Supporting Families Initiative
Jo and her parents Bill and Theresa were involved in the Ageing Carer’s Initiative a few years ago.
The Initiative provided support and planning to older people who care for someone with a disability.
“It really opened our eyes,” said Bill. “We never thought about what would happen to Jo when we died; I guess we just thought the family would look after her.”
Now everyone in the family has an entirely different outlook. They have all shared in the planning of Jo’s future with facilitator David Silvagni, looking at options like shared supported accommodation or a family unit.
Jo is also being supported once a fortnight to do trips and activities, developing her confidence and skills, and giving Bill and Theresa a break from their carers’ role.
“I hope to move out of home one day, because I want to live my life like everyone else,” said Jo.
“When you’re caring for a child with a disability, you don’t like to think about the future but it’s terribly, terribly important that you do,” said Bill. “We all found it difficult to talk about at times, but the project has led the way in steering us into a positive and definite direction.”
“What do they say – there’s nothing more definite than change?”
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