Service user success stories

Making the case for people with severe epilepsy and learning disabilities to receive specialist care and support from an organisation such as Independence Homes is a hugely important and often complex process. For some people, it can mean the difference between happiness and misery.

Melissa Bayne-Jardine’s story is particularly significant. Melissa came to Independence Homes in early 2009. It was her third care home in little more than a decade. Sadly, her epilepsy had not been managed well at her previous placements, and it was obvious she needed specialist support. Her parents felt that she was declining rapidly in many aspects of her life as she simply wasn’t getting the support she needed. Tragically, Melissa hadn’t smiled or laughed for three years.

Her progress with Independence Homes has been astonishing. The team had been told she couldn’t walk without assistance, which was obviously hugely restricting for her. Well, now, she walks on her own, although a member of staff is always close at hand to provide reassurance. It’s so important. It means Melissa can make her own choices and own decisions about who she wants to interact with, which is such a fundamental part of independence.

On top of that, Melissa’s parents are safe in the knowledge that her epilepsy is being managed by a team of professional people that are dedicated to supporting their daughter.

After being here for four months Melissa still hadn’t smiled or laughed, but the team were committed to improving her life and tried everything to get a smile from her. One day, staff were joking with her using a sensory caterpillar, and Melissa let out an almighty burst of laughter. Staff rushed from all over the house to see what the noise was to find Melissa laughing for the first time in three years. Happily this hasn’t been a one-off. Melissa now laughs daily. She is also walking with growing amounts of confidence.

Melissa’s parents are delighted with her progress at Independence Homes. Her mother, Elena, said:
“When Melissa moved to Independence Homes a huge weight was taken off our shoulders. When she moved in, and we saw the environment she was living in, we knew we had finally found what we had been looking for. She is smiling more and more, and it is apparent to everyone that she is thriving. Whenever we take her back after a home visit she is out of the car in a flash. We’re delighted.”