The Story

E.E., a 19-year-old girl living with a duplication of chromosome 8q, faced significant challenges with her physical and mental health. Needing a high support ratio, E.E. exhibited various behaviours of concern, such as intense physical reactions and thoughts of self-harm.

Nurseline Community Services adopted a holistic approach, addressing her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through personalised care plans and consistent support, E.E. made substantial progress in social integration, dietary habits, and educational independence. Her journey includes successfully navigating crowded places, returning to college, and transitioning to supportive accommodation, showcasing her remarkable growth and newfound confidence.

The Challenge

E.E. is a remarkable young woman living with a duplication of chromosome 8q. She has experienced many challenges, from mental health concerns to immune deficiencies and difficulties with eating patterns. She also faced challenges with behaviours of concern, such as intense physical reactions and thoughts of self-harm, which significantly impacted her quality of life.

To navigate these multifaceted challenges, E.E. required a consistently high support ratio of 3:1 during the day and 2:1 at night.

By teaching E.E. daily living skills and offering proactive support, the goal was to help her live with increased autonomy and social integration while improving her overall well-being.

The Approach

Focusing on a holistic approach, the multidisciplinary team (MDT) prioritised E.E.’s immediate health needs while addressing her mental and emotional well-being. Through consistent and compassionate care, they helped E.E. express her emotions and feelings, leading to her independently seeking support and openly discussing her state of mind.

During hospital admissions, due to behaviours of distress, E.E.’s support workers remained by her side, attentively addressing her needs and ensuring she felt understood and cared for. E.E.’s well-being was a priority. The MDT worked together to help prevent and reduce behaviours of concern by identifying potential triggers and helping E.E. discuss her feelings. Additionally, they diligently educated her on a balanced diet and its long-term implications, resulting in a substantial shift in her eating habits and a reduction in takeaway consumption.

Starting with quieter and calmer areas of her choice, E.E.’s support workers gradually introduced her to busier community spaces, offering continuous reassurance and praise. A significant milestone was E.E.’s visit to the busy Eden Project during the school holidays, showcasing her commendable progress. Additionally, E.E. transitioned back to college, initially receiving support but eventually gaining the independence to attend by herself.

The team’s consistent presence helped her navigate challenges, including being in crowded places and engaging with the community. Furthermore, they facilitated her transition into supportive accommodation, helping her adapt to new environments while maintaining family connections. This marked another huge milestone in E.E.’s journey and enabled her to live with enhanced autonomy.

The Positive Outcome

E.E.’s journey has been one of remarkable growth and development. She gained a better understanding of her dietary needs and well-being and made significant progress in social integration, educational independence, and emotional expression. Her ability to navigate crowded places and visit busy locations like the Eden Project reflects her newfound confidence and adaptability. Additionally, E.E.’s support ratio reduced from 3:1 during the daytime to 2:1, reflecting a substantial reduction in behaviours of concern.

Furthermore, E.E.’s enhanced ability to communicate her emotions enabled her to seek mental health support independently, signalling a significant advancement in her independence. The consistency of care and holistic support has been instrumental in improving her overall well-being and aiding her transition to a new living arrangement, paving the way for a brighter, more independent future for E.E.