“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, when he was 27 years old, Sam was seriously injured in a fall and sustained a brain injury. His father Peter remembers the night vividly — when he and Sam’s mum got the late-night phone call from Sam’s girlfriend, the race to the hospital, and the uncertainty that followed.
That change led to Sam spending around 12 months in rehab. Then Sam’s family explored different housing options. Sam lived in an aged care facility for 11 years, and although his family couldn’t fault the care he received, the environment wasn’t suitable for Sam. Eventually, they found Cerebral Palsy Alliance and a home with the right atmosphere and the right people who were a similar age to Sam.
“We looked at three or four locations, and then we came here and — bingo — the penny dropped,” Peter recalls.
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.
“The Circle has been huge with respect to Sam’s independence,” Peter says. For Sam, independence means everything from regular trips to the local mall to his weekly hit at the golf driving range. “Sam did get a hole-in-one once,” Peter says with a grin. “I don’t know about how many he’s claiming he’s had, but I can testify that was only one time!”
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.
