“He always loves to have a joke,” says Scout, the House Manager at Sam’s home. “He’s very positive, always lightening the mood and getting others involved in activities. He brings joy everywhere he goes.”
Sam’s journey to where he is now hasn’t been an easy one. In 2009, Sam was seriously injured in a fall. His father Peter remembers the night vividly — the late-night phone call, the race to the hospital, and the uncertainty that followed. “It didn’t even occur to me that Sam might not make it through the night,” Sam’s father, Peter says. “But when this sort of thing happens in your life, you’ve got to accept that massive change is afoot.”
That change led them to explore different housing options, Sam lived in an aged care facility for over 10 years, until they found a place with the right atmosphere and the right people. “We looked at three or four locations, and then we came here and — bingo — the penny dropped,” Peter recalls. “This place has been absolutely fantastic for Sam’s quality of life.”
Supported Independent Living at CPA is built on a foundation of relationships. Team members take time to ensure that residents and housemates are a good match, and that the environment feels like home. “When Sam moved in, we thought he’d be the perfect fit,” Scout says. “He brought instant joy to the house.”
It’s not just about the people — it’s about the whole ecosystem of support that surrounds each client. From dedicated support workers to physios, OTs, speech therapists, and clinical nurse specialists, the CPA team works collaboratively to help residents build their independence and live full lives.
For Sam, independence means everything from regular trips to the local mall to his weekly round of golf. “He once got a hole-in-one,” Peter says with a grin. “He’s claimed a few more since, but I can only confirm one!”
There have even been some surprises along the way. “One of the carers took Sam to a rugby game,” Peter says, “and she came back asking how long Sam had been able to stand up out of his wheelchair. I said, ‘What are you talking about? He can’t!’ She told me he stood up when his team scored a try. He was so excited, he banged on the glass at the bar. That was a first!”
The bond between Sam and his father is unshakable. “We have the same interests in life,” Peter says. “I love him. He’s my son.” And Sam returns that admiration tenfold: “My dad is an unbelievable man. He’s my role model and I love him.”
Life at CPA’s Supported Independent Living homes is more than just care — it’s connection, community, and the freedom to thrive.
