How Self Discovery Helped Shape Demi’s Future
Say hello to Demi Scott, a 24-year-old student from Newcastle who is using her own experiences of ADHD and autism to help others through a future career in psychology.
He’s happy and that’s all I ever wanted for him
Mum-of-two Amy Hossack says people are often shocked when she tells them that residential care is the best thing she has ever done for her son.
Aaron, 11, has been at Braemar Gardens residential home in Sunderland for less than a year, but apprentice nurse Amy said the changes she has seen have been ‘amazing.’
At home, Aaron went for days without sleeping, refused to eat, and Amy felt she could no longer keep Aaron safe while also taking care of his younger sister, Poppy, who is also autistic.
“Every day was just a challenge,” Amy said.
“I felt like I was just somebody looking after him, because I couldn’t get too close to him,”
But health professionals were often dismissive of Amy’s concerns and told her to accept that this was just how Aaron was.
However, since Aaron moved to Braemar, Amy has seen a world of difference in her son.
Amy said:
“He came to Braemar, and I’ve got my old Aaron back. He’s happy. He enjoys himself, he sleeps, he’s more relaxed.”
Julie Dunlop, registered manager at Braemar Gardens, worked with Amy to ensure the transition would happen at Aaron’s pace.
Staff from Braemar visited Aaron at home, and Aaron made several trips to the house, went on activities with staff, and eventually had a sleepover there during the school holidays.
Amy said: “He just loved it. I think he would have moved in sooner if he could’ve, but we just didn’t want to rush things.”
Now Aaron attends weekly trampolining sessions, visits local parks, and especially loves trips to the beach at South Shields.
Amy added:
“There’s talk of him going on holiday in the summer holidays. He’s getting to live his best life here.”
The change has brought the family closer too, and while Poppy says she misses her older brother, she’s always excited to visit and spend time with him.
“Staff are so caring, and loving, and supportive. It’s not even just with Aaron. With us, they’ve been really accepting of us,” Amy said.
Although Aaron is thriving at Braemar, Amy said some people around her haven’t understood the decision to move him into residential care, with one family member initially thinking she would need to take steps to allow Aaron to come home.
Amy said: “I’ve worked in care homes for elderly people, and I think people think they must be like that. It’s a care home so they must just sit in their rooms all day. And like I say, Aaron’s living his best life, he’s doing more than he ever did at home.”
Amy added: “I think they’ve just got the wrong idea of it. I say to people: ‘It’s the best thing I’ve done for him.’”
“He’s happy and that’s all I ever wanted for him.”
You may also be interested in...
Keep in the Loop
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with all our latest news and events, gain access to exclusive resources, and be the first to know about our newest shop items and updates!