How Jamie has been able to regain lost interests and participation in activities through finding a positive placement to support him in his live with Huntington’s disease
Jamie, who has Huntington’s disease, was a resident in a care home that closed over two years ago.
Initially, he moved into Hunters Moor, a Level 2 neuro-rehab service in Birmingham, for assessment and therapy input. He then moved into Loyd House in Northampton for his long-term placement.
Loyd House is a neurological rehabilitation service for those aged 18 and over.
The service, owned by Active Care Group, provides specialist post-acute rehabilitation, as well as management of long-term neurological conditions. It has a strong focus on therapy, care, and quality of life.
When he was admitted into the service he did not integrate with others, isolated himself in his room, and displayed challenging behaviours, including being aggressive towards members of staff. He was also having several falls.
During his time at both Hunters Moor and Loyd House, staff have worked diligently with Jamie to give him back control of his life and have engaged him in activities both inside and outside of the home.
Before he moved into Loyd House, he was asked how he wanted his room decorated and was delighted when he moved into his newly painted red room, as he is a huge fan of Liverpool football club.
The staff at Loyd House have supported Jamie to give up smoking, which was one of his goals.
In addition, he has received a lot of input from the Speech and Language therapist, so he can continue to have his tea and cake at home, and in the park café.
Some of his favourite activities include going to the local park and café, arts and crafts, and bird aviary. He also really enjoys the animal therapy activities in Loyd House and loved the miniature horses, rabbits and lambs that recently came to visit.
Jamie is very sociable now and feels comfortable to eat with the other residents, and he chats with staff and residents in the lounge.
When he arrived at Hunters Moor, Jamie was in a wheelchair but with the support of the therapy team he was able to walk again, until recently when his mobility has deteriorated due to the Huntington’s.
Loyd House is working very closely with the professionals at Mill Lodge, an NHS specialist Huntington’s centre, to ensure Jamie has as much independence as possible for as long as possible, and that he continues to have an excellent quality of life.
