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Spending time in Normansfield: changes in the day to day life of Patricia Collen
Author(s) -
Cadbury Heather,
Whitmore Michelle
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
british journal of learning disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 1354-4187
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3156.2010.00636.x
Subject(s) - rationing , institution , clothing , day care , psychology , gerontology , sociology , gender studies , political science , health care , medicine , law , social science
Accessible summary• Patricia Collen lived at Normansfield from 1926 to 1997. • In the beginning, she had expensive clothes, and her father visited regularly. • The Second World War led to rationing of food and clothes. • In 1951, Normansfield was sold to the National Health Service. • Gradually clothes became shared by everyone, and there was little planned activity. • In 1978, a Public Inquiry reported on the appalling conditions at Normansfield. • Now living in her own home (aged 94), Patricia has become: the best dressed lady in Teddington.Summary The article explores the changes in care over the years for people with a learning disability by focusing on the life story of one individual, Patricia Collen, who spent many years within an institution. Her story shows that it is possible for people with a learning disability to live a full and active life, either in the community or within an institution. But Patricia’s life has changed considerably in recent years, and she is now supported by staff who respect her and provide her with individualised care. Patricia now makes many more decisions for herself and fills her time with things she likes to do. The provision of sufficient money has been another important factor which affected Patricia’s life over the years.