LHC | Back Story

Back Story and Inspiration

The ‘Fonz’ is an extremely close family friend whose 10-year-old son, Valentino is non-verbal on the spectrum. He rarely gets any respite as he has not been able to find a NDIS short stay respite service anywhere that he feels safe leaving Valentino at.  

The limited care he can utilize is supposed to provision one on one care however the carer to NDIS participant ratio is normally around 1 carer to 5 consumers and rarely does a day go by where Fonz is able to collect Valentino without some major incident needing to be reported like a broken toilet cistern or damage to walls and doors etc.  

The quality of staff available to provide care seem to be from backgrounds and roles without “carers” or “disability” experience. This highlights the need for trauma-informed care and staff with experienced disability and carers backgrounds.  

Fonz’s experience highlights the need for recovery-focused care. Recovery-focused care is an approach that focuses on the individual’s strengths and abilities rather than their illness or disability. This approach can help individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. 

Also, staff with experienced disability and carer backgrounds can provide better care to people with disabilities as they have a better understanding of their needs and challenges  

Trauma-informed care is an approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on an individual’s life and aims to create a safe and supportive environment for them. 

I don’t have a dis-ability, i have a different ability 

ROBERT M HANSEL 

While it is unfortunate that Fonz had to go through such a difficult experience. It was just what was needed to inspire the establishment of LOVE HOPE COMMUNITY a “short stay” respite care service uniquely designed for NDIS participants from Adelaide.