Valerie* has learning disabilities and had been in care since she was three years old. She transitioned from a hospital environment to living in her own flat for the first time in her life.

Valerie* moved to a Voyage Care home in Staffordshire and her support team had some concerns as to how she would adjust to her new living arrangements. After living in a hospital setting for most of her life, she was now in her own home and making her own choices about how she lived her life.

Valerie* needed support to help her settle and adjust, her new team began building positive relationships with her and spent a considerable amount of time listening and learning about her history. She spoke about her family and how she would love to see them, she had not seen them for more than 30 years.

Valerie* is one of 12 children and she had lost contact with all of her brothers and sisters. Her care leader found a phone number for one of her brothers, John, and called him. He was delighted to hear from her and the team took Valerie* to her brother’s house to meet up for the first time in more than 30 years.

John had contact details for another one of her brothers, Michael, and Voyage Care arranged an emotional reunion for the family.

The family now meet up on a regular basis and being back in touch with her brothers has given Valerie* a new lease of life. Her mental wellbeing and quality of life have improved and she is now getting a lot of pleasure taking part in much wider range of activities.

Valerie* was recently supported to take part in a five-week baking course at her local college, which she enjoyed very much and completed the course with a sense of pride in her achievement.

You can find more information about Care Homes here. If you would like to speak to our enquiry team call us on 0800 0353 776 or email referrals@voyagecare.com.

*Some of the details have been changed for confidentiality reasons.

• 
• case study
• learning disability
• transition