Paul has been living in one of our supported, cluster homes in the southern suburbs since 2004. Paul grew up in Yorketown, a small community in the Yorke Peninsula with a population of less than 1000.
Just like other teenagers in the 70’s, Paul loved to hang out with friends and enjoy outdoor activities. At 17, Paul had a diving accident which resulted in a broken neck and left him quadriplegic for the rest of his life.
In true Australian Country spirit, the whole Yorketown community rallied together to help the family. Paul recalls how family, friends and local builders worked hard to raise funds and build their new family home to make life easier for him and his family.
Whilst he values his very close-knit family and supportive community, he did not want to be a burden to his ageing parents. In 2004 he decided that it was time to move out of the family home and become independent.
Paul was considering a transfer to a nursing home when Paraplegic & Quadriplegic Association of South Australia (PQSA) brought to his attention the wheelchair accessible cluster homes that were being built in Brighton. Paul described how the move significantly changed his life. Living in a 24/7 supported cluster accommodation gives him the much-needed confidence, privacy and independence. At the same time, it also provides a sense of security that the carers are just a phone call away whenever he needs help.
Paul says that he loves where he lives as the house is beautiful, wheelchair accessible, Eco-friendly and designed with a low maintenance garden that he can easily look after.
Living in a cluster provided him with a small close-knit community where they can gather together with his neighbours and carers for BBQ’s and small birthday celebrations. Having a spare bedroom also enables his family members to visit and stay overnight. He also feels safe knowing that the carers will always be around to look after his home and garden when he visits his family in Yorketown.
Paul is a man of multiple talents and varied interests. He is actively involved in the PQSA Recreation Program, he takes the train to meet friends, go to museums, the theatre or the Fringe. He loves all sports and watches his favourite SANFL team, the Bulldogs. School holidays are normally spent with nieces and nephews and other family members whom he adores. He spends the rest of his free time working on his computer, mouth painting, collecting sports memorabilia, and minding his massive egg shell collection.
Despite his ongoing challenges, Paul’s ability to maintain a very positive outlook in life is truly remarkable.
Paul is a valued tenant of YourPlace Housing and we are delighted to support him to achieve a full and comfortable life.
PQSA Recreation Program
PQSA runs Recreation Programs for persons who require a wheelchair for mobility.
Activities include trips to the Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Town Hall, Parliament House, Central Market, and Mosley Square as well as lunches and afternoon teas.
Interested applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria and must be willing to undergo a home assessment.
For further enquiries, please contact the PQSA Program Facilitator on 0411 759 415 or 8355 3500 or michaelo@pqsa.asn.au
What’s Happening at YourPlace:
December 2020 Edition
