Jane came to Highfield Park in 2010 she initially lived in Holly and then moved in to Pine Cottages where she shared a home with one other lady.
Jane’s companion moved out in 2013 and Jane spent some time living alone, which she did not enjoy as she felt the responsibility of looking after the home on her own too great and she missed the company of others.
It was identified that another home on the park – The Lodge, might be suitable to meet Jane’s needs, and following a successful transitional period, Jane moved in to the Lodge in December 2013, initially sharing with two other ladies.
Friendships were immediately forged between the three ladies and they found that they shared many similar interests. Household chores were shared amongst the three ladies and staff team and when one of her friends moved out of the service Jane began speaking with staff about her own future aspirations, and how living with minimal support nearer to mum was her ultimate goal.
Following open and honest conversations between Jane and the staff, it was agreed that Jane would need to improve her daily living skills which could help lead to the independence she aspired to. We set about making realistic plans with Jane which identified everything she would need to be able to do to achieve this including keeping herself safe and well, keeping her home clean, cooking nutritious meals, managing her finances and being able to access the community for her personal shopping and activities where she interacted with others appropriately.
After 12 months of hard work, Jane is now using the local bus service to access the community independently to attend the gym twice weekly, and for her personal shopping and days out.
With some education, Jane is now choosing nutritious meals and is cooking occasional meals for the home with minimal support.
Jane has re-established good relationships with family members, visiting them and receiving visits to her home and Jane is working hard to overcome her shyness to enable her to meet new people and make friends. As a result of her hard work and her enjoyment of singing, Jane was involved in the annual Eisteddfod in Llangollen, where together with other members of the singing group, they stood centre stage and performed a song to rapturous applause.
Jane is also now volunteering 2 days a week in a local charity shop, where she prices items, sorts the stocks out and is a respected member of the team. Jane is keen to reach her goal but realises it will take time, but in the meantime, Jane is making excellent progress towards achieving this.
From the staff team’s perspective, we are seeing Jane flourish, she is really taking on board the advice and guidance she is offered and her confidence is building in all areas.
For me and my staff team, these are the true rewards of our job.
Written by Trudi Martin – Lodge Home Manager
