When Stacey first moved into Tŷ Penrhos, a Hafod care home in Caerphilly, it was during a difficult time. Stacey, now 53, has cerebral palsy and had been cared for by her mum. However, when her mum became unwell and was admitted to hospital, it became clear that a safe and suitable environment was needed to support Stacey’s needs.
Tŷ Penrhos, which provides residential and nursing dementia care alongside dedicated support for adults with physical disabilities, offered Stacey the care and stability she required at a critical time. Following the sad passing of her mum in 2020, Tŷ Penrhos became Stacey’s permanent home.
Cerebral palsy can affect movement, balance and posture, often making everyday activities such as walking, using arms or speaking more challenging. Despite these obstacles, Stacey’s vibrant personality shone through. She is friendly, sociable and well known for her determination, quickly building strong friendships with fellow residents and staff.
From early on, Stacey set herself an ambitious goal: to improve her movement and take steps independently. Supported by the dedicated care team at Tŷ Penrhos and through ongoing physiotherapy, Stacey committed herself fully to her exercises, practising regularly over many months.
Reflecting on the journey, Stacey said the hardest part was “walking, but in the end, I managed to do it.” She added, “I used to have to call the carers for help with certain things.”
What began with the aim of taking a few steps soon grew into a much bigger aspiration, independence. Stacey’s determination, matched by the encouragement and commitment of the care team, led to remarkable progress. Over time, she developed the strength and confidence to transfer independently from her chair into her electric wheelchair.
This newfound mobility saw Stacey begin spending more time in communal spaces, taking part in activities, socialising in the lounge and forming deeper friendships.
With independence now feeling achievable, a new plan was created; could Stacey’s progress enable her to move on from residential care into independent living? When an apartment became available at Tŷ Heulog, a Hafod extra care scheme, Stacey was offered the chance to move in on a short trial basis.
The move proved to be a resounding success. Stacey embraced life at Tŷ Heulog, and the trial soon became permanent. Her journey from care home to independent living is a powerful example of what can be achieved with determination, personalised support and the belief that social care is about creating environments for people to thrive.
At Tŷ Heulog, Stacey now enjoys the independence of her own self-contained apartment, while still receiving personalised support. She has taken great pride in decorating her home and making it truly her own.
“The best thing about living here is freedom,” Stacey said. “It’s the independence. I come and go when I like.”
“I’m doing my physio, and I’ve been getting out and about since moving here.”
Stacey actively participates in social activities, including bingo and karaoke (her favourite) and regularly spends time with fellow residents in the communal lounges, “I get to see all my friends (from childhood) and I’ve met new friends too.”
Stacey now receives care support during the day only, something she deeply values, “I only have carers in the day. It’s lovely to be independent.”
Reflecting on her new chapter, Stacey said: “I’m better, much happier, because I have my own place. I’ve done it up how I like.”
Speaking about her mum and what this move would have meant to her, Stacey shared simply: “She would love it.”
While Stacey misses the friends she made at Tŷ Penrhos, she still connects with them through regular phone calls and Facebook. Plans are already in place for visits to her new home, ensuring those valued friendships continue to grow.
Stacey’s story is a testament to her determination and ambition, and to the dedicated teams at Tŷ Penrhos and Tŷ Heulog who supported her every step of the way.