Roman’s story exemplifies how thoughtful planning, dedicated teamwork, and collaboration with family can pave the way for a seamless and successful transition. Over several months, his care teams, the Sunrise2Sunrise management and Roman’s family worked closely together to locate and secure an ideal Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property that met his needs while allowing his family to visit frequently.
From the outset, the focus was on ensuring that Roman and Parents felt fully supported throughout this journey. After an extensive search, 60 Dalmatian Street proved to be the perfect choice. It was not only close to his family and enabling them to maintain frequent contact, but it also offered the possibility of tailoring the house to suit Roman’s familiar routines and preferences. This level of personalisation was vital in easing any behavioural concerns he might exhibit, leaving his former home in Rowville.
To prepare Roman for the move, his House Manager, Kobbie Crentsil, who has worked with him for the past three years, implemented a series of measures to introduce him gently to the new environment. An essential step was creating a social story that detailed what Roman’s daily life would look like at 60 Dalmatian Street. This story, complete with pictures, was read to him daily, helping him visualise and anticipate the change. Gradual visits further solidified his comfort in the first week of November 2024, he visited each morning for tea before his usual activities; in the second week, he also had his lunch there; and by the third week, he was staying for dinner and even showering in the new home before returning to Rowville.
Meanwhile, the Sunrise2Sunrise team worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure everything at 60 Dalmatian Street was customised to Roman’s preferences. They made final touch-ups, such as adding wall padding to mirror some of the features of his former residence, so that the new house would feel familiar and welcoming. The staff dedicated to supporting Roman were carefully selected – nine team members who had already built a strong rapport with him over the past year. With this continuity of care, Roman was able to see familiar faces as he transitioned, making the move much smoother.
The big day finally arrived on November 26, 2024. Roman was actively involved from the start, packing his belongings at Rowville and overseeing the move to his new home. Upon arrival, he took great pride in setting up his beloved couch. A favourite spot where he loves to relax and play on his iPad. To the delight of everyone present, Roman adapted remarkably quickly, settling in and resuming his daily routines almost immediately.
Over the subsequent weeks, his ease and happiness in the new SDA became even more apparent. The collaborative effort truly paid off when Roman celebrated one of his best Christmases ever, demonstrating remarkable tolerance for a larger gathering and enjoying festive activities with more people around him. This achievement was significant for his family and care team, who witnessed his growing confidence in social situations.
Beyond the holiday festivities, Roman’s sense of independence and engagement in his new environment continued to flourish. He discovered a passion for gardening, planting crops in the backyard that he now waters with genuine enthusiasm every morning. This new hobby not only contributes to Roman’s daily routine but also reflects the sense of ownership and belonging he feels in his new home.
In every sense, Roman’s transition to 60 Dalmatian Street highlights the power of collaboration among family members, care professionals, and service providers. Their collective efforts and unwavering commitment ensured that Roman received the consistent support he needed to feel secure, respected, and genuinely at home. This success story stands as a testament to the profound impact that well-coordinated, person-centred approaches can have on someone’s life.
Moving forward, Roman will continue to benefit from his stable team of knowledgeable staff, the comfort of a home tailored to his needs, and the closeness of family members who can visit often. His positive experience shows what is possible when everyone works together to deliver truly individualised care, an inspiring reminder of how a nurturing environment, forward-thinking strategies, and compassionate teamwork can make all the difference in transforming a house into a home.
