Sandy Needs A Housemate
BY MEREDITH BLAIR
Sandy Cruickshanks needs 24/7 care, but for that to happen she needs a housemate.
After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 18 months into her marriage, the amount of support Sandy needed has gradually increased.
Sandy medically retired in 2004, is aided by a chin-controlled wheelchair and in 2016 requiring High Physical Support (HPS) in house.
“Although I didn’t know much about MS when first diagnosed, through reading, going to forums and joining an MS support group, I realised that out of my family, I was the best one to cope with the trials and tribulations that MS threw my way,” Sandy told The Hunter River Times.
Since then, Sandy has become the contact for MS in Singleton and is on the Disability Advisory and Community Resilience Network Committees.
Two years ago, she decided it was time to go into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) with Supported Independent Living (SIL), however it has taken until now to find a provider, Canopy – SDA, for Sandy to sign with.
Canopy – SDA delivers SDA housing designed and built homes for NDIS participants, partnering with Viridi Group whose prefabricated offsite manufacturing process and use of natural materials promote energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve the health and wellbeing of people living with disabilities.
Homes built by Canopy – SDA aim to foster a sense of community and belonging, as well as promoting independence, inclusion and quality of life for residents with their communal living spaces and supportive services.
“Having tailored supports will ease my mind and give me more confidence knowing someone is around 24/7 and living in a SDA will also be more accommodating for visits from my adorable grandchildren as well as family and friends,” Sandy said.
However, before Canopy – SDA will even look for a block of land for a three-resident bedroom/en-suite SDA, they require one more signature of someone needing HPS looking for accommodation.
Among Sandy’s interests are trivia, live music and going to local community events, so if you or someone you know require High Physical support and are looking for Specialist Disability Accommodation in the Upper Hunter, get in touch with Canopy – SDA’s Customer Relationship Manager, Tracey Cutler, on 0493 186 942 or at tcutler@canopysda.au