One Year On: How Jayden Found His Independence With GR8
When 27-year-old Jayden moved into his specialist disability accommodation (SDA) home a year ago, it was more than just a change of address, it was a life-changing step towards independence.
For Jayden, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, he never thought moving out would be possible.
His mum, Colleen, didn’t know there were other options.
As Jayden’s primary carer, her days were full – a constant cycle of appointments, care routines and supporting his needs.
“Life was busy looking after him. I never really pictured him moving out,” she said.
But as the years went on, Colleen realised she wanted Jayden to have a safe, caring place where he could thrive when she could no longer be his primary carer.
For a few years, Colleen and Jayden visited home opens, but nothing felt quite right. It was like a puzzle trying to find a high-quality property that would suit Jayden’s needs, with a reliable provider, in a location close enough to family.
Then our team showed them a modern two-bedroom SDA house in Piara Waters that felt different to all the other SDA properties they had been to before.
This one felt like a home.
While Jayden had been a little nervous at the prospect of leaving home for the first time, it felt like the beginning of a big adventure.
Still, moving day was emotional for both Jayden and Colleen.
For Jayden, it meant a new world of independence. But for Colleen, it meant learning to let go.
“It was hard,” she says honestly.
“I felt like I wandered around for months not knowing what to do with myself.
“But from day one Jayden was settled and seeing him happy was so reassuring.”
A year on from his big move Jayden is thriving.
His spacious bedroom is filled with everything he loves, from a large assistive bed to a wall lined with Pop Vinyl collectibles.
“When I moved out, I had so much space that it was hard to know what to put where,” said Jayden.
One of his favourite house features is the private courtyard connected to his bedroom. When things get overwhelming, he likes to step out, put on his music, and take a moment for himself.
“I like having my own space,” he says. “If I need a break, I just go outside and it helps me relax.”
Jayden’s experience reflects GR8’s commitment to designing disability housing that empowers residents to live independently.
Wide hallways, sill-less doorways, adjustable benchtops and integrated assistive technology don’t just make life easier for Jayden, they also enable his support team to provide care more seamlessly.
“The support workers are amazing,” Colleen says, “Nothing’s ever too hard for them and everything in the house is there for them to assist Jayden properly.”
For Colleen, seeing her son settled has been life-changing in more ways than one.
“I’m so proud of him, he’s just living his best life, and it all feels very normal now,” she says.
“For me I’ve got freedom again,” Colleen said.
Her advice to other parents in the same position?
“Don’t be scared. It took some getting used to, but it’s been the greatest thing for both of us.”
GR8 Managing Director Perry Kleppe, said it’s great to see Jayden flourishing since celebrating the milestone at his housewarming.
“This is why we do what we do. Everyone deserves a home that truly their own and enables support staff to provide the highest standard of care.”
For Jayden, he can’t believe it’s already been a year of independent living and he is looking forward to all of the memories he will make in the future.
To see more of Jayden’s moving-out journey, watch below:
