Anthony Brooker has always lived at home with his parents in Buckinghamshire. However, as Mr and Mrs Brooker approached retirement age, they became increasingly aware that they would not always be around to look out for Anthony, who has a learning disability. In 2001 they began looking for a support solution which would allow Anthony to live independently and secure his long term future.
The Brookers wanted to make the change whilst they were both fit enough to embark on such a project, and importantly whilst Anthony was young enough to embrace the change. A parent in a similar situation suggested that they might want to consider Supported Living. Supported Living sounded perfect for Anthony, as it involves a tailored amount
Turnstone staff could see huge potential
and confidence developing, and after a of support at home, for an agreed number of hours per week based on Anthony’s need.
In addition the Brookers had the idea of buying and adapting a property and putting it in trust for Anthony to live in, with the trust acting as the landlord. They knew this was possible, as the parent they spoke to had organised a similar thing for his daughter.
Having researched the Supported Living service thoroughly, the Brookers purchased a family house in the centre of Aylesbury in April 2002, and persuaded two additional families to allow their sons Gary and Neil, also with learning disabilities, to join Anthony as equal tenants.
Anthony Brooker has always lived at home with his parents in Buckinghamshire. However, as Mr and Mrs Brooker approached retirement age, they became increasingly aware that they would not always be around to look out for Anthony, who has a learning disability. In 2001 they began looking for a support solution which would allow Anthony to live independently and secure his long term future.
The Brookers wanted to make the change whilst they were both fit enough to embark on such a project, and importantly whilst Anthony was young enough to embrace the change. A parent in a similar situation suggested that they might want to consider Supported Living. Supported Living sounded perfect for Anthony, as it involves a tailored amount of support at home, for an agreed number of hours per week based on Anthony’s need.
In addition the Brookers had the idea of buying and adapting a property and putting it in trust for Anthony to live in, with the trust acting as the landlord. They knew this was possible, as the parent they spoke to had organised a similar thing for his daughter.
Having researched the Supported Living service thoroughly, the Brookers purchased a family house in the centre of Aylesbury in April 2002, and persuaded two additional families to allow their sons Gary and Neil, also with learning disabilities, to join Anthony as equal tenants.
With Anthony, Gary and Neil agreeing they wanted to live together, and with the property purchased and put into trust, the Brookers approached Buckinghamshire County Council to help find a suitable support provider and establish a new Supported Living service.
Buckinghamshire County Council supported the project, and following a selection process, chose Turnstone Support as the service provider. Whilst Turnstone staff liaised with the three men and their parents - building relationships, undertaking assessments and completing paperwork - the Brookers set about adapting the house to meet the needs of all three men, and allow them to live as independently as possible.
Anthony and his friends moved into their new home in September 2005 and, with the support of Turnstone staff, have made a supported and successful transition to independent living.
Because the support contract was in place before the property was ready for Anthony, Gary and Neil to move in, Turnstone staff were able to spend time getting to know them and their parents, which ensured that the transition from living at home to living independently was a successful one. During the first six months of the transition, Anthony, Gary and Neil were encouraged to make regular visits back to their former homes, to avoid the feeling of a sudden, irreversible change.
The Brookers say that Anthony’s move into his new home was a slow process of adjustment and describe their delight when their son finally began to call it ‘home’.
“The process has been all-consuming for us for the past three years, but totally liberating. We have taken control of our own and Anthony’s destiny, and seeing how happy Anthony is now is extremely satisfying. We cannot speak highly enough of the Turnstone Support team that helped make this new home for Anthony a reality. We have absolute trust in them to look after Anthony’s general well-being and medical needs, and they keep us involved every step of the way.”