Pirya’s Story
Pirya’s improved quality of life
Building trust is crucial to establishing a long-term relationship with service users who are struggling to cope with the world around them.
When Nupath Care was invited to offer care to Priya, she was in a confused, angry place where she didn’t trust anybody. She had been damaged by an arranged, abusive mar- riage. She had given birth to children who were taken away from her to be cared for by others.
The Muslim community into which she had been born was no longer the supportive environment she had once known.
For many years Priya was in and out of psychiatric wards and suffered several failed placements. She was living with a mild learning disability but was also suffering from schi- zoaffective disorder symptoms, which included mood and behavioural problems.
When Nupath Care began to work with Priya she had just been transferred from a hospital setting to a supported living unit. This was her first taste of semi -independent living for several years and she found it very daunting.
In those early months she would often lash out verbally and physically when she was finding it difficult to cope with an everyday situation.
Trained staff at Nupath Care understood her condition and anxieties and worked closely and patiently to build a strong relationship with Priya. Over time she managed to cope better, learning new and old skills.
Carers supported her to become confident and capable in money management, washing, cooking, cleaning and shopping. Priya once again re-engaged with the Muslim community going to supermarkets and halal butchers that were important to her.
Her mother died during this time and initially her primary carer was the only person she allowed to accompany her to the cemetery to visit the grave.
Overtime, Priya developed greater confidence and social skills, becoming better able to manage her behavioural problems. Today, she takes great pride in looking after her flat, meeting some friends and socialising.
She now enjoys a much-improved quality of life.
