New start..

[RabbitYear]

My daughter's placement was chosen at speed, due to her provider's decision to close the care home where she lived, and she moved into their supported living service after our local authority assured us that most placements now involve this and that no alternative was available.

4 months in, there has just been a meeting to air complaints from co-residents and support staff about her behaviours. She has been loud, disagreeable and unco-operative with staff when asked to get up. They are clearly not prepared to deal with obstructive tactics and unable to persuade her of the benefits of getting up to join in with in-house activities, concert trips or physio sessions.

We were told that housemates are afraid to be near her, while she sat looking the picture of misery with tears rolling down her face! I suggested that we should find out what is bothering her, but did agree to the manager's suggestion that I should give them a two month run without weekly visits while her behaviour is monitored in detail (and presumably regulated). What has gone wrong?

The housing officer said that supported living offers more 'freedom' and this may not be appropriate in my daughter's case. The prospect of eviction, or being moved to a placement where challenging behaviour is the norm must be avoided. I think counselling might be appropriate and that she needs to be helped not condemned.

[Jofisher]

just going through all this there are other providers she’s obviously not in the right service for her or for those she is living with. I would not be happy with being kept away either sorry that’s not on in my book. I would get a consultant social worker and let her get to the bottom of what’s going on here as this sounds like a failed move on her social workers part I think people are just dumped anyway in some cases and that’s not acceptable on any level.

[RabbitYear in reply to Jofisher]

Thanks for responding, Jo. I agree the placement is not entirely suitable, but she had to move somewhere and alternatives were a one-person flat or a home with non-verbal residents. Not sure how to get a consultant SW but will pursue contact with provider's management and our local authority Pldteam.

[Jofisher in reply to RabbitYear]

I have a contact for a consultant social worker if you can’t find one as I have used her she’s very good.

[RabbitYear in reply to Jofisher]

Thanks Jo - I've found BSW and a list of possible independent SWs but will get back to you if no use.

[RabbitYear in reply to Jofisher]

A recommended contact would be helpful, please.

[LaVerite]

I can't imagine how it must feel to have been suddenly wrenched and unprepared for a move from a familiar home to a new, no alternative (really?) environment. Poor girl - she is clearly expressing her frustration through her behaviour, but no one seems to be understanding! I would stick with - or even increase - your visit frequency as she needs your support more than anyone's at this time.

[RabbitYear in reply to LaVerite]

Dear LaVerite - thank you for your sympathy. The previous set up was no picnic as all the residents were without speech. I'd dearly like to know what lies behind this and will pluck up my courage to ask again!

[Dahlialady70]

Exactly the same with us. Our 35year old Autistic son with SLD has to move as his residential home, where he loves living, is closing down and all the wonderful staff are being made redundant. The provider (a charity) have closed all their residential homes and only have supported living units non of which are available so we’re on our own. We are going to view two today but I know it will be very traumatic for our son even if one is suitable as he doesn’t have the capacity to understand why he’s going elsewhere so I wouldn’t be surprised if he reacts the same way as your daughter. I hope everything works out well for her.

[RabbitYear in reply to Dahlialady70]

Thanks and I wish you the best of luck too. The pressure is certainly being felt, throughout this tangled care system. I hope that there's enough good caring people to tip the balance.