Sticking like glue - a case study
This case study shows how we work closely with individuals that have immediate needs. We call this sticking like glue. It demonstrates how we take the time to really understand what is going on in the person’s life, not just the challenges that they may be immediately facing but what is truly important to them.
One of our social workers recently supported K an individual who had experienced a Stroke in 2022, which resulted in right sided weakness and Expressive Dysphasia.
“For K, this meant verbally expressing themselves was very difficult and understandably frustrating as they could state “It’s all up here,” pointing to their head, “but it won’t…,” pointing to their mouth.
The frustration in which K’s mind lives is overwhelming at times, leaving them stuck in their home simply existing. K and I spoke about possible outcomes, noting that there has never been input to support their wellbeing when what K has been through could only be described as traumatic – an entire life change.
Discussing K’s preferences felt more like a weight off their shoulders – pointing to their beard with a look of disgust - K does not want a beard! Pointing to the myriads of records by Gary Numan and picking the one that represents them – black eyeliner and rockstar clothes – that is K! Pointing to art supplies hidden by a pile of papers – expression through art – the support K wants!”
It can be all too easy to assess someone and indeed define them by their disability. We seek to get the know the person, build trust and then agree how we can help. We try to never forget that we can enter a person’s life when they are at their most vulnerable. It’s not just about what they can and cannot do, it’s about what would make a difference to them and how they want to be seen and interact with the world around them.