Sarah's Journey to Independence

Sarah, 28, was ready for independence but needed the right support to make it happen. Living with an intellectual disability, she had been supported by her family her entire life. While grateful for their care, Sarah dreamed of having her own space and making her own choices.

The Challenge

Sarah's family was concerned about her safety and ability to manage daily tasks independently. They worried about cooking, medication management, budgeting, and emergency situations. Sarah herself felt anxious about the transition but determined to try.

Finding the Right Support

Through her NDIS plan, Sarah connected with WellVibe's Supported Independent Living (SIL) services. Our team worked with Sarah and her family to create a customized support plan that addressed everyone's concerns while respecting Sarah's goals for independence.

The Transition

Sarah moved into her own one-bedroom apartment in February 2023. The first few weeks were challenging as she adjusted to her new routine. Our support workers visited her three times daily initially - morning, afternoon, and evening - to help with meals, medication, and any concerns that arose.

"The first week was scary," Sarah admits. "But my support workers were always patient and encouraging. They didn't just do things for me - they taught me how to do them myself. That made all the difference."

Building Skills and Confidence

Over the following months, Sarah's confidence grew. She learned to cook simple, healthy meals. She became independent with her medication using a webster pack and phone reminders. She learned to manage her weekly budget and even started saving for a holiday.

WellVibe's support workers also helped Sarah connect with her local community. She joined a book club at the library and started attending a weekly art class. These activities gave her purpose and helped her make new friends.

Life Today

Fifteen months later, Sarah is thriving. Her support visits have reduced to twice daily, and she manages many tasks independently. She cooks most of her meals, keeps her apartment tidy, and has a strong network of friends and community connections.

"I never thought I could live on my own," Sarah says. "But with the right support, I'm doing it. I have my own space, I make my own choices, and I'm proud of what I've achieved. My family can see I'm safe and happy, which means everything to them too."

The Impact