Jason living his life, his way

After more than 30 years living at home with his parents, Jason is embarking on a rite of passage many young people experience – moving out of home for the first time.

For Jason, who lives with a disability, this is an exciting step towards greater independence.

Jason has moved into a SHIFT Accessible Homes’ Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), just 3km from the family home where he grew up.

Rocky Bay first met Jason and his mum, Debbie, last year as they prepared for this life-changing transition.

At the time, Jason shared why the move was so important to him.

“I want to move because it’s my choice and not being forced to make the decision when Mum and Dad are too old or sick or dead,” Jason said.

Now settling into his new home in Duncraig, Jason is sharing the space with two housemates of similar age and enjoying the comforts and independence that come with having your own place.

“It feels very good,” Jason said.

“This is different from what I used to experience when I went to respite. I never got to have things like my own bathroom and that was really important to me.”

Having a spacious, accessible bathroom was one of Jason’s top priorities when choosing a home.

SHIFT Accessible Homes SDA’s accessible design, including a wheelchair-accessible kitchen, has opened new possibilities for Jason, allowing him to contribute to the household cooking.

“Because Mum and Dad’s kitchen wasn’t accessible, I could never get in there to do anything,” Jason said.

“Here with support workers, I’m given tasks I know I can do independently, instead of ones I need help with, so I don’t get frustrated,” Jason said.

Jason and his housemates are getting to know each other and building bonds that come from sharing a space with peers their age.

They enjoy coming into the main room to play games like Monopoly and UNO and are planning future outings to the local coffee shop.

For Debbie, seeing her son living in a supportive and happy home is a huge relief and a proud milestone.

“Independence is one of Jason’s main goals, and he’s well on the way to achieving it,” Debbie said.

“It’s so nice to walk into the home and hear laughter and happy voices,” Debbie said.

With Jason settling into this chapter of his life, Debbie looks forward to reclaiming some of the spontaneity that full-time caring doesn’t always allow.

“Hopefully, some spontaneity might come back, and we’ll have more opportunities to connect with family and friends.

That’s really important,” Debbie said.

Debbie praised Rocky Bay’s staff for their vital role in paving the way for a successful transition to independent living.

“The staff have been fantastic, they make everyone feel relaxed,” Debbie said.

“Seeing Jason connect with each of his roommates just makes me feel good,” Debbie said.

Jason is now focused on personalising his room with family photos and images of his beloved pets and continuing to get out into the local community he knows so well.

“It’s so important they go out into the community,” Debbie said

“That’s how people get to know them, and the more they do that, the more they’ll feel part of it,” Debbie said.

Discover more about SHIFT Accessible Homes SDA’s here: https://www.shifthomes.org.au/