🌈 A New Beginning for Carol at Chestnut Cottage 🌈
Shared with love by BCD
Carols’s story
Carol’s journey is one of quiet strength, heartfelt determination, and the power of compassionate care.
For many years, Carol lived independently with some support in her home, but her health struggles particularly the challenges of managing her diabetes began to take a toll. Frequent medical complications meant repeated hospital admissions, leaving her feeling vulnerable, isolated, and anxious about her future. It became increasingly clear that something needed to change, that Carol needed not just support, but a supportive environment where her wellbeing could be truly nurtured and supported as her care needs changed.
That new beginning came in the form of Chestnut Cottage, one of BCD’s warm and welcoming Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes. After careful planning and collaboration with Carol, her loved ones, and her broader support network, the move to Chestnut Cottage was made with great care and attention to her emotional and physical needs.
On the day of her move, the sky was overcast, and emotions were understandably high. Leaving the familiarity of her long-time home was not easy. But then something beautiful happened, just as Carol arrived at her new home, the clouds parted, and a vibrant rainbow stretched across the sky. It was a breathtaking and symbolic moment, one that Carol and the BCD team took as a sign of hope and renewal. The rainbow felt like a gentle reminder that even in times of uncertainty, bright new chapters are possible.
BCD staff welcomed Carol with open arms and warm smiles, making sure every detail was in place to help her feel settled. Her room had been carefully prepared with familiar touches, transforming the new space into a reflection of her personality and memories. From the very first day, Chestnut Cottage felt not just like a house, but a home.
One of the most impactful aspects of Carol’s new chapter is the 24/7 support and care she now receives as part of the Supported Independent Living SIL NDIS funding. With round-the-clock assistance from experienced care workers and BCD’s in-house Clinical Services and Nursing Team, Carol is never alone in managing her health. The nursing team work closely with her to monitor her diabetes, manage medications, and respond promptly to any changes in her condition. Their focus on preventative care catches small issues before they become bigger problems has made a significant difference. Where once hospital visits were frequent and disruptive, now Carol feels more stable, confident, and supported in her day-to-day life.
This proactive and holistic approach means Carol is no longer reacting to health crises, she’s staying ahead of them. Having access to tailored, in-house nursing services within her own home will help reduce hospital readmissions and improved her overall quality of life. And beyond the clinical side of things, it’s the human connections, the daily chats, shared laughter, and kind gestures that have brought a sense of calm and joy back into Carol’s world.
Today, Carol is thriving in her new home. She speaks often about how much she enjoys the view from her porch, a quiet place where she reflects on how far she’s come as she baste in a view of rolling green fields. She has rediscovered her confidence, enjoys meaningful routines, and lives with the reassurance that caring support is always nearby.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of NDIS-funded support that helps people live as independently as possible while getting the help they need with daily life while maintaining as much independence as possible. It includes help with daily tasks such as personal care, cooking, medication management, and household duties, where they also receive 24/7 support.
Carol now lives in a place where she feels safe, respected, and truly at home. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible when the right support is in place and a reminder that even on the hardest days, hope has a way of shining through, just like that rainbow over Chestnut Cottage.
At BCD, SIL is much more than just housing, it’s about creating a caring, supported and connected environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered. With additional clinical support provided by BCD’s dedicated nursing team, customers who have nursing clinical needs like Carol benefit from a truly holistic model of care that prioritises wellbeing, dignity, and personal choice.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what SIL is all about:
💡 Focus on Independence:
The goal of SIL is to help people live life on their own terms with the right support to make that possible.
🧼 Help with Daily Tasks:
That can mean support with personal care, cooking meals, cleaning, taking medications, and everything in between.
🧠 Building Skills:
SIL isn’t just about doing things for people, it’s about helping them learn how to do things for themselves too, building confidence along the way.
🤝 Support Worker Funding:
The NDIS provides funding for the support staff, but things like rent, groceries, and bills aren’t included, so customers cover those like they would in any home.
🏡 Shared Living Arrangements:
Most SIL setups are shared homes with other NDIS customers. Everyone has their own room and shared communal areas, with staff on hand 24/7 to provide care and connection. Sometimes you can be funded for 1:1 living arrangements.
✨ Not Just for Housing:
Although SIL is usually connected with shared homes, it can also support people living in their own homes, especially those who need higher levels of ongoing help.
Want to learn more?
Visit our FAQs page or check out our SIL guide to explore how Accommodation and Supported Independent Living works, who it's for, and what to expect during a stay.