Zid is a 19-year-old man with Prader-Willi syndrome, autism, and associated challenging behaviour. Before moving to our specialist Prader-Willi syndrome service, Barnford House, Zid mainly lived at home with his family.
However, Zid’s family struggled to manage his complex needs. This was particularly around his emotional regulation and weight management – both of which are key struggles for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.
They found Zid’s behaviour was often driven by distress, routine disruption, and difficulty understanding boundaries around food. They knew he needed a home that understood his needs and could give him dedicated 1:1 support.
That’s when Zid and his family discovered Barnford House, our specialist Prader-Willi syndrome home designed specifically to support individuals with this rare condition. Fast forward to today and Zid’s embarked on a journey of fulfilment. Our support has helped Zid increase his confidence, manage his emotions and achieve his weight loss goals!
A new beginning at Barnford House
When we first met Zid, he was confused and distressed. He believed the move to Barnford House was temporary, so our team explained to him what was happening. Zid expressed a strong desire to return to his family home and struggled to adjust to his new surroundings. There was a noticeable increase in challenging behaviour, but Zid’s support team stuck by him to navigate this difficult start.
Our team at Barnford House immediately prioritised emotional reassurance, routine-building, and clear communication. Recognising the impact of the sudden transition, they adopted a person-centred approach focused on trust and consistency.
Zid’s support team stuck by his side and encouraged him to express his thoughts and feelings. This approach was taken daily where Zid had regular opportunities for open conversations, supported by visual aids to enhance his understanding.
The team knew they needed to set clear, consistent boundaries and respond to behaviours with empathy, recognising them as communication of unmet needs or emotional distress.
Zid’s team recognised the significance of food-related behaviours. Zid was always seeking his next meal and struggled to understand why he couldn’t eat when he wanted to. Zid’s condition was explained to him, and his support team were there to answer any questions he had.
“When Zid arrived, he didn’t understand why he couldn’t go home. We took time to explain to Zid, that this was his new home and that we would support him in his next chapter!”
Jeana Bircher – Service Manager
Creating a person-centred care plan
As Zid began to warm to life at Barnford House, his team worked with him to create a person-centred care plan. This was centred around Zid’s passions and interests.
The team soon recognised that Zid felt a deep loss for his family home and often expressed he wanted to go back and be with his loved ones. After all, the family unit was very close!
The team supported his emotional wellbeing and prompted him to talk about his thoughts and feelings. They actively encouraged him to share any concerns he had.
When he joined us, Zid phoned his family every day. After each call, Zid presented challenging behaviour, likely driven by sadness and frustration. To help Zid manage these emotions, our team knew they had to fill his days up with engaging activities and meaningful interactions.
To ensure he still got regular time with his family, Zid’s support team organised two calls a week with them. The team knew this was enough to stay connected without overwhelming Zid emotionally. Most importantly, they made sure Zid was fully on board with the plan.
Building trust and routine
Daily life at Barnford House is structured to include predictable routines and meaningful activities. These routines have helped Zid regain a sense of control, security and growth!
Zid was gently guided through new routines around mealtimes, portion control, and healthy choices, always with his involvement and understanding in mind.
Zid’s support team recognised early on that building a strong, trusting relationship with Zid was the foundation for any meaningful progress.
Trust was built through small, everyday interactions. The team made sure to communicate clearly, and respect Zid’s preferences and boundaries.
Alongside building trust, the team worked closely with Zid to establish predictable, personalised routines. Consistency was key, particularly around areas of his life that could trigger distress, like mealtimes and changes in schedule.
Zid was given a clear sense of what to expect each day, reducing uncertainty and promoting emotional stability. These routines were also tailored to his goals and interests, including healthy eating, physical activity, and time for relaxation.
Zid was gently guided through daily life as he adapted to his new routine – particularly around food. He would often seek more food after meals but over time he began to understand why sticking to his portion size and meal plans was important for his health.
Zid’s emotional stability has improved significantly, with fewer behavioural challenges and a healthier balance between independence and family connection.
The development of trust and routine has created a safe and supportive environment in which Zid can thrive. With structure and strong trusted relationships in place, Zid has become more confident and engaged in laying the groundwork for the meaningful progress he continues to make today!
Progress and achievements
Zid has come on leaps and bounds with the support from Barnford House! They’ve supported him to understand and manage his emotions. He has also increased his engagement in social and community-based activities.
Zid has made outstanding progress in terms of personal independence and physical health. With the help of the team at Barnford House he has maintained a structured approach to his lifestyle. His weight has also decreased to a healthier level, and he enjoys participating in physical activities, such as walking, swimming, football, badminton, and golf!
Recently, Zid spent a few days back with his family, where he created special memories and attended his brother’s wedding. It was a collective effort by the team, his family, and Zid himself that made this meaningful time possible.
The team worked with Zid’s family to plan the visit, identifying any potential risks, and putting strategies in place to support Zid’s safety and wellbeing during his time with them. They also ensured the family had guidance on Zid’s food intake, helping him stay in control throughout his time at home.
He has now also achieved the title of ‘Health and Safety Champion’ at Barnford House and actively promotes and improves health and safety practices around the home.
Growing confidence and independence
Zid has made remarkable progress in his daily life. With the encouragement and support of his team, he’s now making more choices for himself and is actively shaping his own lifestyle.
Zid is demonstrating a stronger sense of independence and self-expression. He is more engaged in daily living activities, such as cooking and cleaning, showing a willingness to try new things and take ownership of his responsibilities.
His confidence has grown significantly – not just in what he does, but in how he sees himself. Zid now communicates his preferences more clearly, advocates for his own needs, and approaches challenges with a more positive, can-do attitude.
This progress reflects the effectiveness of person-centred care and Zid’s own determination. With Voyage Care by his side, Zid is moving closer to his long-term goals and is discovering just how capable he truly is!
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