There has been a lot of celebrations in Chris’s life lately. He recently turned 50, and it’s been one year since he moved out of home for the first time. The move was made possible by his NDIS funding, providing greater independence for Chris. It has also given his family peace of mind that he’ll have the care and support he needs into the future.
Chris has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He was born with a benign brain tumour that doctors’ thought may be life threatening at a young age. Not only did Chris prove them wrong, but he went on to represent Australia at the Special Olympics in Dublin in 2003, winning a bronze model in running. He has since retired from sport, but his achievements are indicative of someone who thrives on routine and purpose.
“Christopher’s been blessed with reasonably good health,” says stepdad Gary. “I think his wellbeing is all about routine. He likes to be busy, to have purpose. That sense of self-worth has kept him in good stead.”
For most of his life Chris lived at home with his mum Carmel, stepdad Gary and his two stepsisters, Tracey and Rebecca. The blended family were close knit and provided the routine and support that Chris relied on to live a full, happy life. For more than ten years that has included attending Sylvanvale’s Sutherland Community Hub.
The Hub provides a routine and sense of purpose that Gary says is positive for Chris. It directly supports him in working towards his NDIS goals of being more independent and building relationships. Chris keeps busy at the Hub with doing laundry, helping in the kitchen, and making sure other clients have had their morning tea. He is known for his banter with the staff, often cracking a joke. He also shows his caring side by looking out for his housemate and friend Alan while they are at the Hub. Chris is also known to belt out a few tunes at karaoke whenever the opportunity arises.
Life as they knew it changed suddenly 3 years ago, when Carmel passed away after a short illness. Gary was approaching 70, and the family started to think about who would care for Chris when Gary was no longer able. With the support of Chris’s extended family network, they began to explore options.
The family were told about a new Supported Independent Living (SIL) property that Sylvanvale was renovating in Loftus. It was located a few suburbs from the family home, and close to Chris’s day program. Based on the style of property, and other prospective residents, they thought it might be a good fit.
Chris was already a NDIS participant, receiving funding for the day program he was attending. For Chris to be able to move to SIL accommodation, they would need to apply to the NDIS for a change of circumstance. With the help of a support coordinator from Sylvanvale, the family started the process of applying for a change of circumstance. Supporting evidence was needed from Chris’s GP and neurologist. An occupational therapist was engaged to work with Chris and prepare the change of circumstance submission. For Gary and his family, having support was critical to getting the right outcome for Chris’s future.
“It took a lot of time and effort to ensure the proper preparation of the paperwork. Then there was the wait while the NDIS assessed it and did their follow up,” he said. “If Christopher didn’t have people advocating for him, it would be very, very onerous. It’s not an easy process.”
It took several months for the family to receive a decision on the additional NDIS funding. It was an uncertain and stressful time. When the approval finally came through from the NDIS, there was a great sense of relief.
The application process with Sylvanvale could now move forward. This included several meetings and a matching process to make sure that Chris and his future housemates were compatible and that their support needs could be met. In the months that followed, preparations could finally start for Chris to move to his new home.
Sylvanvale developed a transition plan that would help Chris adapt to his new surroundings and routine. The bedroom in his new home was set up to be the same as his room at home. At the start Chris would spend three days a week at Loftus, and four at his family home. With a lot of positive reinforcement from family and friends, Chris was soon living full time at Loftus. Chris still chooses to spend weekends with his family including quality time with the family dog, Harry.
Content in his new home in Loftus, Chris enjoys his routine of listening to music, playing solitaire, eating dinner at 5pm, and watching his favourite TV show Tipping Point. He has found his place among his new housemates and takes it upon himself to look out for them when they need support.
Chris’s family are proud of all that he is achieving; he is making positive progress towards his NDIS goals of being more independent and has built new relationships. Chris has met the challenges of significant changes in his life and has maintained and built upon on his daily routine. Driven by his sense of purpose, Chris is making more decisions for himself and making up his own mind about things that affect him.
Would you like to know how Sylvanvale can help someone you care for?
Contact our friendly Service Planning Team on 1300 244 577 or email customers@sylvanvale.com.au
