Gordon’s Story
Gordon’s life changed dramatically in 2015 when an accident left him with an acquired brain injury and confined to a wheelchair. Gordon suddenly had to adapt from having an active social life,
a satisfying career in manufacturing and everything that we might describe as a “normal” existence, to one where he relied on people to carry out basic tasks such as washing, cooking and cleaning for him. He struggled to communicate effectively, losing contact with friends and family, and had to give up his home to move into a care respite facility indefinitely.
Gordon became depressed and withdrawn. His ability to live independently had been removed from him and despite the dedicated staff and the modern facility, it simply wasn’t home. Even as his condition improved slightly, he did less and less – living in care full time meant that he became more and more disengaged with the idea of “home” and the pleasure that can be taken from it. It affected his whole life – despite being physically able to, with some support, he hadn’t seen his beloved local football team in over a year.
What Gordon needed was a home to maximise his independence, give him choice and control, and, while support will be needed for some things, enable him to live life to the full. A home that works for him and around him to make the rest of his life easier. Not a solution to everything, just an enabler for living.
The Blackwood House will help Gordon make a cup of tea himself. It will let him open his own blinds and see the sunshine when he wants, not when a timetable tells him he must. It will let him shower on his own, communicate with friends and family digitally, prepare food, wash his clothes and garden. It won’t tell him when to get up but it will make it easier for him to when he decides it is time. It will provide links that mean he can go and see the football with support from a brilliant care team (even if the football team really isn’t that brilliant!). It will help remind him when it is time to take his medication but it won’t stand over him making him feel small. It won’t feel like a hospital – instead it will feel like a beautiful home designed and customised for him.
Gordons life will still be harder than most of ours. But it will be his to manage and choose.
