Mr VD is a 48-year-old male who has a background history of Intellectual disability, Schizophrenia Paranoia and Parkinsonism. He was admitted to our group home after a traumatic accident that led to significant brain injuries. Because of the traumatic event, Mr VD required intense assistance to thrive in the community.

Mr VD does not have the functional capacity to participate in mobility. He is effectively bed-bound and wheelchair-bound and is unable to stand without assistance. His condition has also significantly affected his swallow and resulted in a dependency on PEG feeding for nutritional purposes. He also has reduced memory capacity. He requires 24- hour high-level care and assistance with his medication, showering, dressing, feeding and all the other personal care.

Mr VD joined SPWD SIL accommodation just before the Pandemic. The support workers have been maintaining wearing masks, sanitizing, keeping a safe distance and adhering to all health and safety regulations. To ensure that his medication is taken daily, and that he is understood and supported with his mental health and his declining mobility and daily functioning. It is important for Mr VD that he feels in control of his life and lives as independently as possible.

Mr VD comes from a non-English speaking background. He has identified that his culture and talking about his past is very important to him as he enjoys this and it makes him feel connected to his past and family. Our Support workers’ understanding of how and why Mr VD communicates and needs to be communicated with, is critical in supporting him to move forward. SPWD’s aims are to give him the information in a way he can understand, help him feel validated, valued and in control, as well as support him to engage in decision making and problem-solving so he feels in control and that he has made the choice himself.