"BSL Plus have supported my dad, within a residential care home, for the past 15 months. For me, it has been a pleasure and a comfort to see the development of a respectful relationship between dad and his regular interpreters. This in one of the reasons why dad's support has worked well, he is only allocated the same two or three professionals. This has allowed them to understand dad's changing communication support needs as his diagnosis for Alzheimer's is effecting his ability to proficiently produce sign language and, very sadly, receive and understand sign language.

With his interpreters dad has access to activities that he finds interesting and stimulating. He has participated in cooking lessons, gardening club and art classes. On days when he has his interpreters he always has something to tell me, he remembers where he's been and what he's done. It adds value to his life at the care home.

One of the loveliest things I witnessed was during a surprise visit I made. Dad was in the coffee lounge surrounded by other residents and care home staff. Dad was at a table with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. What was so beautiful was watching him and DW read a newspaper together. Dad was reading an article then looking to David who discussed it in detail with him. You could see the warm, supportive, respectful relationship that had been established.

During the last year dad has lost two family members: his last remaining sibling and his great grandson. BSL Plus were gracious and supportive. Dad had full BSL support at both the funeral and the wake. It cannot be underestimated how wonderful it was for his family to have him with us and to witness how he was able to follow and participate in these very sad occasions. Because of this support dad was able to discuss his participation, his thoughts, his observations. He was with his family when it was needed the most.

To conclude: BSL Plus provide professional, proactive, caring interpreters who have enriched my dad's life within his care home setting. I now do not visit dad on the mornings when he has support as I know he is safe, engaged in the life of the care home, and happy. This support has enriched dad's later life, and brought me peace of mind. A great addition to the wrap around support that dad receives at the care home. He is active, respected and loved. He is an excellent example of how life can be lived to his potential and his wishes within a residential care home setting as a Deaf person."

S.A