Glenda Paton
Glenda Paton works as a mental health peer worker with Pathways to Community Living Initiative in Bloomfield Hospital, Orange NSW. After completing a Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work she has worked across community and inpatient settings as a peer worker since 2016, starting at Bloomfield in 2019. Glenda works in Castlereagh, a long term medium secure mental health rehabilitation ward with up to twenty male adult consumers.
Glenda has twins who are in Year 7 and enjoys photo scrapbooking. A long term goal is to become a diversional therapist, someone who uses leisure to improve the wellbeing of consumers.
Abstract
Title: Journey to home – person-centred recovery-oriented resources for a successful transition to community.
Author(s): Glenda Paton
Introduction: The aim of this project is to support successful transitions from hospital to community for consumers residing in Castlereagh, a long term medium secure mental health rehabilitation ward in Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, NSW.
Method: I worked with consumers on activities suggested in the PCLI (Pathways to Community Living Initiative) Journey to Home Guide. PCLI is a state-wide program supporting long stay consumers.
A range of disciplines were consulted in creating a workbook. An exercise physiologist supplied simple exercises, and an allied health assistant supplied recipes used in self-catering.
Aspects of physical health addressed include simple physical activity ideas: walking, social sports, cycling, football, swimming and gym. There is an exercise program included with illustrated pictures of basic exercises and stretches. The workbook includes five healthy recipes and a space for the consumer’s favourite recipe.
Consumers’ physical health is addressed by a medical officer on the unit, then linked with GP and community mental health teams when discharged. All consumers in this ward are discharged on community treatment orders (CTO). Consumers in Castlereagh are weighed weekly and have blood pressure monitored as part of physical health screening.
Results & Findings: Five consumers are discharged and two are pending discharge who have completed the activities. No readmissions.
Documents including Wellness Plan, Introduction for my Support Team and My List of Favourite Activities are sent to NDIS and community teams to assist in getting to know the consumer and have activity ideas. Community teams work with NDIS to keep consumer connected in the community.
Discussion: Helps foster enthusiasm and excitement among consumers and gives them practical ideas to maintain recovery focus.
Weekly activity planner is included to ensure exercise is part of their week.
Community transition plan ensures GP and community mental health teams are linked in.
My List of Favourite Activities ensures consumers have ideas for community activities.
Consumers maintain a healthy diet with five recipes included (spaghetti bolognaise, pasta carbonara, chicken/beef/vege burger, pizza and vege/beef nachos). Self-catering is part of the therapeutic program with consumers planning for, budgeting, shopping and cooking a healthy recipe each week.
