In July 2022, Gary joined Woodham Lodge, our specialist learning disability service in County Durham. Before joining us, Gary experienced some mental health difficulties. He had anxiety and depression, often experiencing low moods. Eventually, he felt so low, he stopped eating.
Gary spent some time in hospital, receiving treatment for his mental health. Here, he was prescribed medication to help with his mood and supplement drinks to support his diet.
Eventually he was discharged to a residential care setting. Gary had previously lived with his family and struggled to adapt to his new environment. During this time, he started refusing his supplement drinks and would only drink water. Before long, he also began refusing water, and his weight dropped significantly. Many people along Gary’s journey thought he was presenting challenging behaviours. As soon as he joined Woodham Lodge, they were certain this wasn’t the case and set to work finding out what was troubling Gary.
Mental health matters
From the moment Gary moved in, our specialist team used person-centred support to get to know him as an individual. Taking time to understand his likes and preferences, they ensured he received the right support for his needs. As they got to know Gary, they identified his eating challenges weren’t challenging behaviour – they were an expression of feelings about changes in his life.
Gary was first admitted to hospital for his mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the closure of the day centre he’d previously attended. His usual routine and familiar faces were suddenly gone. Then, after he was discharged from hospital, he couldn’t go home to his family. He still needed ongoing support for his mental health and learning disability. So, he moved into a residential care home.
Many aspects of Gary’s life changed quickly, making him feel insecure. Because of his additional needs, navigating these situations alone was scary. Unable to effectively communicate his feelings, his mental health declined.
Our team knew that establishing a consistent routine for Gary was key to his happiness. Spending lots of time with him, and showing they cared about him, they built a special bond. Soon after, they used their expert training to approach look at different areas of his health – including his medication. Working with Gary’s doctor, his medication was adjusted and things quickly started to change for the better.
Foundations for a happy future
When Gary first arrived at Woodham Lodge, his weight was dangerously low. With consistent, person-centred support, his team have worked with him to make improvements to his health and happiness.
Through their compassionate approach, our team embraced Gary as part of their family and took the time to nurture a positive, trusting relationship. Trust had always been an issue for Gary. But by introducing consistency and stability, Gary finally felt settled and secure.
Communication was also a big issue for Gary. He liked people to respect him as an individual and be open and honest with him. He also appreciated others valuing his thoughts and opinions.
The team tailored their support to Gary’s preferences, including how they communicated with him. Delivering person-centred care and support, his support team ensured his voice was always heard. They kept him informed about important things, like when his medication was changed. And, with his medication more suited to his needs, his mood improved, and he rediscovered his appetite!
Gary soon started to indulge in tasty new foods and explore different options at mealtimes. He’s now eating full meals again and enjoying every bite. He’s even going out to eat with his family, something he used to enjoy before his mental health struggles.
Daily journey
Gary’s navigated an extraordinary mental health journey. His support team at Woodham Lodge understand he’ll always be on this journey and no two days will be the same. Every day, they ensure his emotional wellbeing is promoted and prioritised.
With daily encouragement and support from our team at Woodham Lodge, Gary’s mental and physical health continue to improve every day. Both his support team and his family are incredibly proud of what he’s achieved and for rediscovering his appetite for life!