Supporting a Busy, Independent Life
Claire’s lifestyle is certainly action-packed – which is exactly how she likes it.
Claire Coulter loves her Unisson supported home in Ryde as it’s the perfect base for her busy, independent lifestyle and because she shares it with her closest friends. “I like the house and my friends,” she says.
As the group of five friends had known each other since they were young, when the NDIS provided each of them with the opportunity to choose to move into a supported independent living home, it was only natural that they would want to move in together.
With her friends as housemates, Claire is always in good company whether she’s taking care of domestic tasks, socialising inside and outside of the home, going swimming or unwinding after a day at work. She says her favourite ways to relax at home are drawing superhero characters, cooking and watching DVDs with her friends.
Claire has an adventurous spirit. In 2018, Claire and her housemate Sally Tennant achieved a long-held goal of going on an overseas holiday together, choosing an eight-day supported cruise of the South Pacific. It certainly met their expectations and they particularly enjoyed visiting the islands, dancing at the disco on board the ship and the broad variety of meal choices.
Claire works part-time at the George Institute for Global Health, where she’s responsible for the mail, assisting with administrative tasks, making coffees and maintaining the kitchen. During the 17 years she’s been working there she’s made some good friends and regularly catches up for work or social events.
Claire enjoys visiting her family in Sydney and on NSW’s Mid North Coast, often navigating public transport and travelling independently. She regularly catches up with her brothers who live in Sydney’s CBD, staying for the weekend and going out for meals, to the theatre or to see the latest movies. She also looks forward to visiting family in Foster. As well as spending time with her parents, Claire likes the change of pace, taking Peanut the family’s rescue greyhound for walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean pool and caddying for her father. On her most recent trip, Claire decided she’d like to try golf herself and loved it. She now plans to take lessons and keep up the practice both at home and during her visits to Foster.
“Unisson has done a fabulous job and we’re really happy with the set-up. We think the staff are exceptional and we think that Claire is very lucky,” says Margaret “she has a really fulfilled life and she’s got the best of three worlds”.
Claire’s lifestyle is certainly action-packed – which is exactly how she likes it - and Unisson’s person-centred, active support approach supports her choices and ensures that assistance is available when it’s needed, from direct support professionals that Claire knows and trusts.
Claire’s parents Margaret and Robert are pleased to see how she’s supported to live a happy, independent life of her choosing with a good balance of home life, work-life and regular visits with family.
“Unisson has done a fabulous job and we’re really happy with the set-up. We think the staff are exceptional and we think that Claire is very lucky,” says Margaret “she has a really fulfilled life and she’s got the best of three worlds”.
