A place to call home

Moving out of home for the first time is a huge step for anyone.

When you have additional support needs, it can feel even more overwhelming.

But having suitable accommodation and a disability support provider that works with you, can help ensure a smooth transition.

Faye and her husband Mick have a son Alex, 32, who has cerebral palsy. He moved into his own specially designed and built home with another young man Rhys, two years ago.

Rhys is his best friend who he’s known since he was 18 months old.

“We had become good friends with his parents, Thelma and Rob,” Faye explained.

“We discussed the need to provide a solution where they could live together safely and comfortably - and that’s basically what happened."

The families got together to navigate the, at times complicated, funding and building process.

With the generous support of a nephew Nick, who is an architect, a light, airy and comfortable home was designed and built in Avondale Heights, Melbourne. Nick’s partner Mel and her parents’ family firm Tectura Architects provided expert guidance.

The families decided on InLife as the Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider for the home.

With the help of the InLife Sunshine team headed up by Daniella Martin, they slowly moved the young men into the home together.

“Alex had rarely accessed respite - it was a big move,” Faye explained emotionally.

“They did a slow transition into the house, they’d go and have a meal there, they’d get to know the carers."

In time, the young men began to feel comfortable and at home. A third housemate also moved in.

“Alex’s amazing, he’s coped really well, it’s his home now,” Faye said.

Faye said the diverse group of support workers in the home had also become “a lovely family.”

And when the couple recently went on an overseas trip they felt confident that Alex was well supported and cared for.

‘It worked out perfectly, even going away for six weeks and knowing he was in good hands. The team showed great care and compassion when Alex became quite unwell,” Faye said.

“If something happens to us, he’s okay, even all those little things, medication and taking him to the doctor - and that’s what you want.”