Mandy has found happiness, independence and a place to call home with Shift Accessible Homes and Rocky Bay.
Mandy’s journey has been anything but easy.
After a hospital stay in 2021, followed by a stroke seven months later, she struggled to see a future for herself.
Mandy’s sister Cindy said after the stroke, Mandy thought she’d never be able to do anything ever again.
“Mandy was very upset and distraught,” Cindy said.
Everything changed when Mandy moved into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
“She was so excited and could not wait,” Cindy said.
“Once she got into the home, she was like, ‘This is my home.’ She was quite emotional.
“While she’s been in there, she’s gotten back out into the community and she’s set in a routine.
“She refers to her Rocky Bay carers as her family, she’s so happy,” Cindy said.
Since moving in, Mandy has regained her independence and engages with her community in a way that is important for her.
“Yes, I’m enjoying it,” Mandy said.
“I can go out into the community and Munsaka (Rocky Bay Team Leader) is so sweet,” Mandy said.
Mandy’s daily life is filled with meaningful activities that contribute to her self-worth.
“Mandy is supported to do her washing, she checks the mail, she does her crafts and it gives her that independence,” Cindy said.
“She never thought she could do all these things in a wheelchair – they are only little things to us but to her they are huge,” Cindy said.
Cindy said SDA caters to Mandy’s every need.
“Mandy can put her own washing in the machine because the laundry room is designed for wheelchair access,” Cindy said.
“The kitchen is wheelchair accessible, so she can make her breakfast and lunch, when she wants to,” Cindy said.
For Cindy and their family, Mandy’s move into SDA has been life changing and given them a sense of relief.
“We knew that SDA was the best care that could be given to Mandy,” Cindy said.
“It certainly was peace of mind for us knowing she was getting cared for and has access to the equipment that she needs,” Cindy said.
Cindy’s advice for other families considering SDA for a loved one is to start the process into SDA earlier, if possible.
“As much as you want to keep them close, wrapped in glad wrap and protect them from everything, it’s good for them to have their own independence and their own community,” Cindy said.
Now Mandy is happy and safe, and that is all her family can ask for.
“We can’t even say in words how grateful we are to Rocky Bay,” Cindy said.
“I know if anything happens to myself or my family, she’s got her life here, she’s happy, she’s comfortable and she’ll be okay.
“It’s all any family wants for their loved one,” Cindy concluded.
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