When Ethan’s parents reached out to Standby24, they weren’t just looking for another care agency; they were searching for a lifeline. After spending two years in the hospital, Ethan was discharged into the care of his family. But life outside the hospital walls proved just as challenging as the one inside. Ethan struggled to re-engage socially, and his world became small and isolated. Living with Anorexia Nervosa, Autism, ADHD, and a history of OCD created complexities that felt overwhelming.
To make matters worse, Ethan had developed an unhealthy obsession with exercise, pushing his limits to the extreme, taking up to 80,000 steps a day. Although physically active, Ethan felt trapped and frustrated, disconnected from the people and experiences that once brought him joy.
This is the story of how Standby24 partnered with Ethan and his family, offering compassionate, person-centred care to help him rediscover a vibrant, meaningful life.
A Holistic Approach Rooted in Listening
From the very first conversation, it was clear that Ethan’s parents weren’t just looking for care. They were looking for a team that could approach Ethan with empathy and truly understand his needs. They wanted more than physical well-being for their son; they hoped for a future where Ethan could thrive emotionally and socially.
Standby24 partnered with Ethan and his family, offering compassionate, person-centred care, listening to their experiences, concerns, and hopes for their son. The goal wasn’t just to develop a care plan; it was to ensure that the family felt reassured that Ethan was in good hands.
This close partnership became the foundation of a personalised strategy focused on Ethan’s happiness, not just his health.
Building Trust with Person-Centred Care
In the beginning, Ethan was understandably resistant to the idea of having caregivers. His journey so far had been filled with clinical interventions, so introducing new faces required sensitivity and patience. Standby24’s team knew that trust wouldn’t develop overnight, but they were prepared to meet Ethan where he was on his terms, at his pace.
To help Ethan feel more comfortable, two fitness instructors were selected, carefully matching his interests and personality. Before meeting Ethan, Standby24 shared pen pictures of these team members. These pen pictures detailed not only their professional background but also their hobbies, interests, and personal values. This step allowed Ethan to see that his care team shared some of his passions, creating a sense of familiarity and connection before the first introduction.
During the initial meetings, the caregivers took their time, letting Ethan guide the interactions. Over a week, they spent progressively more extended periods with him, creating a safe space where trust could grow naturally.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
With the right team in place and a tailored approach, Ethan’s transformation began to unfold.
Rediscovering Food and Fitness
Ethan’s obsession with exercise was met with gentle encouragement and PositiveBehaviour Support (PBS), which helped him develop a healthier relationship with fitness. Over time, Ethan also began to view nourishment differently, understanding that food was not the enemy but rather a fuel for the activities he enjoyed.
Embracing New Experiences
What once seemed impossible to engage in activities outside his comfort zone became an exciting part of Ethan’s routine. With the support of his care team, Ethan began exploring new experiences that brought joy and excitement into his life.
- He started visiting the gym regularly, feeling motivated by the progress he was making.
- Community lunches became a new social outlet where Ethan enjoyed meaningful connections over shared meals.
- He even made plans for trampoline park visits and horse-riding adventures—two activities that would have been unimaginable just a few months earlier.
A Brighter Future
Ethan’s journey is far from over, but the progress he’s made so far is a testament to the power of person-centred care and the importance of building trust. Standby24’s approach was never just about care it was about helping Ethan reconnect with himself and the world around him.
By listening, understanding, and working together, Ethan’s care team created an environment where he felt empowered to take small but meaningful steps toward recovery. Now, his future is filled with laughter, exploration, connection—and, most importantly, hope.
Conclusion
Standby24’s Registered Manager worked closely with Ethan’s parents, they deserve a path to a life worth living. Supporting Ethan on his journey has been a humbling reminder of the impact that compassionate care can make. With patience, personalised attention, and the right team by his side, Ethan is rediscovering not just who he is but also who he can become.
And that’s the kind of transformation that we at Standby24 are committed to nurturing in every individual we support.
This reflects our values—collaboration, integrity, and excellence and highlights how a tailored approach can help people live fuller, happier lives. Ethan’s story is just one example of the impact we aim to make, one person at a time.