Care Homes Shaun’s seaside stopover!
Since moving to residential care home, Westwood, in 2009, Shaun has been on quite the journey: from home bird to holiday lover!
When he first moved in, Shaun was reluctant to go out. Staff struggled to encourage him to take part in activities and he regularly became distressed and anxious.
The experienced team at Westwood were patient and understanding of Shaun and supported him to feel comfortable in the home. Soon, he became less worried about going out into the local area. Now, with the support of a consistent staff team, Shaun is often out exploring and has been on his first holiday!
“He’s often ready with his shoes and coat on, straight to the car to go out for the day: he knows now that he’s safe with the staff he is with.”
Azra Bibi, Home Manager at Westwood
The planning
Pleased with the progress Shaun was making with his anxiety, staff decided to start planning his first holiday.
At Westwood, each holiday is tailored to the individual. From the location to the activities they want to do, residents are involved with the planning from the very beginning.
Some are good friends and often choose to go away together, others want to go somewhere quiet.
Staff use pictures and objects to help residents choose where they want to go and what they want to do when they are there. Some often use memories of childhood holidays to help them choose the location.
As there was no holiday to compare this one to, staff spoke to Shaun, his mum and his social workers to make sure they planned the right holiday.
It was time to head off to Dorset, four nights away in a bungalow at the beach!
Holiday fun
Shaun was supported by two members of staff he built a great relationship with. They explored the beach, visited local parks and he took his first ever trip on a ferry!
He absolutely loved it! The team also made sure to take lots of pictures so Shaun could put these up in his room to remind him of the fun time he had.
Since returning from Dorset, Shaun has grown even more in confidence and now looks forward to a holiday every year.
Would you like to live at Westwood?
Westwood are looking for a new resident to join their household in Coventry. This residential home has been accredited by the National Autistic Society (NAS), which means that you can trust that the process of autism support and development is of the highest standard. They currently have one vacancy, which is a fully furnished room on the first floor with an en-suite. If you’d like to learn more, then please speak to our friendly enquiry line team by calling them on 0800 0353 776 or emailing referrals@voyagecare.com.
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