Transitioning from a residential service to a supported living apartment: Caroline’s story
What do you do if you live with a learning disability and physical limitations, and it’s no longer safe to live at home?
For Caroline, there were several steps in her journey transitioning from home to her own self-contained supported living apartment with Lifeways.
After a spell in hospital from injuries sustained from a fall, it wasn’t safe for Caroline to go back home. So Caroline moved to an emergency placement at a residential service with another provider, in Cambridgeshire.
While at the service, Caroline felt settled, and got on well with other people there – although the residential setting wasn’t appropriate for her needs.
However, Caroline didn’t feel like moving just yet. So instead of formally assessing Caroline’s situation straight away, Lifeways’ team in the Peterborough, Cambridge and Norfolk region first spent time getting to know her.
Getting to know you
Despite the pandemic limiting face-to-face visits, Launa Hughes, Lifeways’ Enquiry, Referral and Assessment Manager in the area got to know Caroline via a weekly video call.
Over several months, the two got acquainted – and Launa got to find out Caroline’s likes, dislikes, and support preferences.
When Caroline felt more comfortable, Launa introduced her to more people at Lifeways.
Caroline met Victoria Thornton, the service manager of the newly-opened Barber Gardens, a Lifeways supported living service in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. The service is made up of 15 self-contained one-bedroom apartments and three one-bedroom bungalows.
Over video calls, Caroline was given virtual tours of the service – and liked what she saw.
More than happy
While on the video calls, Caroline was also introduced to several of the people we support at Barber Gardens, who were more than happy to spend time with someone who might be moving in.
Then, at the beginning of March, after a transition of several months, Caroline moved to Barber Gardens where she’s settling in well.
As a large part of Caroline’s transition process was held virtually, over video calls, she’s already built up a rapport with other individuals at Barber Gardens, and the Support Team.
While moving home twice during a pandemic isn’t normally an ideal situation, for Caroline, it’s been a great opportunity to be able to plan further ahead – and to take the time to get to know a new place.
Welcome Caroline – and we’re so glad to support you!
About Lifeways:
As the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community, Lifeways supports adults with complex needs.
These include acquired brain injuries, learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions.
Our extensive experience and national reach mean that we deliver extraordinary support to adults.
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