Personalised Care in Action: Olly’s Story
Olly’s story is a heartwarming example of how the right support and environment can truly change lives. Olly, a young man with severe learning disabilities and autism, had been living in residential care since he was 14. But when the provider could suddenly no longer meet his complex needs, Olly and his family faced the challenging and uncertain task of finding suitable care and accommodation. Olly’s parents shared that the alternative options initially presented to them just didn’t feel right – they weren’t tailored to Olly’s specific needs or aspirations.
A referral was made to iBC Healthcare by Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) Foundation Trust, and meaningful partnership work began between iBC, Olly’s family, and Derbyshire ICB professionals. Together, they designed a support package and adapted a solo bungalow, with Olly’s unique needs at the very centre.
A Home Designed Just for Olly
Olly’s new chapter wasn’t just about providing care; he needed an environment that truly suited him. Olly’s home has been carefully designed and personalised to meet his specific needs, promoting a sense of safety and comfort in his surroundings. Every aspect of his home has been thoughtfully considered to enhance his well-being and encourage independence.
- His Favourite Colours
Olly’s home is decorated with his favourite colours, creating a space that feels truly his own and brings him comfort and joy. From the walls to the little details, the environment reflects his personality and preferences. - A Sensory-Friendly Green Room
One of the most special features of Olly’s home is his sensory room, known as the “green room,” where soft padding has been installed on the floors and walls. This space provides him with a calming retreat where he can relax and feel secure, meeting his sensory needs in a safe and stimulating way. - Visual Aids for Independence
To support his communication and daily routines, Olly’s walls are filled with pictures and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards. These visuals help him navigate his space with confidence, fostering his independence and enhancing his ability to make choices throughout his day, in line with his communication needs. - Practical and Durable Design Features
Understanding Olly’s needs and behaviours, his home has been designed with several practical adaptations to ensure safety and longevity. Most cupboards do not have doors, helping to prevent property damage and reduce anxiety, while toughened furniture has been installed and securely fixed to walls to create a stable and secure living space. - A Custom-Built Computer Desk
Technology is an important part of Olly’s life, and his home features a custom-built computer desk designed specifically for him. The desk securely houses his computer and monitor within it, reducing clutter and keeping his equipment safe and easily accessible. This thoughtful addition allows him to enjoy his interests without the risk of damaging his valued belongings.
Life after Moving
Since moving into his new home, Olly has flourished in ways that have brought joy to both him and those around him. He now actively participates in daily activities at home and enjoys engaging with his local community in ways that align with his interests and preferences. The dedicated support team at iBC Healthcare has developed fantastic relationships with Olly, and they take great pride in seeing the positive changes this new chapter has brought into his life.
Watch Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) Foundation Trust’s video below of Olly’s parents’ interview:
Olly has embraced new opportunities for learning and personal growth, developing skills such as telling time, understanding the days of the week, and improving his reading and writing abilities. His daily routine is enriched with in-home gym sessions, yoga accompanied by music, and plenty of fun activities tailored to his enjoyment.
Beyond his home, Olly has embarked on exciting adventures, visiting places like Skegness, Stonehenge, and Scarborough. He has also explored the wonders of the National Space Centre and enjoyed multiple trips to zoos, farms, and museums, broadening his experiences and creating new memories.
Olly’s parents share that when they first visited him in his new home with iBC:
“He was calmer. He was smiling a lot more,” said Sue (Olly’s Mum).
“We asked him if he was happy, he said yes and it showed,” said Owen (Olly’s Dad).
Olly holds his own tenancy, giving him the stability and independence he deserves. At iBC Healthcare, we truly believe that providing the right environment is key to delivering specialist support for individuals with complex needs. A well-suited home can make all the difference, fostering a sense of ownership, comfort, and empowerment.
Olly’s bungalow isn’t just a place to live; it’s his home for life, thoughtfully designed to meet his unique needs and preferences. This living arrangement offers a much-needed alternative to institutionalised care, ensuring that Olly can enjoy a fulfilling life within the community, surrounded by familiarity, everyday joy, and the support he requires.
We are thrilled to have been part of Olly’s journey to finding his forever home, where he now receives the specialist support he deserves. This milestone reflects the incredible collaboration between iBC Healthcare, Derbyshire NHS teams, and Olly’s family. From purchasing his house and undertaking bespoke adaptations to delivering tailored in-house training and ensuring Olly’s smooth transition, every detail was centred around Olly’s unique needs and preferences. Seeing Olly settled and thriving, with such positive feedback from those who know him best, has been wonderful to see.
At iBC Healthcare, stories like Olly’s are what drive us. Our mission is all about providing person-centred care that empowers individuals to feel safe, supported, and live self-directed lives. Just like in Olly’s case, we believe in listening to the people we support and their families, tailoring care to suit their unique needs, and ensuring they have a strong voice in their own journey. Whether it’s helping someone transition into their own home, offering meaningful activities, or providing highly skilled support teams, our focus is always on creating a nurturing and empowering environment.
Thank you Joined Up Derbyshire – “Our story shows how NHS teams should provide personalised care” » Joined Up Care Derbyshire
A huge thank you to Olly, his parents, our amazing iBC operational team in Derbyshire, and Derbyshire ICB #doamazingeveryday #SupportedLiving #TransformingCare #BuildingTheRightSupport