Jenny recently celebrated her 61st birthday, we’d like to tell you a little bit more about her inspirational story……

Jenny has an intellectual disability and other medical conditions. Sadly her Mother passed away, and her elderly Father took ill within 12 months of Jenny’s Mother passing. With no other informal support network or family to care for Jenny, she was placed in an aged care facility. Due to subsequent medical issues, she was transferred to her local Hospital where she resided for TEN (yes ten!) years.

Jenny had a social worker at the hospital who (thankfully) looked into getting her an NDIS plan, as well as searching for a service provider who offered supported accommodation – enter Interaction Services.

Jenny has learned to maintain friendships with her housemates. This was difficult for her as she came from a very sterile environment at the Hospital, and unfortunately with no friends. She has learned that meeting new people isn’t so scary after all, and now has a bunch of friends from Interaction’s weekly craft, music and bowling activities.

With the help of Support Workers Jenny has not only developed her social skills, but also developed skills to maintain appropriate hygiene and appearance, which she takes pride in (she loves to accessorise!). Not to mention the success she has had in developing independent living skills such as cooking dinner, baking desserts, doing her washing and chores. Jenny enjoys praise from staff and housemates when these tasks are completed.

Due to the nature of Jenny’s history, initially there were some difficult times in the home with the other housemates, this was to be expected with the transition. With the assistance of Interaction’s Behaviour & Allied Health Services team, Support Workers and understanding and friendship from Jenny’s housemates, it didn’t take too long before there was more harmony in the house than difficulty. Staff, housemates and Jenny are now all like sisters which is great to see.

Jenny has a key Support Worker – Holly – who has been particularly supportive with Jenny during this transition. She is very appreciative of all the work Holly puts in to support Jennifer to achieve her goals. Holly always finds fun and exciting activities for Jenny to partake in, and she really enjoys the 1:1 time she gets with Holly.

Jenny has done exceptionally well in finding herself again. Her independence level has soared. There’s still some goals for Jenny to achieve, but she’s well on her way – the staff and her housemates enjoy watching her blossom each day!

If you’re looking for a service provider who has an exceptional Support Worker network and high quality accommodation facilities then look no further than Interaction Services.