‘I’ve got freedom here’: Sarah thrives at our Doncaster supported living service!

Sarah, who is supported at our three-person supported living service run by Living Ambitions, part of Lifeways, has been developing her independent living skills since she moved in nine months ago.

Sarah is in her sixties and has a learning disability. She uses a wheelchair and, before joining our service, had several failed community placements and was also in hospital.

To ensure Sarah's placement was a success, we made sure her transition to the Doncaster service was slow and steady, and worked with her previous provider to get to know her and her needs better. Adjustments were also made to her room, such as installing a ceiling track hoist to aid her mobility.

Initially, Sarah required a lot of support due to her physical disabilities and needed two support team members each night. However, she now only needs one.

Closely involved

Luckily for her support team, Sarah likes to be closely involved in co-producing her support.

"Sarah loves to know everything about her care and support," says Debbie Gilliland, Service Manager.

"She thrives on involvement and participation. So, when we complete her support plans, risk assessments, and meetings, she loves being involved and having her input."

According to Sarah, her desire to co-produce her support comes from her wish "to do things well."

"I like being able to tell staff what support I want to receive," she says.

When asked what the best thing about living at the Doncaster service is, Sarah replies, "I've got freedom."

Sarah’s biggest passion

Baking, with support from her team, is her biggest passion, and she adds, "I get to do baking."

Caption: Sarah likes to keep busy baking!

Sarah’s team have printed out a collection of recipes for her. She also enjoys sewing and doing jigsaws.

Debbie and the team are currently planning to support Sarah with more housing-related tasks, such as dusting and cooking her own dinner. "We want to further her independence," says Debbie.

Last year, Sarah's support team supported her in fulfilling a long-held wish - to go on holiday. Sarah, along with housemates Christine and Denise, went to Blackpool for a week, where the highlight was a ballroom dance in their wheelchairs.

Sarah's wider support team is delighted with the success of this placement, particularly given the breakdown of previous placements.

It's great to see you thriving, Sarah!

 

About Living Ambitions and Lifeways:

Lifeways, alongside Living Ambitions, which is part of the group, operates many supported living services in and around Doncaster.

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. 

As the supported living sector’s largest team of professionals, Lifeways’ extensive experience and national reach mean we deliver extraordinary support to adults, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives in the community. 

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