A journey to empowerment through Person-Centred care

Overview

Situation upon arrival

Megan (Meg), a resident at Dandelion House’s (DH) Supported Independent Living (SIL) home in Cameron Park, NSW, came into care a year ago.

Prior to joining DH, Meg had been living in another SIL home, where she struggled with instability due to constantly changing support workers and an unsettled environment.

These challenges led to significant fear and uncertainty when she first moved into DH care.

The early months

“I was really scared at first,” says Meg. “It was a new environment, and I didn’t know what to expect. The Supports were always changing in the last place, and that made it hard to trust anyone.”

Though the transition was difficult, the team at DH worked tirelessly to create consistency and structure, which Meg needed to feel secure. Under the leadership of Nyree (Manager) and Shelley (House manager), DH began to feel more like a close-knit team, allowing Meg to gradually become more comfortable.

Meg’s care plan evolution and environment

Meg has been living full-time at a DH residence in Cameron Park for over a year. Her care needs were significant when she first arrived, particularly in managing her Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and creating a stable routine to prevent behavioural outbursts related to frustration and trust issues.

At the start, Meg required one-on-one support, a new experience for her, as she had previously been in a house with several other participants, each needing attention.

Meg explained how crucial the 1-1 support has been – “Having one-on-one support has made a huge difference. I can do a lot more now and I feel safer”, she said. “I don’t have to wait for the ‘right time’ to talk to someone – the support is always there when I need it and that gives me peace of mind. As I’m less anxious, it’s easier to focus on learning new things and motivate myself“.

DH’s initial approach to Meg’s care focused on consistency, routines, and person-centred support.

The team underwent specialised behavioural support training to ensure they could address Meg’s specific needs and settle into her new environment smoothly.

One team member is always present to support Meg throughout the day with regular activities like cooking, personal care, and house maintenance. They also work with Meg on planning and attending social and skills building activities. At 10.30pm, the House Manager takes over Meg’s care.

Slowly, Meg learned new skills to build her independence. She now enjoys taking part in the cooking and cleaning tasks, and she independently tends to the garden around her Dandelion House SIL home. She has become quite skilled in upcycling and decorating furniture, reflecting a growing confidence and autonomy.

On Person-focussed Support

Meg points out that one of the standout aspects of her care is the unwavering focus on person-centred support. Rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all approach, Meg says that DH tailors the care to her unique needs and also leaves room for preferences.

“It’s not just about being innovative,” Meg explains. “They’re fully committed to helping me succeed in my own way.”

This level of attention and collaboration on planning her care has allowed her to thrive, building a greater sense of self-worth and capability.
In the year that Meg has been with DH, her sense of wellbeing has significantly improved. She feels safer and more secure, which has had a profound effect on her mental health and overall happiness.

Growth & Progress

Now and the Future

Meg counts one of the best outcomes of her care as the improvement in family relationships, with more frequent and meaningful communication now possible due to her improved state of wellbeing.

“I talk to my family more often now – almost every day, whereas before it was maybe once a week”, Meg shares. “We’re excited to see each other more, and we can focus on spending time together without worrying about everything else”.

Meg’s next goal is to explore employment opportunities.
With the support of DH, Meg is now looking into admin roles through a local day program, which could involve tasks like answering phones and managing spreadsheets.

“I’m excited about the possibility of working and learning new skills,” Meg says. “It’s a big change, but I’m ready for it”.

Comments from Meg’s Supports

“Meg’s journey with DH highlights the power of person-centred care and the importance of consistency in creating a supportive environment.

In just one year, Meg made remarkable progress, transforming her daily life and relationships. We’re thrilled to be part of Meg’s journey with Dandelion House, and that our tailored approach has given her the confidence to pursue new opportunities. And she continues to grow, one step at a time.”