Brian is a person we support at Cleadon Court, one of our specialist care homes supporting people with a brain injury and other neurological needs. In 2018 he was diagnosed with Korsakoff’s syndrome, a condition that significantly impacted his cognitions, memory, and ability to live independently.
We previously visited Brian after he first moved to Cleadon Court. We learnt all about Brian’s life leading up to Cleadon Court and how it had started to change. Since the move, he’s re-framed his future and is living an active, independent life. So, we caught up with the team at Cleadon Court to see how he’s getting on.
Building independence
Since we last shared Brian’s story, he’s made incredible progress. When he first moved into Cleadon Court, Brian needed 1:1 support with daily life and in the community. His independence was low, but our team knew increasing it was important to him. So, together they set some goals and introduced Occupational Therapy into his person-centred support plan. Encouraged to re-develop everyday living skills, bespoke therapy sessions helped Brian to grow his confidence and start regaining his independence!
Today, Brian can independently carry out many of the activities that are most meaningful to him. Every morning, he collects his newspapers independently, takes a slow walk around the local area before coming home to read the news with a coffee. This has transformed his routine and happiness. After his morning stroll and coffee, he gets his flat the way he likes it and performs daily living tasks without being prompted. Taking pride in his living environment and enjoying his independence in the community is meaningful to Brian. He sees it as personal time and gains a sense of achievement.
This new routine has also improved Brian’s mood. Because of his Korsakoff’s syndrome, Brian has short-term memory deficits and used to forget what he’d done each day. As well as establishing a routine, our expert team supported him to develop new strategies to prompt his memory. Now, he tracks his daily activities in a diary, so he can reflect on what he’s been up to. By making these small adjustments, our team have supported Brian to make substantial progress. He no longer feels isolated. Instead, he’s empowered to embrace his version of daily life!
A meaningful life
In the past few years, Brian’s happiness has increased and he’s progressed towards greater independence. With the introduction of targeted therapies and informed, functional activities, our team are helping him regain the future he wants – and deserves.
A chirpy chap, Brian’s constantly singing songs and dancing with his support team! Previously a part-time community actor, director, and Opera singer, this is how he expresses his happiness! And each morning, he shares with our team stories of who he’s seen on his walk and who’s spoken to him. A social butterfly, he enjoys going out for coffees and lunch with his support team. He even helps create a weekly activity planner, so his days are varied and filled with things that he enjoys. He also likes to visit local museums and theatres, watching the football, and spending time with his supportive family.
At Cleadon Court, Brian’s living a life that is full of joyful activities, where he can find happiness every day. He’s not just found support, but he’s found a home he loves.
Find out more about our specialist Brain Injury support homes.