Learning disabilities Revisiting David’s wellbeing and mental health journey
Looking back
Nearly a year ago, we spoke to David, a 56-year-old friendly individual with a learning disability, diabetes and leg wounds. He joined Voyage Care after spending a difficult 12 years in a Swindon care home. He had stopped interacting with staff and residents and he was struggling with his mental health.
After just six weeks at Cote House, our residential nursing care home, he had made significant progress. Each morning, he now opens his bedroom curtains and looks forward to the day! You can read his original story on our stories page.
Below, we’ve revisited David to find out about his next steps with wellbeing and mental health.
Making progress with his mental health
Fast forward to current day, David has continued to make significant progress with both his physical and mental health.
David has blossomed into a healthier and happier individual and has found a routine perfect for him and his needs. The team supported David to set five goals that he could achieve every day:
- Open the curtains each day when he wakes up
- Keep the door open to his room so he feels part of his home
- Go for a walk twice a day to support his physical and mental health
- Be more social with his support team and other residents at Cote House
- Talk about his feelings – whether those are positive or negative
These simple, yet effective steps have helped David improve his mental and physical wellbeing.
Improving his physical health
Since he started walking, David has seen an improvement in his weight, mood and has become more independent as he chooses his own route and goes at his own pace. He has also lost approximately five stone! He continually pushes himself and makes decisions that will challenge him but are not over ambitious. Previously, David wasn’t very active, so he is enjoying the outdoors and is gradually increase his distance with his goal being to complete a long-distance walk.
Losing weight has given David pride and boosted his confidence, plus has had a positive effect on his health. Previously he struggled to breathe, was anaemic and diabetic. Recently, the doctor has told David his blood pressure has gone down, plus he can stop taking his diabetic medication. This is because, with the support of the Cote House team, he can now control his diabetes through diet and exercise.
“All my clothes are a bit loose on me now and it makes me feel good. I’ve got an old 7XL shirt and it looks like I’m wearing four or five shirts. I’m not throwing it out because I want to show people this is what I used to look like,”
David
As well as improving his overall fitness, walking has had a huge impact on David’s physical health.
Opening up
David has worked incredibly hard to get to where he is today, but he is not done yet. Ticking off his daily goals has kept him motivated. David has become more open about his feelings and will happily speak to a member of the team when he’s having a bad day and there are still days where he gets a bit anxious or feels lonely. This is a huge step for David as he used to shut himself in his room, but he now recognises when he needs support and will seek help from a member of the team when he’s ready.
David can be seen smiling outside Cote House Residential Nursing Care home after a successful long-distance walk.
Learn more about Cote House
Based in Wiltshire, Cote House provides nursing care and support to adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues and complex care needs. To find out more visit our Cote House service page.
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