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A home for Raymond, and peace of mind for Colleen
For Raymond, finding the right home and support has meant more than having somewhere safe to live.
It has given him the opportunity to build a life with the right support around him, while giving his mum, Colleen, something she has spent years worrying about: peace of mind about her son's future.
Raymond lives with chronic paranoid schizophrenia and was diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease 12 months ago. Following a stay at Royal Perth Hospital, he moved into Ability WA's from hospital to home accommodation in Coolbinia.
For Colleen, who is now in her 80s, it was an important turning point.
“I had no hesitation in wanting Raymond, once he'd left Coolbinia, to seek supported independent living again with Ability.”
Finding the right support
Raymond's time in Coolbinia gave Colleen the opportunity to see the difference the right environment and support team could make.
The staff, social worker and nurse worked together to support Raymond, giving Colleen confidence that he was safe and well cared for.“That was probably the best thing that happened to Ray.”
It was this experience that helped Colleen feel confident about Raymond continuing with Ability WA through Supported Independent Living.
The move for Raymond has meant having ongoing support around him while living in a home where he can feel comfortable, secure and cared for.
It has also meant something important for Colleen, she knew her son was well cared for by a specialised team, instead of having to support him by herself.
“When you see how well he's cared for and looked after I always walk away thinking I'm happy, I'm not worrying about him. I know he's safe and that's the main thing.”
Independence looks different for everyone
For Raymond, independence does not necessarily mean doing everything alone. It means having the right support to live his life with greater choice, stability and confidence.
Supported Independent Living gives Raymond access to assistance with the things he needs, while allowing him to maintain a sense of home and routine.
With the right people around him, Raymond can spend his days in a safe and supportive environment, with care that is responsive to his changing needs.
For Colleen, seeing Raymond settled and well supported has brought reassurance.
Knowing Raymond will be cared for into the future
For many senior parents of adults living with disabilities, thinking about the future can bring difficult questions.
What happens when I can no longer provide the same level of support?
Who will know my adult child well enough to understand what he needs?
Who will be there for them when I'm no longer here?
As parents age, these questions become increasingly important. With their abilities to provide the same level of physical care they once could has naturally changing.
Having a consistent support team around Raymond means Colleen can look beyond what happens today and feel more confident about what comes next.
It means knowing that Raymond's support does not have to depend solely on his mum or another family member being there to provide it.
Most importantly, it means Raymond can continue to have people around him who know him, understand his needs and can support him as those needs change over time.
Support that grows with you
At Ability WA, we know that the right support can make a meaningful difference at every stage of life.
For Raymond, Supported Independent Living has provided a home where he can feel safe, supported and cared for, while giving him the opportunity to live with greater independence.
For Colleen, it has provided the confidence that her son has a future surrounded by people who will continue to support him, even when she is no longer able to do so herself. Wen asked what she wan’t for Raymond, her answer is the same as most parents, for their child to be:
“Safe, loved, well cared for.”
Those are the words Colleen uses to describe what she wants for her son. Today, she can see that reflected in the life Raymond is building with Ability WA.
To learn more about Ability WA's Home and Living options, email info@abilitywa.com.au,call 1300 106 106 or submit an enquiry below.
Explore Ability WA's Specialist Disability Accommodation options to learn more about purpose-built homes designed to support greater independence, choice and quality of life.
