Good Care Month 2024 – Colin and Kim

As part of Good Care Month, we asked family members of people we support about what good care means to them. To end the month we heard from Colin, who we support in Scotland and Kim, Colin’s sister.

Despite only joining Real Life Options a year and a half ago, Colin has gone from strength to strength with Kim saying, “The things Real Life Options have got Colin to do in such a small space of time is amazing.” Kim shared that through the help of his staff team, Colin has been exercising and keeping fit, has faced some of his phobias around trains and lifts, and has forged friendships with other people we support. Most importantly, Kim explained how it’s the first time Colin has called somewhere home, saying “I invited Colin to mine for dinner and Colin said he wanted dinner at his home instead!”. It is the good care and support from staff that has enabled Colin to face his phobias and live life the way he wants. Carol Reid, part of Colin’s support team shared, “It’s all about listening to people we support. We listen to Colin and let him decide what he wants to do.”

Colin shared some of his favourite things to do saying “I like going for lunch”, with one of his favourites being a classic chippy supper! As an avid music fan, Colin explained how he enjoys travelling to the shops to buy CD’s.

When asked what good care means to her Kim explained, “To me it’s making sure my loved ones are looked after and supported to live the life they want. Colin is living life the way he wants.”