Opportunity knocks on two fronts today.  Firstly, there is an opportunity for Maureen to go on parole: a day off from her prison.  Secondly, Sue our social worker is calling and has an opportunity for a reality check on Maureen’s presentation.

Parole

There is a real opportunity for Maureen to sample some parole today and the beauty is the prisoner has suggested how it mught happen.  In response to me waking up at 3 am this morning with pain in my legs Maureen enquired if the Leisure Centre could be a solution.  She wondered if Fitness Instructors could come up with an exercise programme to strengthen my week muscles?  She also added that she wished she had taken up their offer of help with the problems she is having with her left leg.  All of this was music to my ears.

The door is now open for parole of some form today: several of opportunities for Maureen to have a day outside the nick.  It really doesn’t matter which of the three options she takes up – she’ll get away from it all in one way or another.  If she chooses to come along she can either join in or go for a walk along the prom.  The latter is familar territory as she has strolled to the Pier and beyond previously when I have been exercising in the swimming pool.   Even if she stays at home while I’m away for an hour or so she is moving on from being baby sat.

Life beyon diagnosis certainly has it’s twists and turns but you must never look a gift horse in the mouth.  Who would have anticipated that leg pain would open the way for the prisoner to have a bit of parole?

Reality Check

Sue our social worker is calling this morning, as part of her ‘getting to know us plan’.  This will be her second visit since we have become part of her caseload.  I am thinking of leaving her to it, so that she can see how Maureen is at 10.30 in the morning.  The only way for professional staff to understand Maureen’s presentation is to experience it first hand.

Getting to know Maureen by chatting to her on the sofa has its merits.  Such know-how needs to be placed alongside seeing her in action throughout the day. There is an opportunity for Sue to see her as she comes round in the morning today – although sod’s law she has been up much earlier than usual today.  However,  I wouldn’t underestimate Maureen’s ability to turn on the ‘hostess mode’ at any time of day.  I understand she pulled out all the stops on Sunday morning, and turned it on for her son as soon as he arrived.  Nevertheless, seeing Maureen in the morning will add to Sue’s perspective on the situation here.