Our son’s journey to happiness with Priory Fernleigh House
Hear from Nick's family, who say since he transitioned to Fernleigh, he's been living his best life.
"The fact that Nick is happy and calm most of the time, is a testament to how well he is supported. We feel each team member is committed to giving Nick the best life possible. We will never be able to thank them enough for supporting him and keeping him safe".
Our son’s journey to happiness with Priory Fernleigh House
Supporting autism and learning disability
Our son Nicholas was diagnosed with autism and a complex learning difficulty when he was three years old. By the time he was four, social services were offering respite time where he needed two-to-one support.
Despite us putting everything we had into caring for him as he grew up, and loving him as much as any parent would, communication difficulties, extremely challenging behaviours, and sleepless nights, resulted in us looking for an alternative educational and residential placement for Nick, which could support him properly.
When Nick hit adulthood, the transition team identified Priory Fernleigh House as a good potential match for his needs, after months of careful consideration. We were able to meet the home manager as soon as the transition began and she assessed Nick herself, making sure he could be well supported, while fitting in with the needs and personalities of the other people within the home.
Nick was also able to visit for tea on a weekly basis, to get used to the environment. They also used story booking to help Nick understand and prepare. His new bedroom was decorated the same as his old bedroom, and he was encouraged to help pack and decide where he wanted things to go.
A crucial step was one of his favourite support workers transferring to Fernleigh with him. The team arranged for them to work there for an extended period to help others manage and understand Nick’s behaviours.
The team were welcoming and caring and the atmosphere in the home was calm, positive and truly homelike. To this day, whenever a professional goes to visit Nick at Fernleigh, without fail they comment on how relaxed Nick seems and how impressed they are with the home and the team.
Throughout, Nick was encouraged and supported to make decisions for himself whenever possible. A detailed timetable was constructed to help Nick structure his days and do things he enjoys. Activities included trips to do art and crafts at Lisieux Hall, and joining a gym. He also took a course at college called ‘cook and dine’, where he learnt to prep a meal and sit down and eat with a small group.
A management programme was developed to deal with his (sometimes extreme) challenging behaviours. When displaying aggressive behaviour, Nick can be very intimidating, and the danger of harm to self and others, can be high. Yet the team were able to ensure his safety and knew how to respond to Nick so that they could de-escalate the situation.
Risk assessments had been carried out and it was decided that it was not safe for Nick to be restrained, so alternative training took place and equipment was acquired, to help in other ways. They also put in place emergency staffing levels when he visited us.
This has allowed us to feel confident that we can keep Nick safe and still allow him to enjoy precious time with his family. We have always felt included and able to ask questions when we need. We meet with management for regular updates and whenever we phone, the staff who answer, are always well informed.
The fact that Nick is happy and calm most of the time, is a testament to how well he is supported. We feel each team member is committed to giving Nick the best life possible. We will never be able to thank them enough for supporting him and keeping him safe.