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Robina is a 59-year-old tenant at North Star. She has spina bifida and a learning disability. Robina requires support with all aspects of daily living, so she has a care package in place and her cousin has power of attorney.
Robina previously lived in Aspen Gardens but decided to move to another extra care scheme to be closer to family. Unfortunately, this did not work out for her, and she was desperate to return to Aspen Gardens.
When Robina was able to return to Aspen Gardens in February 2021, she described it as a second chance, and was so pleased to be back amongst familiar faces. It wasn’t long before Robina was actively engaging in all aspects of social activities at Aspen Gardens
Robina really enjoys the company of others and loves nothing more than getting involved in all of the social activities on hand at Aspen Gardens.
Robina has many friends at Aspen Gardens. In 2021 when a new resident moved into Aspen, he caught her eye and soon after they forged a special friendship, which flourished into a relationship.
Richard is a 49-year-old tenant with a learning difficulty. Previously, he had lived with his parents all of his life. He has worked at Tesco for 28 years.
Sadly, when Richard’s parents died, he struggled to live alone. His parents had always cared for Richard and he found it really difficult to care for himself while maintaining a large family home.
The property had no central heating system, so he was given heaters from Cleveland Fire Brigade. However, he didn’t feel safe using these in case they caught on fire.
In December 2020, Richard had spent a number of hours outside in freezing cold temperatures as he thought his house was going to fall down. Richard rang the fire brigade in the early hours of the morning. They attended, and he was then admitted to hospital with pneumonia
Richard was eventually discharged from hospital into residential care, as there were concerns about him returning to the family home and his mental wellbeing deteriorating, which could result in further hospital admissions.
Richard thrived in residential care. There was a noticeable difference in his appearance and mood, and indeed the social element played a significant part. However, Richard’s needs didn’t meet the criteria to stay in residential care and the thought of returning to the family home caused a decline in his wellbeing and mental health, making him very anxious and upset.
Thankfully he was supported by his social worker to apply for accommodation at Aspen Gardens Extra Care scheme, where he was successful and moved in around March 2021,
Initially, Richard needed a great deal of support to help him adjust to living independently, including support to purchase furniture for his new home and setting up utility accounts.
He accepted a package of care and has made many friends within the scheme. One in particular being Robina!
Richard and Robina soon became friends when he moved into Aspen Gardens, and they started to spend a great deal of time together.
They both have similar interests and Richard was keen to support Robina to access the community on weekly shopping trips, to her beauty appointments and out for meals.
Richard and Robina wanted to go on holiday together, so Richard took some annual leave. North Star’s housing support worker, Nicola, helped them to book an accessible hotel in Blackpool with care staff onsite to meet Robina’s needs. Unfortunately, this was cancelled by the hotel due to the effects of the pandemic.
To avoid total disappointment, Nicola meticulously planned a week of day trips visiting all of their favourite places: Scarborough, Blackpool and the Metrocentre. Suitable transport was arranged to ensure Robina’s transport needs were met.
Richard and Robina’s friendship continued to blossom and on 12th August 2022, Richard proposed, and she said yes! They celebrated their engagement with a party.
They excitedly started planning their wedding with the help and support from family and North Star housing support staff, and arranged to get married a year after their engagement.
Support worker Nicola supported Robina during bridal shopping. Prior to meeting Richard, Robina had not been in a relationship, so this was all very new and exciting to her. Nicola helped to book their honeymoon with a specialist holiday company that provides accessible transport and accommodation with professional carers for the duration of the holiday.
Richard and Robina got married on 12th August 2023, surrounded by their family and friends. They also had another reception the following day at Aspen Gardens, when all of their neighbours and friends who couldn’t make the wedding were able to join them and share their very special day.
Robina met her knight in shining armour” at Aspen Gardens, and just like the fairytale, we wish them a happy ever after!
