Finding a new home for Dakoda

Dakoda has been a customer of our Short Stay and Life Skills services at Northcott Tamworth for over 10 years. During this time Dakoda lived in Barraba (an hour out of Tamworth), with Annette, her Grandmother (nan) who was her primary carer.

Choosing a provider

As Annette was ageing, she was finding it difficult to continue to support Dakoda with manual handling and personal care tasks. She was also worried about what would happen to Dakoda if something ever happened to her. So earlier in the year, she reached out to Northcott to help find a new home for Dakoda.

Annette says, “Northcott has always been my family. Nothing is an issue with Northcott. It doesn’t matter what it is, you’ve got support, you can talk about anything to the staff, and you feel welcome. I had a lot of trust in the people working here to look after Dakoda. I also wanted Dakoda to continue to be exposed to Aboriginal Culture and activities so that she is proud of her Aboriginality. So, when the time came, Northcott was always the first choice of housing for Dakoda.”

Supporting the journey

Following this, Northcott supported Annette and Dakoda through their journey of finding the right home for Dakoda as well as transitioning her to her new home.

“To make this journey as seamless as possible for Annette and Dakoda, a team consisting of 4 staff members, including Allison, Service Coordinator; Narelle, Specialist Accommodation; Darren, Service Manager and I worked together to support them along the journey at their own pace,” says Julia, Dakoda’s Customer Partner.

In May, Dakoda moved into her new accommodation. She lives with two other housemates who adore Dakota and has settled in well.

Life in her new home

Annette can’t be more happier with Dakoda’s progress. Dakoda continues to live a full life with family being a BIG part. She participates in day programs and is building new friendships, which is a welcome change from the limited access to groups in her former small regional town. “Annette visits Dakoda often and continues the special bond that she has with her granddaughter,” adds Allison.

Dakoda also continues to be supported to participate in Aboriginal Culture and activities in the community/events of importance.

“Some of the recent community events that Dakoda attended included the NAIDOC Week activities and events,” adds Julia.

What does the future hold?

Dakoda loves going on walks, cooking, tasting food, getting her hair done, facials and spending time with her family.

“Dakoda has some pampering coming up – a facial and a visit from the hairdresser to be ready for the Christmas day events that Annette is organising with her family and she will also be joining the Aboriginal community events,” says Allison.