When Gemma arrived at Eltisley Manor after more than 20 years in institutional care, she experienced high distress, struggled with unstructured time and found it difficult to manage intrusive thoughts. Her behaviours often reflected not just her diagnoses, but a lifetime without meaningful autonomy.

The team quickly recognised that Gemma needed a different kind of approach – one built on understanding how she used her time, how she communicated, and what helped her feel safe. Through careful assessment and consistent relational support, new insights began to emerge about what enabled her to engage more confidently in daily life.

As staff trialled a personalised model of support, Gemma began responding in unexpected and encouraging ways. The full case study explores how this approach developed and the impact it had on her independence, wellbeing and daily experience at Eltisley Manor.