Pat was living at home on her own with no family. She had some neighbours popping by to offer some support but was otherwise under the radar of any formal services.
One of the neighbours contacted Adult Social Care as they were concerned about Pat. She had always been very house proud and previously worked in an office so was really organised. However, as Pat now has advanced dementia she had been struggling with her self-care and the upkeep of her home. Her house was disorganised. Pat was also struggling to remember to take her medication and wasn’t always eating.
It was at this point that Emily, the social worker, was introduced to Pat. She carried out a capacity assessment which found that Pat lacked the capacity to make decisions about her own care.
Traditional home care calls were put in four times a day and while this was helpful, it didn’t work out as well as planned. The times of day that the carers were calling varied and the carers were inconsistent, limiting the trust that Pat could build with them.
Emily and the Adult Social Care team felt that trust and strong, consistent relationships were key to helping Pat move forward, so she would keep her independence and remain safe and well in her own home.
Adult Social Care were made aware of the Community Micro-enterprise Development Programme in Cheshire West and Cheshire. They reached out to Leah Dawson who runs Hoole Home Help.
“I have had quite a few experiences across the board with the Community Catalysts’ project. The community micro-enterprises have offered a lifeline to so many people, providing holistic, almost therapeutic and enriching support.”
Leah is a skilled hairdresser which was amazing for Pat – she was able to have a haircut at home, which was a brilliant first step to her regaining some of her self-confidence. Leah was also able to offer life admin support , cleaning and was there to prompt Pat to eat and feed the cat.
The way that Leah worked with Pat to do things together made all the difference. She supports Pat to do what she can for herself and to be in the driving seat.
Leah has a flexible approach and has taken the time to build a relationship of trust. This has meant going slow and steady – simply having a coffee and a chat some days. Leah was open and listened to Pat, picking up on her mannerisms and making a note of the things that mattered to her.
Over a year, Leah has helped Pat regain her confidence, support her independence, and feel valued and listened to. Underpinning this is a commitment to professional curiosity, and giving attention and time to Pat’s needs.
“As a social worker, it has been invaluable to have Leah’s support with Pat. Leah has built a great relationship which means she sees the things I can’t see as a social worker. Leah knows Pat’s day to day routines and her input has allowed us to develop a much more person-centred care plan.”
Leah does pamper sessions with Pat, helping her to maintain her health and wellbeing. Pat eventually agreed to some help with washing and Leah has also arranged calls to the hearing centre to get problems with her hearing aids resolved.
Leah takes the time to notice things – such as when Pat needs new bedding or specialist carpet cleaning. Together, Emily and Leah have worked to put in any extra supports that she needs.
Leah thought that having Pat’s garden tidied up would make a big difference and it has. It enables Pat to get outdoors which she loves. Leah and Pat have been putting their heads together about how to bring more life into the garden and have plans to cultivate some plants. This will help Pat have focus, purpose and have a responsibility.
If you’re a social worker or professional who wants to give people more choice and control over their care, search our Small Good Stuff Directory of community micro-enterprises in your local area.
If you would like to set up your own community micro-enterprise, contact us and we’ll get in touch.
Our work in Cheshire West and Chester is a partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council. Contact Sonia Holdsworth for further information.