‘I get more support here than if I was in a flat:’ what independence looks like for Blaise, who lives at our Bedford residential service
Residential care homes are not always associated with independence.
But as everyone who works in social care knows, independence means something entirely different to each person.
And for Blaise, living a more independent life means spending lots of time out and about, volunteering, and reading books – all while taking comfort in 24/7 on-site support.
Blaise is in his fifties. He’s lived at our Kimbolton Avenue residential service in Bedford for close to two decades. Before that, he lived at a secure hospital in Northampton.
Sadly, the secure hospital – a Victorian-era purpose-built mental health facility – proved to be a restrictive environment for Blaise. To pass the time, Blaise became a keen reader.
Caption: Blaise and Kimbolton's team leader, Siza Kilumanga (centre), have become friends, and share plenty in common.
“I did a lot of reading when I was [at the secure hospital],” said Blaise. “I [used to] get through a book in two days,” he recalled, holding a thick tome in his hand.
Blaise’s love of literature – a mix of fact and fiction – has stayed with him. By choice, his bedroom resembles a library, with its floor-to-ceiling shelves. However, these days, Blaise has plenty of other activities to occupy him.
For the last six years, he has volunteered at a charity shop, just a twenty-minute walk away. As a lover of routine, Blaise works at the till there every Tuesday and Thursday.
Then, on Saturdays, Blaise works for two hours in a paid role – serving coffee in a nearby café.
Back at Kimbolton Avenue, Blaise kindly volunteers with various domestic chores, such as cutting the grass and putting out the bins.
Having fun
When he’s not working or volunteering, Blaise has plenty of fun. He still reads plenty of books – at least one a month.
But for Blaise, an even greater joy comes from the fact that his service is close to Bedford’s town centre, and that he’s able to go out whenever he pleases.
Caption: Goals met - Blaise reaching the finish line at the Bedford Running Festival, alongside Fizz and Caroline, his supporters at the local running club.
“I’m so central to everything,” Blaise said. He also enjoys living within walking distance of his mum, sister, and niece, who also live in Bedford.
“You’re what, 20 minutes away from downtown… 20 minutes away from Mum.”
In town, Blaise enjoys bowling and the cinema. He also likes going out to eat “when I feel like it.”
Keeping fit
Blaise also likes to keep fit. This September, after months of training with the running group of local charity Living It Up, he completed the annual Bedford Running Festival’s 5K run in 42 minutes.
Caption: The grin of champions - after months of hard training, Blaise completed the 5k run at the Bedford Running Festival this September.
As Blaise’s confidence has grown, his social life has also expanded. He enjoys five different friendship and support groups: friends he’s made at the charity shop, the café, the running group, his family, and friends at Kimbolton Avenue.
Making friends
One of Blaise’s friends is Kimbolton Avenue’s support team leader, Siza Kilumanga. Siza – pronounced ‘See-za’ – has worked at the residential service for the last half-decade. Over the years, he and Blaise have formed a close bond.
Both men are of a similar age, and by coincidence, both grew up in Africa – Blaise in Malawi, and Siza in neighbouring Tanzania. Siza often invites Blaise to go into town with the wider support team and other people who live at Kimbolton Avenue.
“When I started here, we didn't know each other, but we’ve become very close, me and Blaise,” said Siza.
“I've seen the change in him since I've come here,” added Siza. “At first, he was quite reserved, but now he's become quite open and happy, and he's joining us in activities.”
‘A safe, safe environment’
Due to the fact that Kimbolton Avenue is a residential service, with round-the-clock support, Blaise has found a balance of independence and support that works for him.
“If I'm out and I have any problems during the day, it's nice to come back and say what's happened during the day,” he said. “And then the problem gets solved,” said Blaise.
“I get more support here than if I was in a flat,” Blaise added.
“Because of the support here, you've got 24/7 and night staff. It’s just a safe, safe environment.”
“I'm in a better place now,” said Blaise, comparing his life now with his life at the secure hospital.
“And it's just being with family or being near family and, just [being able to do] day-to-day tasks, really.”
‘So proud’
Another person key to Blaise’s support is Kimbolton Avenue’s Registered Manager, Grace Deegan.
“Blaise has become more independent,” she said, noting that his confidence and communication skills have grown. “He comes, and he’ll tell us what he’s feeling.”
Caption: Grace Deegan, Kimbolton Avenue's Registered Manager, takes personal pride in knowing that Blaise and the three other men who receive support at the service can enjoy better lives.
“It just makes me so proud to see somebody be happy, or change, or feel at ease, and feel that this is their home,” Grace added.
England’s care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has noticed too.
In February last year, the regulator rated Kimbolton Avenue as ‘Good’, adding in its inspection report: “people's outcomes were consistently good, and people's feedback confirmed this.”
It’s great to support you, Blaise!
About Kimbolton Avenue:
At Kimbolton Avenue people are supported to live with independence.
This six-bedroom property has a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, a laundry room and a conservatory. There is one communal bathroom and three ensuite bathrooms too - all wet room-style while two include a bath.
Kimbolton Avenue received an extensive renovation last year.
The service is run by Lifeways.
About Lifeways:
Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.
We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.
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