The Power of Patience

Leigh lived in an institutional setting before coming to the Entrust Residential Home Program

Jan 22, 2016

Leigh's Transformation from Institutional Care to Community Living

We have another inspiring client success story to share this week!

From Institutional Setting to Residential Home Program

Meet Leigh, a young woman who previously lived in an institutional care setting. She transitioned to the Entrust Residential Home Program in July 2014 to begin community-based living.

When Leigh first arrived at Entrust's community residence, she had to learn essential life skills. She needed to learn how to live cooperatively with other young teenagers in her group home environment. She also had to build trusting relationships with her assigned staff members. In the beginning adjustment period, Leigh isolated herself in her private room. She would seldom engage socially with other residents or staff. Her dedicated care workers and behavioral consultants devoted many hours of individualized support to help her gradually feel safe and secure in her new home environment.

Challenging but Necessary Adjustment Process

The residential transition was by no means easy for Leigh to navigate emotionally. However, nothing worth achieving in life ever comes without challenges. It took Leigh roughly 9 months of consistent support to fully adjust to daily life at Entrust. She received ongoing support from her biological family members, medical doctors, and dedicated care workers throughout this adjustment period.

Restored Family Relationships and Quality Time

Leigh always had deep emotional bonds with her mother, sister and father before her residential placement. As Leigh grew older while living at home, it became increasingly harder for her family to cope with her escalating behavioral issues and complex care needs. The daily stress put significant strain on their family relationships.

She is now able to spend substantial quality time with her family members. She can maintain a loving relationship with them without daily caregiving pressures. The stress and pressures of managing her health and behavioral issues no longer impede their family relationship dynamics.

Personal Growth and Creative Achievements

Leigh is flourishing as a beautiful young woman in her community residence. She is very creative and enjoys a wide variety of arts and crafts activities. She loves shopping for personal items, looking for good deals at local stores, and spending time in the community with support staff. She has also become much more social and confident in group settings. She will attend parties and social events with other peers and staff members. On special occasions she may even dance and participate in group activities!

As always, this amazing transformation story is largely due to the dedicated workers who genuinely care and create meaningful relationships with clients. A very special recognition goes out to Kumba, her primary support worker, for helping Leigh settle into her new living situation and enjoy life in her new community home.