we promote independence
and support individuals to lead their lives to the fullest and in the way they want
My New Journey
Spring is a time for fresh beginnings, a time for looking forward and making plans for the year ahead. For Pauline Wood this spring was even more inspiring – it was the start of her new journey, living independently in her own home for the first time.
Stepping through the door at her new home in Burscough you immediately feel welcome. With her spacious living room and modern décor Pauline has certainly made a lovely home.
Pauline is supported by Paragon and has recently moved from a residential home, where she lived with 15 other people, into her own tenancy in Burscough. Pauline has her own living space, bedroom and bathroom and shares the rest of the house with two other ladies.
“This home is just perfect for Pauline” says Glenis Wood, Pauline’s sister. “The places where she has lived in the past haven’t been right for her. It’s not until Pauline moved in here that we realise just how wrong they were.”
Pauline has a very close-knit family and is devoted to sister Glenis and Glenis’ partner, Juliet Leighton-Jones.
“Pauline is a huge part of our lives and at nearly 50 years old she deserves, more than ever, to be happy.” Says Glenis. “In the past we have always been told what is right for Pauline by lots of different people and the majority of the time it hasn’t worked out.” Juliet adds.
The couple began looking into some alternative support options for Pauline and after hearing about Paragon, decided to get in touch.
“We met some of the people from Paragon and they immediately understood what we were looking for” says Juliet. “Pauline has some challenging needs and after our initial meeting we were confident their support would be perfect.”
Paragon’s Assistant Service Manager, Angela Price, has worked with Pauline and her family to ensure a smooth transition into her new home. “The first time we met Pauline we knew this home was perfect for her.” Says Angela. “We met Pauline several times to build up a relationship and soon after Pauline was ready to move into her new home.”
The family are delighted with Pauline’s positive move from residential care into her own tenancy. “We were so worried that the move might upset Pauline but we were wrong.” Says Glenis. “When we saw her on the second day of living here she seemed really excited.”Juliet agrees, “Pauline is a very affectionate person and although she can’t speak, we can tell what she is feeling by her actions. From the huge hugs we received we knew she was very happy in her new home.”
It is clear to see Pauline has already developed a great relationship with the staff at Paragon. “Pauline has been supported by some fantastic people in the past, but the situations she has been in have never really suited her.” says Glenis. “With Paragon she is being supported by people who really care about her, but in her own home and with a very knowledgeable staff team.”
The biggest obstacle for staff is to establish support which will help Pauline make choices and decisions about how she wants to live. Paragon support worker, Janet Lewis, has been working with Pauline to find the best way to engage with her. “Pauline makes lots of signs and communicates through hand signals.” Explains Janet. “We have made some great progress so far and our plan is to keep working with Pauline so we can understand these signs better.”
The most notable improvement since Pauline’s big move has been her health. “Pauline’s been eating a lot more healthily and after a check up with her new doctor has been prescribed a different medication.” Explains Glenis.
“It’s better than we ever could have imagined,” says Juliet, “She not only seems happier but also looks healthier, she is also more reactive and her eyes are so much brighter.”
Pauline has displayed challenging behaviour in the past, but since moving to her new home this has reduced significantly. “We now think it wasn’t anger she was expressing but boredom,” says Glenis. “Her days were not full before and in some cases she wasn’t really doing much at all.”
Pauline has been active over the past few weeks with trips out to Southport and shopping for a new summer wardrobe. With a new, more accessible, wheelchair on order and plans underway for a holiday later in the summer, Pauline certainly has a busy year ahead.
“We know it’s not going to be plain sailing,” says Glenis, “but what we have seen so far fills us with confidence. Knowing that Pauline is being supported by people who really care about her is a huge relief and that really keeps our minds at rest.”
“We feel euphoric!” says Juliet. “Before it felt like a constant worry in your life, now that has been taken from us. We are confident that Pauline is with someone you trust completely and that is a great feeling.”
The family are now looking to the future and are excited about the possibilities in store for Pauline.
“She has only been living independently for a few weeks, but is already so much happier and healthier than before. We are delighted with her progress and can’t wait to see what the future will bring!” Glenis adds.