Background:

"K" aged 31, was involved in a road traffic accident and sustained severe head injuries. After a lengthy period of rehabilitation, "K" returned home with a personal carer. "K" has three children under 7. Due to memory and behavioural difficulties, "K" needs guidance when dealing with the children. The children are finding the situation stressful as their mothers' behaviour can be erratic and unpredictable.

Solution:

The home visit was used to ascertain the level of help "K" would realistically need. Along with "K's" social worker and psychologist, it was determined that at this stage she was unable to be left on her own with the children. This was seen as a last resort, before taking the children into care.

Three carers were identified - a full-time Monday to Friday live-in nanny, and two weekend nannies - who will also provide holiday cover. The live-in carer has an excellent nannying background and is a mature woman who has grown up children of her own. She also has experience with adults with learning disability. The full-time nanny liaises with the psychologist and social worker to determine the level of assistance "K" needs in relation to parenting skills.

The nanny establishes a very structured routine to provide consistency for the children. She discussed with "K" the activities she wants the children to do and her level of involvement. Methods of parenting the children are agreed. A chart is drawn up to remind "K" of what happens in different situations. The weekend nannies follow the same routine and adhere to the same methods of parenting.