Identifying Greenside Court as the place to make progress
Adam was a sociable young man, who lived in his own flat with his dog, Storm.
But when his drink was spiked at a house party, he suffered a bleed on the brain and fell into a coma.
When he woke up, he was unable to speak and could only blink.
The team in charge of Adam’s care felt his progress in hospital was very slow.
They thought he’d make greater improvements with the complex care provided by our multi-disciplinary team at Greenside Court. He came to live with us in 2017.
Regaining mobility and speech through in-house therapy
Adam’s therapy care plan focussed on supporting him to regain mobility and rebuild communication.
Through regular sessions with Greenside Court’s in-house therapy team, Adam has built up his strength.
He’s now able to stand and take a few steps, and he has regained full mobility in the right side of his body. This means he can control his electric wheelchair independently.
When Adam arrived at Greenside Court, blinking was the only way he could communicate.
Our Speech and Language Therapist worked closely with him, and he can now say a few words.
Adam also uses an assisted speech programme on a tablet that’s attached to his wheelchair, which he describes as his “lifeline.”
Developing skills as a Service User Ambassador
At first, Adam struggled to accept what had happened to him.
But, with the emotional, social and psychological support of our team, he’s been able to rebuild life skills and take part in meaningful activities.
This includes a role as one of Greenside Court’s Service User Ambassadors, where he takes on a range of responsibilities in the home and acts on behalf of other residents at the Service User Council.
“Being a Service User Ambassador makes me feel important,” says Adam.
“I’ve been involved in lots of things such as choosing décor, writing policies and interviewing new colleagues.
“But it’s not just about what I want, it’s about what other people in the home want too. I can bring things to the Service User Council that can improve people’s lives."
“I love that people speak to me with ideas to take to Service User Council meetings, where we’re making a real difference. I always feel that I’m listened to and offered independence.
“Being involved makes me feel like more than just a resident. I love my role – it’s the best thing I’ve been able to do at Greenside Court.”
Overcoming obstacles to regain quality of life
Adam’s confidence and opportunities continue to grow at Greenside Court.
As well as his Service User Ambassador role, he’s recently attended college and gained a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English.
Adam shares:
“I was overwhelmed about moving into a care home and not being able to do anything. I didn’t think I’d be supported to live the life I had before my brain injury, so I was pleasantly surprised when the Greenside Court team asked me about the things I’d like to do.
“They’ve supported me to go to college, and I’m now in my second year. And I go out to see my friends. That means a lot, as I feel I can live a normal life again.”