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The
Banyan Model of Care
Adaikalam
| Steps towards
rehabilitation | Treatment | Occupational
Therapy | Vocational
Training | Re-Integration
| After Care | Holistic
Care | Legal Aid Clinic
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Treatment
at The Banyan
– a fusion of medical, recreational
and therapeutic care
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As
the new resident has settled in her dorm, she is assigned
to a health care worker, who is responsible for giving her
medication. A visiting doctor comes onsite regularly to take
care of her medical needs, and each resident meets a psychiatrist
at least once a month for check-ups on her progress. A designated
social worker draws out a step-by-step rehabilitation and
treatment plan for the new resident, setting specific goals
and targets for recovery together with the resident:
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Short-term goals
focus on the activities of daily living,such
as
· Brushing teeth
· Washing
· Getting dressed
· Toilet training
· Nutrition
· Physical development
· Social interaction |
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Mid-term goals focus on Occupational
Therapy ( OT
) and Vocational Training ( VT
) activities.
Long-term goals focus on outside employment
and reunion
with the family, preparing her for life
outside The Banyan.
The resident participates in regular counselling sessions
individually and together with residents from the same geographical
and cultural area. The group therapies are conducted in groups
of 5-6 and use interactive methods, such as role-play, games
and discussions, focussing on:
· Insight and Medication
· Interpersonal skills
· Intrapersonal skills
· Etiquette and Grooming
· Family: Responsibility and
Accountability
· Life goals and priorities
The Banyan also implements various innovative therapies in
the treatment process, to individualise the course of treatment.
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| Meditation
and silence |
The residents are asked to observe silence over a period
of time, making room for free association, free flow
of thoughts and feelings, so that after some time the
silent thoughts seek verbal outlets and thus help the
therapist to translate thoughts into motive-related
acts, moods and behavioural patterns.
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| Sharing |
Meditation, followed by a session of sharing, enables
freedom of expression that several residents, owing
to various forms of deprivation of social rights, have
forgotten to exercise. During these sessions, common
feelings of hurt, anger and shame emerge, giving way
to ideologies and empowerment.
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| Recreational
patterns of therapy |
These patterns on a superficial level are of recreational
value to the residents. However, on a more concrete
level of therapy, the walks, songs, dance sessions and
picnics prove to be positive and encouraging to the
residents, making them aware of their rights to be one
amongst others in society.
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