Balancing Control with personal responsibility

Jan’s independent Journey

Balancing Control with personal responsibility This talk should highlight that from

an early age I have been encouraged to be independent and live a full and active life

In short giving me a strong basis for living on my own and employing my own personal assistants

Balancing controlwith responsibility

Balancing Control with personal responsibility My journey starts with my parents When my parents discovered I had

cerebral palsy they chose to move to the Midlands where they felt there were more opportunities for me

Idyllic childhood; growing up on a farm

Parents didn’t molly coddle me Gave me every opportunity in life

Balancing Control with personal responsibility Attended a local day school Boarding school in Devon As education ended I came back

home to my parents They did everything to ensure I led a

full and interesting life

Balancing Control with personal responsibility Parents considered the time where

they could no longer support me I experienced respite in a residential

setting which appalled me I did ask my parents to put me in to a

home to get it over and done with I’m glad they didn’t as I wouldn’t be

where I am today Decisions had to be made in 1984 as

Mum became unwell

Balancing Control with personal responsibility We looked at a new hostel in

Kidderminster Their philosophy was very different and

residents were encouraged to take control After trying it out, I moved in in

September 1985 I made all decisions about how I wanted to

live and took responsibility which stood me in great stead for the future

Whilst here; I first explored ILF and having personal assistants

Balancing Control with personal responsibility After gaining the required funding

and finding accommodation I became truly independent in

February 1990 My personal assistants were there for

me alone and not other residents Jack of all trades master of none

Balancing Control with personal responsibility I now employ PA’s from 7:30am until 11pm With ILF they were classed as self

employed As I took direct payments my

responsibilities changed to becoming an employer

Whichever way; I feel I have the control whilst ensuring I am responsible for my personal assistants.

I dissolve some of the control to an accountant and use the support service as and when I need to

Balancing Control with personal responsibility How I feel responsible for my personal

assistants I know I have full control over how, when

and where things are done I also know I have a responsibility to be a

good employer and give good working conditions

I also know it is my responsibility to keep myself safe and use good recruitment practice as many would view me as at risk or vulnerable

Balancing Control with personal responsibility My journey has been fulfilled from day

one by; having a very different experience to some in my position

Having control means I can be responsible and embrace responsibility

I wouldn’t change how I do things I feel I live like an able bodied person I would hope that more people are

encouraged and supported to take control – responsibility is good!

Balancing Control with personal responsibility

Balancing Control with personal responsibility

Hope you have lots of Questions

?

Balancing Control with personal responsibility

Discussion

Informed decision making :- How do we enable people to take control whilst balancing responsibilities?

What’s working well? What can we change?

Balancing Control with personal responsibility

Discussion

‘if you needed care, how would you go about getting this care, what sort of support would you require, and how much responsibility for your care package would you want to take on?’