Sally* is a happy and thriving adult, whose independence and sociability is at a great level. But rewind to 2011, when Sarah first moved to one of our care homes in Southampton, it was a completely different story.

Sally*, who has learning disabilities and Down’s syndrome, really struggled during her time in the main house with the people we support. She had a lot of difficulties living with others which would not only cause Sally* distress and anxiety, but it also had an impact on the other residents at the home.

She would express her anxiety by sitting in the middle of the hallway and refuse to move. She spent most of her time doing this, as well as occasionally lashing out at others. It was clear she was not using her skills or leading a fulfilling life.

Most people assumed this behaviour was just how Sally* was and always had been – but staff began to realise that a few changes could turn her life around. Emma, the home manager, decided to undertake a support review with the aim of creating an action plan. This process involved a mental capacity assessment as well as a best interest meeting.

All of the relevant people were involved and kept updated throughout the journey – including Sally’s* social worker, advocate, behavioural therapist, keyworker as well as her dad and brother. It was decided that the best thing for Sally* would be for her to transition into the annexe of the home. This would allow her to have her own space, which is exactly what she wanted and required, but would still give her the level and amount of care and support she needed.

It took months of careful planning and active support for Sally* to successfully transition into the annexe. She’s been very settled in her home for a while now and her staff team have seen incredible developments in Sally*.

Sally*now has an amazing quality of life. She’s developed a range of new skills and is now also using a variety of skills that she had not used for a few years due to not being in the right environment. Sally* enjoys cooking, maintaining her home, participating in arts and crafts, listening to music, swimming, going into the sensory room, doing puzzles and so much more. When asked, Sally* says her favourite thing to do is going for a drive.

Sally* is now able to socialise and enjoy the company of others. She always makes sure to give everyone who visits her annexe a warm welcome and offers them a drink. Sally* has visits from some of the other people supported at our services to her annexe, who stay for a cup of tea, cake and a chat. Her Dad and brother also visit and are always made a cup of tea by Sally* which they are amazed about.

She has gone from strength to strength. Her behaviours have lessened, her anxiety has reduced and she is achieving so much more. It’s been an incredible transition for Sally*. Her support team and her loved ones are over the moon with the goals she has been able to achieve, many goals that were not even considered possible when she first moved to the home.

*Some details have been changed for confidentiality reasons.