Real Voices, Real Stories, Real Change

Richie’s Journey to Independence

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.

Walking a new path: Geoff's Transformation

Life hadn’t been easy for Geoff. At 65, a combination of both physical and mental health diagnoses had overshadowed his reality, a far cry from the confident, humour filled man he is today. Before beginning his care journey with Myxa Care, Geoff was living in an unsuitable environment with support workers who weren’t the right fit for him, he stopped caring about having his basic needs meet, often finding solace confined within the walls of his home.

Geoff recognised that he needed to find a new disability provider. After meeting with Geoff and discussing his needs and goals, Myxa agreed that Geoff needed a more supportive environment. They placed him in a light-filled, spacious home with dedicated support team. The support team carefully chosen for their compatibility, became an extension of Geoff’s social circle. He enjoys keeping them up to date with where his beloved Geelong football team is performing on the AFL ladder or what is his latest addition to his impressive DVD collection.

“My support team is here for me,” Geoff beams, getting a little emotional. “Myxa Care did a great job in putting them together”. With his support team providing encouragement and support Geoff has taken charge of his health and well-being.

A new routine for Geoff has emerged, one focused on movement and a connection to nature. Most days, Geoff embarks on a walk around his local lake, he is so dedicated he will even go when the weather isn’t ideal. This change in activity level has been remarkable, leading to a significant weight loss over the past year and a reduction in the number of medical appointments Geoff has needed to attend to maintain his health.

With a twinkle in his eye, Geoff shares, “I want to lose even more weight, though. And eat more vegetables – not my favourite, but I’m working on it!”.

Geoff’s journey extends beyond himself.

His daily walks have fostered new friendships, with fellow walkers, local dogs and even the wildlife. He has developed a reputation of being popular with people’s pets that are also walking the lake, as he always makes sure he carries dog treats to share. One pooch in particular Louie, a German Shepard, Geoff has befriended so much he has had a mug printed with his picture on it. The local canines aren’t the only ones who benefit from Geoff’s generosity, he also likes to feed seeds to the ducks, of which three

 in particular he’s affectionately named Huey, Duey and Louie, who always rush to greet him to get their daily treat.

Geoff’s story is a real life example of Myxa Care’s approach, based on the values of reliable, respectful and responsive care. 24/7 support, tailored to his individual needs, has allowed Geoff to reclaim his health, reconnect with life, and forge meaningful connections with his newfound friends, human, furred and feathered.