Living

Living Shared Living

We want to help you live independently and we respect that you want your own place to call home. We are creating more housing opportunities for you to have the freedom to live how you like in a supportive and welcoming environment.

What we have achieved:

Seven new Group Homes built in Penrith. Five more to being built

20 residents have moved into Group Homes. 20 more residents to move into Afford Group Homes

Groups Homes established for independent living

Support for residents with Lifestyle Assistants

Afford and NSW State Government’s Family and Community Services - Ageing Disability and Home Care ADHC investing $16 million into Group Homes project

We have listened to the needs of residents. Group Homes designed with the highest standards of accessibility within the home and also to the wider community through public transport links

Homes provide a supportive community for friends

“I love my new home because it is beautiful and clean. I go to work - walking to the bus stop then catch the bus with my house mates. In my new home I take part in the cooking program, house chores and enjoy the rest of the evening by watching TV.” Andrew, resident.

Andrew’s Journey

With a place to call home, Andrew loves his new, spacious place that he shares with his two best mates.

Quiet, considered and friendly, Andrew talks of his new home with affection and respect and explains how this new living experience has helped his independence, confidence and outlook on life.

Andrew has worked with Afford at the Minchinbury ADE for over 20 years doing tasks such as packing and labelling. He received a Long Service Award last year for his work effort and dedication.

Before moving to his home, Andrew lived at Cherrywood Village where he had only a room to himself and communal gathering areas. While living at Cherrywood, Andrew was driven every day to work. After transitioning to his home in Penrith, Andrew now walks to Penrith station and catches a bus to work with his house mate, Toby.

“CHERRYWOOD WAS A BIT SMALL. NOW I HAVE MORE ROOM AND CAN SHOW OFF THE ARTWORK THAT I HAVE DONE.”

Organised with weekly meal plans and lists of responsibilities and household duties, Andrew says that one of his favourite things to do in his new home is to cook.

“WE TALK ABOUT WHAT WE WANT TO EAT AND I MAKE A LIST ON THE MEAL PLAN. I COOKED A SHEPHERD’S PIE ON MONDAY NIGHT AND I’VE COOKED HOKKIEN NOODLES. I LOVE PANCAKES AND BACON AND EGGS ON THE WEEKEND.”

The mateship within the house is instantly evident as Andrew talks about enjoying barbeques in the backyard with his friends, doing the weekly shopping together on Sundays and assigning each person’s tasks.

“I MOP THE FLOOR. THE STAFF SOMETIMES HELP WITH COOKING AND SHOPPING.’

In his home, Andrew has the freedom to live life how he wants and when he wants. After transitioning from Cherrywood to his house, Andrew has more space to sit back and relax to watch his favourite show, Home and Away, on the large screen TV.

Living in his new home has given Andrew the opportunity to take charge of his own life and set his own routine. He and his house mates, Darrell and Toby, regularly go out for meals or to Westfield or Penrith Panthers.

With space to spread out, relax in an open plan setting with friends and have a place to call home, Andrew now has his own personal sanctuary - much of which is adorned with posters of his other love, Kylie Minogue.

Afford Short Stays

Cherrywood site is being transformed to offer Centre-Based Respite, Short Stay Accommodation and Lifestyle Centre Program opportunities

SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION/RESPITE

You never need feel like you’re on this journey alone. Our modern and fully accessible accommodation gives people like you the chance to enjoy some time out, or gives your family the chance to catch up.

What we have achieved:

Redevelopment of Cherrywood site on 22 hectares of land at Llandilo will open up Centre-Based Respite, Short Stay Accommodation and Lifestyle Centre Program opportunities

Renewed focus on the needs of clients and their families and carers

Flooring upgrade gives clients in wheelchairs more access to the green room and it is also more aesthetically pleasing for visitors to the service We have initiated a new carer program for mature aged parents. Since it was established, older carers have discussed new activities to add to the program, such as taking part in an Afford Getaway and attending musicals, such as Aladdin.

Our van that transports clients to and from respite has had a face-lift. Out came the colours and origami cranes to add a splash of colour to the vehicle. Those who have used the Respite service say that they feel proud to be part of Afford and using our newly branded van in the community.

Lifestyle Assistants provide in-home care to help you achieve your independent living goals

Household Tasks

Our Lifestyle Assistants help people every month with household tasks and everyday duties. It’s help with the little things that can make life more enjoyable.

What we have achieved:

20 residents from Cherrywood Village have taken part in skills based training courses as they transitioned in new Group Homes and enjoy living independently

We have facilitated skills based training courses to help develop skills and abilities in cooking, cleaning, sharing space, budgeting, travel and safety in the community

Lifestyle Assistants have provided in-home care for clients by supporting them to do the weekly shopping or take part in social activities. It’s how we can help you achieve your independent living goals and be confident in your own abilities