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Mandy
Mandy has found happiness, independence and a place to call...
Neil
Rocky Bay customer Neil is mainly non-verbal and has grown into a happy, healthy and thoughtful young man who loves people, travelling, dancing and music.
Neil has lived at home with his parents since birth, but thanks to Rocky Bay’s Supported Accommodation, he is now living a more independent life.
Neil’s Father Peter said Neil was nearly totally dependent on his parents for all his home and recreational needs, with the family believing independent living would improve his personal independence and life skills.
“He was becoming bored with living with us, having limited opportunities to meet new people and go to new places of interest,” Peter said.
“We’ve been the primary carers with little family support and we’re not getting any younger,” Peter said.
The story continues...
Rocky Bay’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides people living with disability the opportunity to live more independently while receiving 24/7 access to trained support workers.
With the decision made to pursue SIL, the Rocky Bay team, along with Neil’s parents Peter and Kate, carefully planned and implemented the move.
This included an initial day visit, a meal with other occupants and then a sleepover before Neil moved in permanently.
“The transition for Neil has been relatively smooth and successful,” Peter said.
“The fact that he understood all this and was chomping at the bit to go alleviated our worries.
“Carol and the other support workers integrated him slowly… which helped enormously,” Peter said.
Since moving into SIL, Neil’s daily life has changed significantly.
Neil now engages in a variety of social and recreational activities and is taking on more personal responsibilities.
“He is now transported to all his workplaces… uses his bike much more, under supervision,” Peter said.
“He has daily interactions with the other occupants and an array of different carers too.
“He is also learning to care more for himself, including cooking and clothes washing duties,” Peter said.
How we helped
Neil’s social life is also flourishing, now with access to discos, outings, swimming, gym sessions and movie nights.
Neil’s independence, confidence and wellbeing has also improved since he moved in.
“Family and friends who’ve seen him since the move have commented that he’s talking more than he used to,” Peter said.
Peter said the change has benefited their family.
“We have more time for each other and very much less stressed,” Peter said.
The family credits the Rocky Bay team with Neil’s successful transition.
“Their professionalism and understanding of what such a life changing move this meant for us shone through from our first phone contact,” Peter said, acknowledging the support of team members Emma, Carol and Harry.
“This meant a lot to us, as we knew we were in friendly, capable hands and gave us the confidence to push on.
“They’ve listened to us, and Neil, about what we believe he wants and needs to have a more fulfilling life and set goals and targets to try and achieve them,” Peter said.
Support from Rocky Bay has extended to organising new medical providers, handling NDIS and Centrelink administration, and coordinating with employers and service providers.
Peter strongly recommends SIL to other families, believing that moving away from home and seeking a more independent life should be an option for everyone.
“The SIL system should definitely be maintained and suitably funded to allow more people to access it… and allow their parents a level of independence and freedom from what would be a lifelong caring role so they can also better enjoy their time left too,” Peter said.
For more information about Supported Independent Living at Rocky Bay, visit our website: https://www.rockybay.org.au/services/accommodation/
A few words
They’ve listened to us, and Neil, about what we believe he wants and needs to have a more fulfilling life and set goals and targets to try and achieve them
- Peter, Neil's Father
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