2024 June 02
Richard, more affectionately known as Richie, lives with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that affects his ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
Richie drives his wheelchair confidently around the corridors of Myxa Manor, clearly already feeling right at home after moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) in December 2023.
Ros and Bruce, Richie’s parents, though apprehensive, knew moving Richie to the Manor was necessary for his growth. They’d spent 44 years lovingly caring for him at home, teaching him life skills and advocating for his independence. Richie says, “I was ready to move out and I have made lots of friends here”.
Beaming widely, he proudly leads the way to his self-contained apartment, complete with a personalised door sign reading, ‘Lord of the Manor’, made specially by his dad. The name sign indicates the level of comfort with which Richie and his whole family have collectively embraced the move into Myxa Manor.
Rebecca, Myxa Manor’s Accommodation Supervisor, reflects Myxa’s core values in her work with the staff. “My role,” she explains, “Is to work closely with all the Support Workers and residents to ensure everyone receives top-quality care, delivered with patience, encouragement, and a focus on empowerment”.
At Myxa Manor, Richie benefits from having his own dedicated team of Support Workers, Richie says with a smile,
“I am finding it good here. My mum has more free time as she doesn’t have to be home for me. I enjoy not having to live off my parent’s timetable, I can make up my own mind”.
Richie too has more control over his time and more choice about what he wants to do. During the weekdays he attends programs such as cooking and shopping excursions. He often chooses to go on walks to the nearby parks but cooking and trying new cuisines are also some of his passions.
Richie looks forward to every weekend at the Manor, as the residents usually get together for a communal dinner, one week it might be fish and chips, the next a BBQ. Everyone gathers around the outdoor table in the stunning, expansive gardens, which is abuzz with free-flowing chatter, laughter and engaging conversations. Rebecca says “The weekly group dinners foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging among the residents, many of which have never known”.
There are plenty of communal areas at the Manor to encourage residents to engage with one another. The games room with full size billiards table often hosts friendly competitive pool tournaments. Those who can’t physically play have a proxy in their place, and there are always lots of laughs, cheering and jovial jeering from the sidelines.
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