Rachel has Down’s syndrome, severe learning disabilities and a heart defect. She is 21 years old and lives in a Norwood registered care home in Hendon where staff provide her with round-the-clock support with eating, drinking and personal care.
She communicates using sign language but often gets frustrated when she can’t explain how she is feeling. That’s why it’s so important that Norwood’s specialist staff support her to live as independently as possible and ensure that she has the best opportunities to lead a fulfilling life. For Rachel, this means going to drumming classes, bowling, playing on the Wii and keeping fit.
Rachel also loves music and recently went to the theatre to see ‘Mamma Mia!’. She enjoys going to Links, Norwood’s recreational service for people with learning disabilities, where she can enjoy a night out or take part in activities like art, drama and Israeli dancing at the Kennedy Leigh Children and Family Centre and Pears Wing in Hendon.
Her family have always relied upon Norwood to help them to meet her complex needs and up until two years ago, she lived at Ravenswood in Berkshire, home to 150 people with learning disabilities. During the school holidays she attended Norwood’s Unity recreational service for young people with learning disabilities. Every Friday night Rachel goes home to her loving family who are so happy that Norwood is there to help Rachel live her life as fully as possible.
Her mother Sharon said:“Rachel has developed into a very happy young adult because of the opportunities provided to her at Norwood. We can only thank the organisation and the carers for making Rachel’s life so fulfilled and for helping her achieve her potential, as well as for the incredible support the whole family has received since Rachel was born.”
