When considering supporting a person’s independence, sometimes it’s the softer skills which are most important. We spoke with Victoria Turner, Occupational Therapy Assistant at Cefn Carnau Hospital, about some of the ways the team there work with people to support them in independent living as much as possible.
“Sometimes, people have been supported in secure services for a considerable period of time. This can really impact their skills – sometimes they have simply not had the chance to learn them, or they have got out of practice in using their independence skills. Sometimes they don’t have the confidence to do things which other people might take for granted.
“People are sometimes scared to practice skills, especially in the community. A recent success saw a gentleman order his own food while we were out for breakfast in a local café. On the surface of it, a simple task. But so much preparation, work, and determination from the gentleman and organisation went into that, making it a positive experience for him.
“We had been working towards him using a good combination of skills. We planned where we were going to go. He gave himself time to consider the menu and choose what he wanted. He then went and paid for it himself. He needed to be organised and focused. He’d also been joining a group going on public transport.
“He did brilliantly – and it wasn’t ‘just going out for breakfast’ as some people might say! And it was so positive, he said he can’t wait to do it again.
It’s tools to navigate travel, including reading bus timetables, knowing the routes, money management, communication skills, and asking for what you want. He wanted to go out and enjoy a meal – and he has the tools to help him do that.