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"A learning curve but still beneficial"

About: Older People's Mental Health / South Perthshire Older People's Community Mental Health Team

(as a relative),

My father was recently visited by the Community Mental Health Team manager, after he had suffered a major stroke several years ago, 12 yrs actually.  

She, Susan, recognised my dad and he recognised her and they had a good catch up.  He was asked several questions and although understanding everything that was being said to him, his verbal aphasia hindered his ability to articulate the words and gave the impression he didn't understand or didn't know the answer.  This is the most frustrating part of my dad's stroke, not being able to speak and it soon became clear that in amongst all the paperwork Susan had, there was nothing in place for incidences/situations like this. 

Thankfully, she was very patient and having me there to "interpret" what his jumbled sounds actually were really helped.  Options and pictures made things easier and when all was said and done, she did agree to go back to the office to try and better address this approach and come up with something that will help others like my dad. It was a learning curve for all of us, but still beneficial for my dad.  Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Gayle Thomson, Senior Charge Nurse/Team Lead, South Perthshire OPCMHT, Perth & Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership 10 months ago
Gayle Thomson
Senior Charge Nurse/Team Lead, South Perthshire OPCMHT,
Perth & Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership

I am the Team Lead for the South Perthshire Older People's Community Mental Health Team

Submitted on 22/08/2024 at 07:59
Published on Care Opinion at 10:31


picture of Gayle Thomson

Dear Woody1962

Thank you taking the time to post about you and your father’s recent experience. I will feed this back to Susan. I’m glad to read that, despite the challenges faced due to your father’s communication difficulties, that he found the visit of benefit.

If you would like to discuss this with me further, please feel free to contact me on 01764 653173 extension 54459.

Kind regards

Gayle Thomson

Senior Charge Burse/Team Lead

Sojtb Perthshire OPCMHT

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