Nick's story
Background
Nick came from a deprived and dysfunctional family, with a domineering father who physically abused his mother. A slow learner at school, Nick found himself increasingly isolated from his peers. As a reaction to these combined difficulties, he began to exhibit violent and aggressive behaviour. After being expelled from numerous schools, Nick was admitted to a mental health hospital where, aged just 15, he was diagnosed with schizoid personality, phobias and low IQ. Between the ages of 15 and 19, he was admitted to hospital 11 times.
Despite receiving treatment, Nick made little progress. His violent and aggressive episodes continued to escalate, and began to include sexual and physical assault and self-inflicted injury.
Assessment, admission and treatment
In 2001, in his late 40’s, Nick’s care team referred him to Ashley House, one of Care Principles' low secure hospitals. Although he had spent most of his twenties and thirties in a series of other hospitals, his behaviour had been managed rather than treated, and as a result, he had made little or no progress over the years.
The team at Ashley House assessed Nick, and swiftly developed a treatment programme that combined medication with Cognitive Behavioural Therapies and psychiatric counselling. Nick responded very quickly to treatment, and he became fully independent in Activities of Daily Living. He learnt to read and write, and became a talented and confident sportsman.
Progress
Nick’s progress was surprisingly rapid, and in 2003 – just two years after his admission to Ashley House – he was assessed for suitability for a step-down service. Although it was concluded that he was not ready to move to an open hospital, the team decided that he was suitable for a secure step-down service. In late 2003, he was admitted to such a service near to his home - fully supported by his father, who was keen to have his son placed near the family home once again.
Nick was discharged from Section in 2006, and was subsequently admitted to Conifer Lodge care home where he is making good progress. The long-term plan is that Nick will be able to move into domiciliary care at some point in the near future.
“Everyone at Ashley House was terrifically impressed with Nick’s progress. We are all looking forward to watching him continue to build his new life.”
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