Overview
Jacob is a young individual with lived experience of neurological differences associated with a learning disability. Despite his unique abilities, sometimes he expresses himself through a behaviour that challenges.
Jacob has been experiencing non-epileptic seizures for many years, so for Jacob to live life on his best terms and as independently as possible. He needs the right care and support enabled by a care team that understands his needs and is able to provide a safe environment for him and his family.
The documentary highlights the transformative power of trust and demonstrates the significant progress that Leaf Complex Care achieved when humane relationships are fostered through comprehensive and personalised care for Jacob and his family.
Reflecting on the Past: The Story of Jacob
After birth, Jacob’s caregivers discovered that he had a kidney abnormality. Therefore, he had to undergo a surgical intervention to improve his overall health expectancies. After the operation, his family was hoping for the best and expected that his well-being would be elevated. The initial reason why Jacob had the intervention was because he started having non-epileptic seizures. He was only five years old when all these challenges happened.
Experiencing non-epileptic seizures meant that Jacob needed to be surrounded by a caring and understanding support team that would be able to ensure the best outcomes for Jacob and keep him safe. As a dedicated provider of continuous and consistent care, we knew we were best placed to meet Jacob’s needs and to create a secure, caring environment where he will be understood and will be able to thrive.
Facing the Challenges
Over the years, the seizures became more complex and more prolonged, resulting in more hospital admissions. After coming out of the hospital, three mental health nurses were dedicated to supporting Jacob. They were there for him and his family seven days a week providing care at home to keep everybody safe. Yet his challenges have continued, and that meant his mother had to go everywhere with him even though he had support.
That was the defining moment for Jacob’s family to come into contact with Leaf Complex Care.
”To get Leaf involved with Jacob, we really had to fight the system to get the package we really needed. Jacob was under the social services residential care, which we didn’t think would meet his needs, and we actively pursued Leaf to support Jacob.” – says Cathy, Jacob’s mom.
How Meeting Our Support Workers Changed Everything
For Jacob and his family, it was crucial that the support workers understood his needs and that he felt safe with them. His biggest anxiety was being around people who were unable to manage his seizures.
So, the Leaf Complex Care’s support workers got to meet Jacob and started supporting him while building solid communication and consistent care. He was surrounded by an understanding care team that enabled Jacob to thrive in his community and achieve his aspirations. He developed the confidence to trust them, which enabled him to go to college with caring support and experience a calmer environment. Jacob loves to refer to his support workers as his friends and enjoys every minute spent with them.
His journey took a positive turn, bringing smiles to everyone in the room.
‘‘I can see progress about being independent, doing things himself, even for the short period, which makes me feel like we make some difference. He is doing his choice himself.” – says Ayodele, one of Jacob’s support workers.
The Impact of Leaf Complex Care's Support Workers
Having the right provider who can deliver holistic, person-centred care means that Jacob’s needs are being met.
Leaf Complex Care has been involved in Jacob’s journey, leading to a more independent and fulfilling life in the community. He started leading a more independent and enriched life since he used to be isolated and 100% dependent on his family. Engaging in activities that bring him massive joy and that he is great at, such as visiting the cinema, attending football matches, camping, and enjoying barbecues with his support workers, has become an integral part of his daily routine.
Seeing the positive impact of our holistic and person-centred approach, we are inspired by Jacob’s smile as he navigates towards a more independent and fulfilled life.
”By having the care around him, I can now work from home, knowing that Jacob is safe and is out living his life. This gives Jacob a chance to be as independent as he is. ” – ends Cathy.
