In 2020, James transitioned from a care setting that brought many challenging moments to a life filled with consistent support, meaningful activities and improved well-being. Living with Autism, Sotos Syndrome, and Epilepsy, James’s journey with Leaf Complex Care created many heart-warming moments of continuous improvement through care that truly matters to people. Click here to read James’ story, the challenges he faced and the detailed moments of his journey to create a better future.
This follow-up case study emphasises James's continued progress, highlighting the impact of Leaf's humanised care approach. Experience the story through the words of the Registered Manager of Leaf Complex Care in Exeter and Alex, one of James's support workers.
Continued Progress Through Empowerment
With the support of two support workers throughout the day and night, James began to overcome challenges and live a more fulfilling life through reliable care. For James, moving into his own home was one of the defining moments in his care journey. It made him realise how important it is to have the right support in the moments when he needs it most.
“When James was living in residential care, nothing was around his timetable of needs. He had to rely on when the bus was free, when staff could get to him, what the menu said for the food for the week, and shift patterns for getting up/going to bed. The communication with family was terrible, and we were not encouraged to have a say, despite us being a really close family. I, as mum, wanted so much more for J and for him to have control of his life with the right help.“, says his mother.
”We’ve got methods of support that we use, and we know how to calm his anxiety. We still have challenges, but this is something that the staff is really achieving in the support they provide for James every day.‘‘ – says the Registered Manager of Leaf Complex Care in Exeter.
With a stable and supportive staff team, he now experiences a structured routine marked by activities that meet his interests and choices. Regular trips to the store, drives, walks, and swimming sessions have been instrumental in James’s progress. These activities boosted his confidence and also made him more socially active, interacting comfortably with familiar faces.
”All he needs is additional support to be able to live his own life. Since being with us, James has had a holiday in Disneyland. A staff member went with him and his family. And he’s got another holiday planned for next year. He enjoys anything Disney, so it is a great opportunity for him.” – he continues.
Enabling Independence and Social Inclusion
One of the essential changes in James’s life is his improved overall well-being and expanded social circle. With the support of his dedicated support workers, he engages in activities that bring him joy and a sense of accomplishment. Driving, in particular, has become a source of significant pleasure for him. Additionally, he actively participates in social activities and builds relationships more comfortably.
The staff’s proactive support and respect for James have created an environment where he feels valued and understood. Recognising his feelings of anxiety and providing timely support have encouraged him to confidently navigate different situations.
“With good family involvement and working together, we have designed a timetable that means J is really happy. It is not perfect, but it is so much better than in the past. He is happy, he makes choices about what he eats (within reason), where he goes, and what he likes to do. He even chooses what staff he likes. J has the best life with as much control as he can, given his learning disability.”, adds his mother.
James’s support worker, Alex, shares a profound connection with him. She conveys the depth of relationships Leaf Complex Care fosters with the people they serve by saying:
”At this point, it feels like a real honour to be working with James and supporting him. And it feels like he is my friend. I feel very grateful to have this opportunity to support him to have the best life he possibly can. Even being a small part of that is amazing.”
James’s journey shows how one’s strengths, along with person-centred care and unwavering support, can lead to better outcomes in a person’s life.
A Heartfelt Message for the Families Facing Similar Challenges
Leaf’s Registered Manager shared a few words as a response to our question: What is your message for all families struggling to find the right support?
He says:
”James is just one example of lots of individuals we have support that we have been able to make a difference to that. Maybe they are struggling where they are currently. We’ve been able to really get a person-centred care team following our humanised approach to be able to come and make a difference to the person, their families and people around them.”
With the dedicated efforts of Leaf’s support workers, James continues embracing life with newfound confidence, independence, and joy.
James’s journey serves as an inspiration, while Leaf Complex Care remains committed to its mission, ensuring everyone receives the respect, understanding, and support they deserve, paving the way for a life filled with regained purpose and fulfilment.
