From feeling stuck at home to living life again

Daniel has a severe learning disability and a complex form of epilepsy. After living in the same supported living placement for 16 years, his seizures and distress had increased, his placement had broken down and he had stopped going out altogether.

He was frequently receiving medication when distressed, sometimes up to three times a day. But Daniel was not simply a list of risks or behaviours. He was someone who loved Marvel, Disney, singing, dancing and being out in his community.

Finding the reasons behind Daniel’s distress

Daniel moved into a purpose-built specialist supported living service with a private tenancy and support from a team recruited around his needs and interests. He was involved in choosing the people who would support him.

Rather than seeing Daniel as challenging, the team looked at what his behaviour was communicating. Careful observation showed that much of his distress came from boredom, frustration and being unable to take part in activities he enjoyed.

Working with Daniel and the professionals around him, the team developed a personalised Positive Behaviour Support plan. Staff received specialist epilepsy, trauma-informed and behavioural support training, while Daniel’s communication needs and health risks were built into clear, practical support plans.

Building on Daniel’s strengths

Daniel loves writing lists. His team used this strength to help him plan shopping, prepare meals and take more responsibility for his home.

Support focused on giving Daniel meaningful things to look forward to and helping him return safely to his community. His Motability vehicle was brought back into use, practical issues with his finances were resolved and he received support following several bereavements.

Five months of meaningful change

• Daniel maintained his tenancy and established a stable home.
• His use of as-required diazepam reduced by 80% and then stopped.
• Behaviour-related incidents fell from 64 to eight over the same period.
• He progressed from not leaving home to going out every day.
• He began enjoying shops, drives, the pub and social activities again.
• His diabetes management improved from two medications to one.
• He became more involved in shopping, preparing meals and managing his home.

Professionals who had known Daniel for many years recognised a new level of stability and an improved quality of life.

For Daniel, the biggest outcome is simple: his world has opened up again.

Daniel’s name and some identifying details have been changed to protect his privacy.

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