Samad is twenty years old. He has autism and learning disability. New and unknown situations and people make him very anxious. He has recently moved from the family home, which is outside your area, and into a local group home. Your surgery treats the residents of this home, who have a range of disabilities. The Home Manager has informed you that Samad was used to being the centre of the family’s attention, and was always given medical treatment within the family home. Because of this you have undertaken home visits with Samad in the first months, following a pattern suggested by the Home Manager. These visits have gone well. However, they are keen for him to learn new skills and want him to attend appointments in the surgery. This would be easier for you in some respects, but your surgery is a large and busy one and it is important that appointments are planned to minimise distress for Samad and possible disruption for your colleagues and other patients.
Strategies
You and the Home Manager agree a plan as follows:
Your plan is designed to make the surgery immediately accessible to Samad, with the aim of reviewing the plan to reduce the need for this level of support in time.