Recovery, Confidence & Community: Helen’s ARBD Story
When Helen left her previous placement, she was looking for an environment that could offer greater independence, meaningful opportunities and ongoing support with her recovery journey. In Campania Care Home, Helen found support she now describes as “life-changing”.
Helen is living with Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD), so requires structured support to help her both manage her ongoing symptoms and encourage personal growth. The staff and positive environment at Campania has empowered Helen to make incredible progress in her confidence, autonomy and community involvement.
Tailored Support to Promote Recovery
Campania Care Home is run on the fundamental understanding that every person who enters is unique, bringing their own stories and experiences into our home. Therefore, Helen’s care is thoughtfully personalised in a way that will maximise her quality of life and overall happiness.
When asked what she enjoys about living at Campania, Helen described the service as welcoming and supportive, saying that her care is built around herself as a person, not her diagnosis or room number.
Helen particularly values the fulfilling lifestyle at our care home, the range of activities available and the positive relationships she has built with both staff and fellow residents. Importantly, she feels confident to make choices about her day-to-day life, supporting her sense of autonomy and wellbeing.
“I like the food choices and the activities that are on offer and I feel that I have more choice and independence. This is a nice bunch of people and staff.”
Building Skills and Reconnecting with the Community
As part of her person-centred care, Helen is supported with her daily structure and routines, including memory prompts, medication management and attending appointments. The team at Campania know Helen well, so are careful not to be overbearing or intervene with tasks she can take care of independently. Instead, they focus on creating a supportive environment that gives Helen the safe space and opportunity to build these valuable life skills.
Recently, Helen has taken a huge step forward, with staff helping her work towards meaningful life goals.
“You have supported me with application forms for college, volunteering and jobs so that I can increase my independence.”
The holistic approach to ARBD care at Campania has enabled Helen to regain confidence in her abilities and engage positively with education and volunteering opportunities. Helen’s dedication is paying off, as she is currently attending college, where she successfully completed a Positive Mental Health course. She has now progressed onto a Life Skills course focuses on budgeting, understanding tenancies and developing independent living skills.
Helen explained that her college journey began through educational sessions initially arranged within Campania Care Home, demonstrating the importance of accessible opportunities and encouragement from staff. These practical skills are a vital part of independent, everyday life, but the huge positive leaps in Helen’s mental wellbeing are something she should be equally proud of.
Paying It Forward
Alongside education, Helen has also become actively involved in volunteering within the local community, giving her a well-earned sense of pride and belonging.
“I volunteer to do mentoring at Junction 21 for children.”
Through this role, Helen supports vulnerable young people aged 10–25, including individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, substance misuse issues, ADHD or those involved in foster care systems. This opportunity has enabled Helen to give back to others while building her own assurance and sense of purpose.
“It has helped me to gain confidence, promoted my independence, and helped my mental health. I am able to give back to the community.”
Living Well with ARBD
Helen recognises the huge positive impact Campania Care Home has had on her life, from recovery-focused support to emotional wellbeing and reconnection with her community.
The structured safety measures in place within the service are also crucial, including alcohol monitoring procedures, which help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain Helen’s wellbeing and feeling of security.
“The restrictions that I know are in place (around breathalysing) help me to stay safe. These deter me from relapsing.”
Overall, Helen’s inspiring story shows the massive difference a specialist approach can make. A comprehensive understanding of both ARBD and the individual is crucial for effective, holistic care that positively changes lives. At Campania Care Home in Weston-super-Mare, we aim to support every resident beyond maintenance-based care and towards meaningful recovery, independence and social inclusion. Please get in touch with our friendly team to learn more.