Carers Rights Day 2024

On Thursday 21st November, we recognise Carers Rights Day – an important day to raise awareness of the invaluable support that unpaid carers provide.

This year’s theme, ‘Recognising your rights’, encourages carers to explore and understand the rights and services available to them.

One of the biggest concerns that carers share with us is what will happen when they are no longer able to care for their loved ones. The transition from living at home to moving into supported living can feel overwhelming, and it’s often difficult for people to know how, when or even whether to start the process. Our Respite service works together with the person, their family, social workers and other important people in their lives, to make the transition as smooth and as positive as possible.

Late last year, Charlotte began to prepare for her journey to supported living. Her family recognised that she was ready for more independence, and that they needed additional support. However, like many families, they felt uncertain about the unknowns – what life would be like for Charlotte in a shared house, and how she would adjust to the new environment.

Knowing that Charlotte’s goal was to transition to supported living, we worked closely with her and her family to prepare her for the future. At our respite services, Charlotte had the opportunity to experience what life would be like living with others. Her stays with Mirus weren’t just about providing a break for her parents who cared for her; they were about giving Charlotte a taste of independent living, away from her family home.

Together with Charlotte, we created a support plan shaped to her needs, making her daily routines and interests central to the time she spent with us. When the time came for her move, we coordinated with her new support provider, sharing everything we had learned about Charlotte to ensure they understood Charlotte’s needs and wishes. We also arranged shadow shifts, so her new support team could see firsthand how best to support Charlotte. As a result, Charlotte quickly settled into her new home, surrounded by a team that knew her and understood what a good life looked like to her.

Charlotte’s family said:

“We were nervous about what the future would hold when Charlotte moved into supported living. It felt like such a big step, and we weren’t sure where to start. But Mirus made the process feel so much easier and knowing her new team understood her needs gave us real peace of mind. Now we can see how much she’s grown in her independence, and we’re so proud of how well she’s settled into her new home.”

They said:

“Even when your child moves into supported living, they never leave you.

“We still make sure to spend quality time together as a family – we take Charlotte out every week and always look after her wellbeing.”

Charlotte’s journey is just one example of how Mirus support people moving into supported living. Every story is different, though many people begin their journey at our respite services, where they get to experience what life away from the family home might be like.

While staying with us, people can learn independent living skills such as cooking, budgeting and managing household tasks. These skills are developed through hands-on practice during their stay, and by attending our workshops. Gaining confidence in tasks like preparing meals or improving IT skills helps people to get ready to take on more responsibilities and independence in future.

Mirus respite also helps people to develop social connections, such as attending local events, volunteering, or joining in with social activities with our Mirus: Stronger Communities group.

Many people who are initially nervous about leaving home have found lasting friendships through our Better Together events. These events offer the chance to meet people already living in shared supported accommodation, providing opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships. The connections made during these events can become an important support network, helping people more comfortable and informed as they transition into supported living.

One family we’re currently working with was unsure about how their son would adjust to living with others. By matching him with people who share similar interests and supporting him to build relationships during his respite stays, we were able to ease some of the families concerns. Over time, their son has become more independent and socially engaged, helping to make the move into supported living a positive step forward in the future.

Moving into supported living can be a chance for people to grow, build new relationships and thrive in a home of their own. It’s the beginning of a new journey toward independence, and carers can feel confident knowing their loved ones are receiving the right support now and in the future.