Sandra and Derek’s story: supported living in Cornwall

My brother Derek was living a busy life typical of a 20-year-old in the 1980s. He had begun a career as a painter and decorator and was learning to drive. But in a huge turning point in Derek’s life, in 1982 he had a road accident which left him unconscious in hospital for three months.

In time, he recovered from most of his physical injuries, but the damage to his brain meant that he was unable to remember things in the short term, and had to relearn some day-to-day tasks such as using a knife and fork.

What he didn’t lose was his positive outlook and an ability to take everything in his stride; he has never been bitter about his accident and what it cost him.

I had left home when I got married, and so when my father became ill, Derek came to live with me and my husband. It was a really big decision and it was so important that my husband and I were completely sure it was the right thing as well. I’m grateful for those years living under the same roof, and Derek was a big part of our family life.

Later on, Derek enjoyed two Shared Lives arrangements but when the people supporting Derek on his second placement grew older, we knew we had to find a more permanent place for him to live.

Supported Living in Cornwall

Since 2019, Derek has lived in supported living accommodation in Saltash Cornwall, supported by United Response. A social worker took Derek to visit the property, and I visited as well. I was so impressed.

The atmosphere was friendly and the place looked comfortable and well-maintained.

Derek is able to do a lot for himself, but because of the limitations on his short-term memory he needs a lot of prompts from his support staff about his daily life. Knowing there is 24-hour support in the house is really reassuring.

In 2022, his support team arranged a birthday treat like no other. Knowing his love of motorbikes, they called on the generosity of the local motorbike community who arranged for him to have a ride in the sidecar of a motorbike, in a convoy with 13 other bikers! The escapades continue – I hear rumours he’s planning a summer getaway this year too with his support team, to France or Spain perhaps.

He has a cheeky sense of humour too; if he finds out you’re from Plymouth, he’ll let you know what he thinks!

Community spirit: Derek’s support team and local biker community give him a birthday of his dreams – in a motorbike sidecar!

Staying connected

Although the years passing meant that Derek could no longer live with us, it’s so important to me that Derek does not feel separated from us. It’s a testament to his support workers that when you look at photos of our big family moments – weddings and anniversaries, Christmas dinners and birthdays – Derek is always at the heart of them.

I have no worries or concerns for Derek’s future. He’s in a wonderful place – the best place he’s ever been – and he doesn’t worry about anything. We’re very happy with the support he’s provided.