a chair, a lamp and a bookcase. I gave that to my Mum, looks ok in the lounge. I've almost finished a CD rack for my room.
Just in from the café, had a good chat with my mates, Dave suggested a trip to the library on the way back, to sort out my over due book. I completely forgot about it, Dave's got it in his bag. A fine of 50p isn't too bad. Last year I was two weeks late with a film, cost me almost a tenner. Dave goes home at 17.00h, so Tina's coming in to take me out for a meal. Better get myself smartened up and change my shirt; I spilt coffee down this one in the café!
Medication, blood sugar down, shirt changed. I think I'm ready, Tina suggested a couple of places but I didn't fancy them, so were off to the curry house on the high street. I wonder if they'll remember me. Apparently I started singing happy birthday to a total stranger the last time I was in there.
That meal was great, they did remember me, they started singing happy birthday to me, Tina had to ask them to go away as I was feeling claustrophobic. The food was good; I like rice, very filling and good for my diabetes. On the way back a couple of the others from the home wanted to play pool so we had a few games. I didn't win. I never do. I can't concentrate on the ball for that long. Much better at darts.
Got back to my room at 21.30h, just in time to watch a bit of telly. Tina said she would bring up my medication at 22.00h with a cup of coffee. I think I'll get ready for bed.
Tina gave me my meds and said good night, she's in tomorrow at 8.00h so she will probably go to the dentist with me tomorrow. Some things stick in my head when I wish I could forget.