When Ryan’s family reached out to Standby24, their hearts were heavy with worry. They had been living in a constant state of crisis, watching their son struggle against challenges that seemed insurmountable. Diagnosed with Non-Verbal Autism and Epilepsy, Ryan faced difficulties that extended far beyond his medical conditions. His frustrations often manifested in aggressive behaviours and self-harming tendencies, including head-banging and lashing out at those around him. These moments were heart-wrenching for his family, who felt powerless to help.
The breaking point came after a particularly severe episode of self-harm resulted in a head injury that required hospitalisation. Doctors recommended that Ryan be sectioned under the Mental Health Act and placed in a secure facility, a decision that filled his family with dread. They couldn’t bear the thought of their son’s life being confined to a setting that felt cold and institutional. That’s when they turned to Standby24, hoping for an alternative—a path that could lead Ryan back to stability and hope.
A Swift and Caring Response
The urgency of Ryan’s situation required immediate action. Within just four hours of receiving the referral, Standby24 had mobilised a dedicated 2:1 support team to step in and provide the care Ryan so desperately needed. These weren’t just any caregivers; they were highly trained professionals with expertise in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), MAPA (Management of Actual or Potential Aggression), and PMVA (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression). This specialised knowledge was essential to address the complexities of Ryan’s needs.
The Standby24 team didn’t just come in with protocols and procedures—they came in with heart. They understood that Ryan wasn’t just a case; he was a young man with a story, a family who loved him, and potential waiting to be unlocked. The team’s approach was rooted in empathy and a commitment to truly understand Ryan as an individual.
Building a Foundation of Trust
In those first few days, the team’s primary focus was on building trust. Ryan’s life up until this point had been filled with frustration and miscommunication. His non-verbal autism meant he couldn’t express his needs in conventional ways, and this often led to moments of overwhelming distress. Standby24’s caregivers knew they needed to meet Ryan where he was, both emotionally and physically. Using tools like picture cards, eye gaze, and body language, the team worked patiently to help Ryan find ways to communicate. They paid close attention to his cues, learning to interpret his needs with care and precision. Over time, Ryan began to feel a sense of safety around them. He realised that these new faces weren’t there to control or confine him but to understand and support him. It was a slow, deliberate process, but every small step forward was a victory.
Creating a Personalised Care Plan
Standby24 recognised that Ryan’s care couldn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. They developed a tailored Hospital Passport for him, a document that outlined his preferences, triggers, and effective care strategies. This wasn’t just a piece of paper; it was a lifeline that ensured everyone involved in Ryan’s care—from hospital staff to his dedicated support team—was on the same page.
The Registered Manager of Standby24 personally attended Ryan’s first shift to ensure everything went smoothly. They collaborated closely with healthcare professionals and participated in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to advocate for Ryan’s best interests. This hands-on involvement was a testament to Standby24’s commitment to Ryan’s well-being.
Consistency was another cornerstone of the care plan. For someone like Ryan, familiarity and routine were essential. Standby24 carefully managed the rota to ensure that Ryan was supported by a stable team of caregivers. This continuity allowed Ryan to build deeper connections with his support team, which, in turn, helped him feel more secure and open to new experiences.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
As trust grew, the team began to gently introduce activities that could help Ryan channel his energy and explore his interests. These weren’t just recreational activities; they were carefully chosen to align with his abilities and preferences, offering him a sense of purpose and joy.
Communication Breakthroughs
One of the most significant transformations was in Ryan’s communication. The tools and techniques used by Standby24 allowed him to express his needs and emotions more effectively. For the first time, Ryan’s frustrations began to ease as he realised he could make himself understood. This newfound ability was a game-changer, reducing the frequency and intensity of his aggressive behaviours.
Personal Care and Recreation
With the support of his caregivers, Ryan became more engaged in personal care activities, a milestone that brought a sense of dignity and independence. He also started participating in recreational activities that once seemed out of reach. These small but meaningful changes marked the beginning of a brighter, more fulfilling routine.
A Path to a Brighter Future
The progress Ryan made under Standby24’s care was nothing short of remarkable. The aggressive behaviours and self-harming tendencies that had once dominated his life began to diminish. With patience, consistency, and compassion, the team helped Ryan move from a state of crisis to one of stability and growth.
Perhaps the most heartening outcome was the shift in Ryan’s future prospects. Initially, the recommendation had been to section him under the Mental Health Act and place him in a secure facility. But thanks to Standby24’s person-centred approach, that fate was no longer inevitable. Instead, Ryan was on a path to reintegration into his community. Plans were being made for him to live in a residential setting with 2:1 support, reconnect with his family, and participate in community activities that brought him joy.
A Family Transformed
Ryan’s journey wasn’t just about him; it was about his entire family. Watching their son find stability and happiness brought a sense of relief and hope they hadn’t felt in years. Standby24’s support extended beyond Ryan, providing his family with the guidance and reassurance they needed to navigate this challenging chapter together.
Conclusion: The Power of Compassionate Care
Ryan’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when care is delivered with empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to understanding the individual. Standby24 didn’t just provide support; they built a bridge between crisis and possibility, helping Ryan and his family envision a future filled with hope.
At Standby24, we believe that every individual deserves more than care—they deserve a chance to live a life of dignity, connection, and joy. Ryan’s journey is a testament to this belief, showing how the right approach can transform lives, one step at a time. And for us, there’s no greater reward than being part of that transformation.