About with Friends talk about the need for flexibility and true participation in care planning for individuals in supported living.
Highlighting the rigid schedules and infantilisation often imposed on adults with disabilities, they should have the freedom to make their own choices, such as engaging in activities other than stereotypical options like bowling.
Each person with a disability is unique and should be treated as an individual rather than being subject to a one-size-fits-all approach
In this clip, the point is that neurodiverse people would benefit most from having one clear, central place to connect – online, in person, or both – and then branch out to whatever support they need. The focus should be on building a community that can sustain itself, with lots of knowledgeable people involved, rather than trying to design a long list of services or insisting that only neurodiverse staff can run them.
They explain that they only found a local meet-up list through a forum after searching for more than a year, which shows how scattered and confusing information currently is.
A single hub with up‑to‑date, positive, encouraging information – and visibility of people at different stages of their journey – would help people feel reassured, connected, and able to see what’s possible.
Christopher and Sam reflect on the personal impact community reporting has had for people telling their stories.
“This lady talks about their experience living at the Great Hospital and adjusting to the changes since the transition of care provision. They like the reassurance of the 24 hour care and is still adjusting.
They are positive about the care they has now, how attentive it is, they feel secure and happy and the their family have reassurance knowing they have good support and care. They talk about some of the social activity, how friendly it is and although meal a communal (unless £3 to bring to own accommodation) They enjoy the social connection of eating with other residents. “
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Christopher discusses how the Real Care Deal makes a difference to people through providing a platform for people to share their experiences and stories. He reflects on the liberating nature this has for people and the way the Real Care Deal fosters a non judgmental environment where diverse needs are acknowledged and understood.
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This moving video tells the story of one of three siblings caring for their 89-year-old mum. After a fall during the pandemic, she was left bedbound, unable to see properly, and physically frail. Things got worse after a poor hospital stay, where she didn’t get the care she needed. Even after the neglect was officially recognised, the family struggled to get proper help at home.
Because of the stretched and underfunded care system, they had to take on most of the care themselves—managing everything from daily needs to navigating endless red tape. Their experience shows just how hard it can be for families to get support for elderly loved ones when the system is at breaking point.
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Andrew shares his mixed experiences of receiving care since a toe amputation following a workplace accident.
Home care support was arranged after they returned from hospital, which he appreciated because they were struggling but reluctant to ask for help at first.
He recalls one carer who was excellent, but they were sacked by the care company, he found this upsetting and difficult.
Andrew talks about the set up of his care, how he has some choice over the carers, that the conversations he has is what makes the difference and his frustrations when cares leave before the time they have allocated.
Holly talks about her experiences of care and support as someone with adhd and autism, and the impact that has had on her wellbeing and mental health. The feelings of isolation, related to not fully understanding herself. The impact of her neurodiversity in relation to not being able to work, and the further impact on her own mental health and wellbeing. Holly describes her experiences of the living well with autism course, what was really good about it, but also what was really bad about it. Including being taught ways to being more neurotypical! Her response – “I’ve been masking for 37 years I want to know how to not do this, [mask] not how to push me back in there”
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Kyle shares his experiences of home-care, the good staff members, the team leaders if you can get hold of them, but Kyle is not so happy with the managers! Kyle talks about the staff who come into the home, who he enjoys talking with and chilling out with, after doing chores! 😉
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A brother and sister use Lego to illustrate how they helped a homeless man by giving him some food. They use Lego to tell their story. They discuss the importance of treating everyone fairly, ensuring that no one goes hungry, and the emotional impact of seeing others ignore those in need.
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