Helen and Ian McDonald, both 67, and from Deeping St Nicholas have been providing support to people from within their own home since 1991. Known as an Extended Stay arrangement, clients are carefully matched to live with a family so as to develop the necessary skills to maintain a level of independence and remain in their own neighbourhood, providing a real alternative to residential or hospital care. The McDonald’s are part of Adults Supporting Adults (ASA), a countywide organisation that supports some 300 people to live in the community through a variety of different resources, and who have recently been recognised nationally for their efforts.
Helen and Ian saw an advert in the local paper many years ago and the role really appealed to Helen who was previously a nurse. With 4 children at home, she wanted to remain in the caring industry, but find something that could fit around her family commitments. Helen adds, “People asked where we would find the time to commit to such a role, but we have found that having clients coming to live with us has really enriched our family and community life. From a very early age our children have learned to accept that we are all different and it has helped break down barriers with friends and neighbours with views about learning disability and mental illness. Both the gentlemen that live with us have been here for many years and have gone on to develop their own social networks in the local area, which has created lots of new and exciting individual opportunities.”
Ian states that “the training is really comprehensive and you are visited each month by an ASA worker to check that everything is okay with the arrangement and who offer advice and guidance when required. It is a paid role but there is a degree of responsibility and a need to be accountable for the support you provide. You also need to have a sense of humour as some situations can test you. We see caring as very much being two way, in that there is a sense of giving something back and being part of the community, but also the fulfilment in watching some develop over time is immense and extremely rewarding.”
Philip, 52, has been living with the McDonald’s for 22 years and has really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of a large family and the life events that go with it. “I’ve always wanted to be more independent and living with Helen and Ian has enabled me to do that. Most days I am out doing things, from being a volunteer and serving meals at a local day centre to pursuing my hobby in photography, I’ve even been Chair of the local Buffaloes Lodge. I really feel part of the family, especially when we go away on holidays abroad.”
William, 39, has been living with the McDonald’s for a mere 20 years and has benefitted from a sense of feeling safe and secure within the arrangement. ”I got up to all sorts of mischief when I was younger, but Helen and Ian have helped me settle down and develop my independence. I’ve now been working at the local Exotic Pet Rescue for 7 years and I’m focusing on getting my black belt in Judo where I also help the younger ones train. I like living in the countryside but I know I can go into town for a beer when I like and meet my friends.”
The McDonald’s also provide Respite and Helen notes that “clients are coming and going all of the time, but there is a closeness that develops and we like a busy household. In the next few years we will be looking to retire as we feel that we have done our bit, but we would encourage new providers to come on board and find out what it’s all about. Just because you are different doesn’t mean that you have to live elsewhere, you can still be part of the community and have a quality of life. By having the opportunity to provide that for someone is really satisfying, however you have to be it for the long run and be committed to the role.”
If you are interested in becoming an Extended Stay or Respite Provider or would like to find out more about what Adults Supporting Adults have to offer, then please call: 01529 416270 or visit the website at: www.asaorg.co.uk
