Resident D - (Minffordd)
Antecedent and Brief History - Resident D
Resident D was referred to Minffordd in May 2001 the reason for referral was a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome with severe self harming. The self harming manifested as punching himself severely on the face and head resulting in swelling, bruising and cuts. During these episodes D would be extremely emotionally distressed. Following admission observations indicated that these episodes were occurring up to three or four times a day with each episode lasting an average of ten to twelve minutes and could occur in any situation public or private.
Assessment and Person Centred Planning - Resident D
Within the first two weeks multidisciplinary meetings were held which included D, when asked what were the triggers to his self harming behaviour, he always stated that it was something which he had heard on the radio or television but could not elaborate or articulate why his self harming behavior would in any way effect what he had heard.
It was decided to commence a 'time out' strategy using a sparring helmet and gloves. D was advised that when he felt himself getting upset that he should put on the helmet and gloves until he felt calm and should also come and seek staff help.
Progress and outcomes to Date - Resident D
After a period of approximately seven to eight months the duration, frequency and ferocity of these episodes notably diminished to the point where D did not require the helmet or gloves and would only seek staff assurance. At this point after consultation with D, we encouraged him to sublimate the self harming behaviour by the use of a punch bag. This reduced the self harming by a great deal and D had improved to the point where we felt he could be moved to a three bedded residential unit. Whilst in this unit D developed his Daily living skills and became more and more independent and got involved in the local community by joining a photography class and a local church group.
He also attended an occupational group by the local MIND Group. D continued to improve to the point where we were able to transfer him to one of our flats in the community under the Supporting People Initiative. This took place September 2005. D now shares a semi detached house with two friends and lives a very independent life with minimal support. When a self harming incident occurs (and they are very infrequent) they are minimal and almost token gestures but D still has access to his punch bag. D now works as a volunteer I.T. supervisor with MIND and leads a much liberated and less distressed life. Attached is a testimony written by his parents and published in the Chester Chronicle some two years ago
Parents Gratitude: "Our son D has been living at Minffordd Psychiatric home in Denbigh North Wales. He was very ill but after one year and four month's in the home he was well enough to move to semi independent living in a property adjacent to the home. The kindness and care which is showered on the patients had amazed and gratified us. D is now living independently in a wonderful flat belonging to the home. Someone from the home visits him every Day."
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