All over Gwynedd and Ynys Môn, vulnerable adults and older people who need support are making the most of an innovative scheme where they can live an ordinary life as part of a family in the community.
The fact that an individual is getting older or has disabilities doesn’t mean that they must automatically live in an institutional environment.
In the Gwynedd Council-led Adult Placement Scheme, carers offer accommodation and support with approved families in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn residents aged 18 years and over who for whatever reason cannot live independently. This could be for a short break or a longer-term arrangement.
Councillor Eric Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Provider Service Portfolio Leader:
“Time after time, people tell us that they want to live independently in the community – this innovative adult placement scheme provides a way of supporting vulnerable people to do just that. People over 18 can make the most of a flexible form of care based on their needs and requirements, and gives them an opportunity to live an ordinary family life.
“Families across Gwynedd are taking part in the scheme, but we are always keen to hear from any new families who think this could be an option for them. Anyone can apply to become a carer – what’s important is that you can offer the space in your home and you have the time and patience and that you are willing to understand the needs of the individual.
“We would urge anyone who would like more information about becoming an approved carer to contact Gwynedd Council’s adult placement team – it’s a fantastic opportunity to offer someone a happy home.”
The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Head of Adult Services, Anwen Davies, added:
“Our Social Services strive to ensure a balance of service models available to respond to our clients’ needs. Our clients express a wish to be supported to live as independently as possible in their local community; and so the Adult Placements Scheme is one service model which we would welcome being further developed.”
In Gwynedd and Ynys Môn, the paid carers offer day-to-day care and support in their own home for adults with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, individuals with physical disabilities, or sensory impairment and people aged 65 and over.
Adult Placement Scheme officers from Gwynedd Council’s Provider Services work hard to match people with the right carer so that they will be able to meet the needs of the individuals. Carers help by supporting people to develop life skills, preparing food, enabling individuals to become valued members of the community, providing emotional support and helping them to take part in leisure activities. The Council provides continuing training and support.
For more information contact Gwynedd Council’s Adult Placement team on 01766 515161 or email: [email protected]
The adult placement scheme offers people an alternative and highly flexible form of accommodation and care which is provided by ordinary individuals or families in the local community. This alternative – which enables the person to share in the life and activities of the placement carer enables a wide range of vulnerable people who need support to live independent lives, promotes their health and well-being, and reduces the need for residential care.
Mary Evans from Penrhosgarnedd has been an adult placement carer for over four years. She cares for Bryn and Doris.
Mary explained: “The scheme has worked really well for me. Being a carer is a responsibility, but Bryn and Doris are part of the family, and we’re all great friends.
“This is a very worthwhile scheme – it means that people in adult placements have the opportunity to share the daily life of their carer, family and friends and to live an ordinary domestic life.”
Doris, who receives regular respite care in Mary’s home noted:
“I enjoy knitting, going for walks and watching TV, especially my nephew who acts in the soap opera ‘Pobl Y Cwm’.”
Bryn lives full time with Mary enjoys relaxing at home after a hard day’s work at Tyddyn Mon, Amlwch.
Michelle Taylor from Dolgellau is also a carer. Michelle and her husband Steve have been part of the adult placement scheme for eight years.
Billy who lives with Michelle and Steve likes to help around the family home, and values the support he received when convalescing after a recent illness. Steve and Michelle worked hard to support Phillip who also lives with them to overcome his fear of flying and thus enabling him to enjoy a once in a lifetime holiday in Egypt.
Michelle said: “I get fulfilment from working in a family environment and being able to give individuals more one-to –one support rather than working as a member of a team in a staff supported establishment.”
Jan Atheron from Abersoch has been a carer for a number of years. Stephen who lives with Jan in her home shares a number of her interests and has accompanied her on holidays and trips away.
Jan said: “Having been part of the scheme for a number of years now, I feel that the experience of being a carer is very much a special one, not only does Stephen gain from my life skills, I also gain from being in his company.”
Mandie Gladstone from the Penygroes area cares for William and Diana who receives support in her home.
She said: “As carers, we receive training and advice from the Adult Placement Scheme officers which helps to ensure that we can offer the best for the adults who live with us. The fact that we receive relevant training ensures the success of the support we offer.”
Catherine and Sarah live with Liz Hughes in her home in Holyhead – they share her various interest and the three attend social events together.
Liz said: “Being able to work on a one-to-one basis with individuals promoting independence gives me total job satisfaction. Support for carers from the scheme’s officers is only a phone call away.”
