The transition from childhood to adult independence has long been a challenging one, for both parents and children alike.
As our client, Dara Kien, has found, growing up with a disability can add a further dimension to this struggle.
Fortunately for Dara, having a capable and trustworthy support network at Assured Home Care has helped him to gain the independence he wants, and needs, whilst providing comfort and reassurance to his family.
Here, Dara shares some of his experience.
My name is Dara Kien and I have been a client of Assured Home Care since 2014.
Firstly, I am a person living with a disability, more specifically I have generalised dystonia.
In a nutshell, generalised dystonia causes involuntary muscle movements and spasms.
All supports I receive through Assured Home Care are managed by myself.
I mainly use my supports for community access.
Because of my disability, it is a little risky to go out in public without a support worker or experienced mates.
Having capable and trustworthy support workers is very important for any client.
“Having capable and trustworthy support workers is very important for any client.”
Because of the trust I have with my support workers, I have been able to maintain independence and go on many adventures.
One giant leap
Recently I took a massive gamble and organised my first trip to Melbourne.
I had brought up the idea with my parents many times in the past but they were not comfortable with me going.
Like all parents, they naturally worry about me.
However, I realised I am an adult and I am capable of making my own decisions.
So, I didn’t feel the need to have my parents’ permission to go, at the end of day it is my life.
My support worker was shocked to learn I was travelling without saying anything to my parents.
However, they know me well, they understand that I am the client, not my parents, and I am free to make my own decisions.
Without this trust, my support worker may have felt the need to tell my parents about my Melbourne adventure and we may never have gone.
When we touched down in Melbourne, I video called my parents with my sister’s assistance – fortunately they were thrilled for me and mum was extremely happy to hear I was with a capable support worker.
Trust essential
For me, having a support worker who is capable of ensuring my needs are met and to help me resolve any issues is extremely important.
But what is most important, is that we have trust.
But what is most important, is that we have trust.
For me, having the support of Assured Home Care’s services has been very rewarding.
They have helped me maintain my independence as an adult and have allowed me to have some killer fun over the years.
I feel very lucky to have such a fantastic team behind me and I look forward to more adventures in the future.
