A journey of independence: Caroline’s story
Alabaré offer a range of services to support individuals towards living independently.
Caroline is a 61-year-old woman living with a learning disability, has made an inspiring journey from needing round-the-clock care to living independently in her own home.
With the consistent, compassionate support of Alabaré’s Home and Community team, Caroline has developed practical life skills, improved her confidence, and achieved a level of independence she once thought impossible.
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For many years, Caroline’s life was marked by instability. Living in a variety of homes and working with different agencies, she found it difficult to settle. Her learning disability affected her confidence, emotional regulation, and ability to manage everyday tasks on her own. At times, she struggled with communication and found it hard to trust support workers or accept help.
Despite these challenges, Caroline had an innate desire to live a “normal” life, managing her appointments and building relationships.
Caroline’s life began to change when she was introduced to Alabaré. Initially supported in a 24-hour care environment, Caroline was given the stability and reassurance she needed to start building trust and forming a routine. The Alabaré team took the time to understand how her learning disability affected her day-to-day life and adapted their support to suit her pace.
With the team’s help, Caroline was able to gradually transition to semi-supported living. She enjoys her own company and eventually lives in her own home with only a few hours of support each day.
Building Confidence Through Daily Life
What makes Caroline’s independence meaningful is the pride she takes in her everyday routines, small but significant achievements that build a sense of normality and self-worth.
Cooking is a big part of Caroline’s life, as is her support of Liverpool football; she used to like reading, but sadly, with poor eyesight, this is more difficult, although she likes going to Old Sarum Development Centre to go on the computers when she can.
Caroline loves helping her neighbours, often offering to do their shopping or check in on them. This sense of community involvement has become a key part of her identity.
She manages her own appointments, makes phone calls, and recently resolved a bus pass issue entirely on her own, something she says she never would have attempted before.
These daily activities might seem ordinary to some, but for Caroline, they represent a new life built on confidence, routine, and personal growth.
In her own words:
“Before I moved to Alabaré, I had lived in so many homes and been supported by so many different agencies. When I came to live with Alabaré, I used to shout a lot, but now I am much calmer. Alabaré made me believe, through their support, that I could achieve things and gave me confidence. My life is so much better now, and where I live now, I am accepted and have good neighbours. I like to help people, support my neighbours, and do their shopping sometimes. I am also doing a computer course. I still don’t believe how far I have come.
“Alabaré has given me stability so I can do things. They kept me and believed in me. I don’t always realise what I have done. It’s hard to be proud of myself. I feel like I have taken control of my life and now make my own phone calls and get myself to appointments. I recently had a problem with my bus pass, and previously, I would have given up going places, but instead, I sorted it out by myself. I have also got so much better at communicating with people. I didn’t always answer the door or the phone to the support workers, which would cause problems. I still let them in even if I don’t feel like talking. I am also more willing to meet new support workers and give them a chance. This has all been possible because Alabaré believed in me.”
Caroline’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when personalised support meets determination and care. Alabaré’s Home and Community team provided her not just with services, but with belief, structure, and space to grow.
Caroline now has independence; cooking in her own kitchen, helping others, managing her personal affairs, and being part of her community. For someone who once relied on 24-hour care, her progress is not only incredible but inspiring.
With the right support, even small daily tasks can become stepping stones to a life filled with purpose, pride, and independence.
Learn more about our supported living for adults with learning disabilities here.
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