status: Final

category: Assessment and Planning

code: About me

subject: Saura Swanimathan

effective: 2025-05-04 08:45:00+0100

performer: Emma Wright

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code: People who are important to me

value: My husband is the most important person in my life. We live together at home, and he has been my main source of emotional support, especially during recent changes to my health and following my hospital stay. Being close to him and knowing how he is doing helps me feel settled and reassured. I may speak about him often, particularly if I am feeling uncertain or tired.Family relationships are very important to me, and although not all relatives live nearby, staying connected to them matters a great deal. I value regular contact, whether through visits, phone calls, or messages passed on by staff. Knowing that people I care about are aware of how I am doing helps me feel supported and less anxious in unfamiliar environments.I appreciate staff taking the time to understand who is important to me and to involve them where appropriate, especially when decisions are being made or when I need reassurance.

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code: My wellness

value: My wellbeing is closely linked to feeling safe, understood, and respected. After my recent hospital discharge, I may feel more tired than usual and need time to adjust to a new routine in a short-term residential setting. Familiar patterns, clear explanations, and a calm environment all help me feel more comfortable and supported.Emotionally, I feel most well when I am treated with kindness and patience. Changes, particularly when they happen quickly or without explanation, can be unsettling for me. Having time to process information and ask questions helps me feel more in control of my situation.Rest, good nutrition, and gentle encouragement to take part in daily activities all contribute positively to my sense of wellness. I value being supported at my own pace and in a way that recognises my individuality.

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code: Supported to write this by

value: This About Me record has been written with support from Emma Wright, a care worker involved in my assessment following my recent hospital discharge.While I may not have written every word myself, the content is intended to reflect what matters to me and how I wish to be understood by those supporting my care. I have been involved as much as possible, with information explained clearly so that I could confirm whether it felt accurate and appropriate.Where there are gaps or uncertainties, I welcome gentle conversations to help clarify my views and preferences. This record should be seen as something that can change and develop over time as people get to know me better.

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code: Please do and please dont

value: Please do speak to me respectfully and directly, even if others are present. I appreciate being included in conversations about my care and having things explained clearly, without rushing. Taking a calm and friendly approach helps me feel at ease.Please don’t assume that I have understood everything straight away. English is my second language, and while I manage well, I may need information repeated or explained in a different way. Avoid using unfamiliar terms without explanation, and please check that I am comfortable before moving on.Please do be patient if I need extra time to respond or make decisions. Please don’t make changes without letting me know, as unexpected changes can make me feel unsettled.

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code: How I communicate and how to communicate with me

value: I communicate best through clear, simple spoken English, supported by a calm tone and unhurried pace. I may need time to process what is being said, particularly if the information is new or complex. It helps when staff check my understanding rather than assuming I have followed everything.I appreciate being given opportunities to ask questions and to express how I am feeling. Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language, is important to me, and I respond well to warmth and reassurance.If I seem quiet or unsure, it may be because I need encouragement or a different way of explaining things. Gentle prompts and reassurance can help me feel more confident in expressing myself

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code: Also worth knowing about me

value: My background and life experiences are important to who I am. I identify as a Bangladeshi / British Asian woman, and while my religion is currently recorded as not known, this is something I may wish to discuss further as part of my care planning. Being asked respectfully about what matters to me culturally is important.Because of previous changes of address, some of my personal details have not always been recorded consistently across systems. This can be frustrating, and I appreciate staff taking care to check information with me rather than relying solely on records.I value dignity, privacy, and being treated as an individual rather than just a patient or resident.

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code: What is most important to me

value: What matters most to me is feeling respected, safe, and listened to. I want to feel that my views and preferences are taken seriously and that I am involved in decisions about my care wherever possible.Maintaining a sense of independence is important to me, even when I need support. I appreciate encouragement to do things for myself, with help offered in a way that feels supportive rather than taking over.Staying connected to my husband and family, and knowing that my cultural background and personal values are acknowledged, are central to my sense of wellbeing.

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code: How and when to support me

value: I benefit most from support that is calm, consistent, and clearly explained. When offering help, it is important to tell me what is going to happen and why, and to give me time to prepare. This is especially helpful during personal care, changes to routine, or when attending appointments.I may need additional reassurance in unfamiliar environments or when there are lots of people around. Support that is offered gently and respectfully helps me feel more confident and reduces anxiety. If I appear hesitant, encouragement and clear explanations can help me engage.My support needs may change depending on how tired or settled I feel. Paying attention to how I am responding and adapting support accordingly helps me feel understood and well cared for.