An individual with learning disabilities is preparing for a new life in the community after being supported to undertake a local college course.
David moved to Priory Adult Care's Aire House, Harrogate in early 2012 and with support from the staff undertook an ‘Independence Training’ course, which teaches students life skills, such as using public transport, shopping, money management, healthy lifestyle choices and basic literacy and numeracy.
He was actively supported within Aire House to further develop skills for independent living including cooking and laundry. Staff also worked to build his self-confidence and self-belief.
In September 2012 David was assessed as being ready to make the transition into a supported living service and staff began to promote his understanding of supported living and how it would change his life.
David was made aware of the choices he would be able to make and was supported to access a range of new day activities to enable him to decide his future educational and recreational pursuits. He was also helped to understand his tenancy agreement and to shop for items to furnish his new flat.
David signed his own tenancy agreement and has moved into his flat, which he shares with two other gentlemen.
Wendy Yates, service manager at Aire House, said: “Although we miss him, it is so fantastic to see David looking well and starting on the pathway to his new life.
“Our staff work with patience and dedication with the residents to help them meet their full potential and in David’s case he has moved into supported living ready to live a more independent life. It is not always possible for that to happen so it is very rewarding when it does.”
Supported living allows people with learning difficulties to gain independence by living in the community with professional support. Support may include services provided by care staff, but can also involve help with domestic chores and managing finances.
For more information on the specialist services Priory Adult Care can offer, please call the enquiries and referrals team on 0808 208 2147 or click here to make an enquiry.