Meet Antonia
Antonia moved to Coppice and Oakside in 2015 after spending time in respite care in Chesterfield. Before this, she lived with her parents until 2012. As her parents grew older, they were no longer able to provide the support Antonia needed at home. Her parents lived in Ilkeston and were pleased that Antonia could move closer to them.
Antonia has profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as cerebral palsy. She is unable to weight-bear and communicates without words, using body language, vocalisations, pointing and facial expressions to share her needs and preferences. Antonia brings lots of joy to those around her and is often seen smiling, with her eyes sparkling, especially when she wakes in the morning.
First Steps
When Antonia moved to Coppice and Oakside, extended bed rails were introduced after the team learned she had climbed over standard rails. This helped her feel secure and reduced the risk of injury.
Antonia finds shredding paper and books calming, particularly hardback books because she enjoys the sound of the covers opening and closing. This activity often helps her relax.
Although her parents have sadly passed away, Antonia remains close to her two brothers. They visit weekly and take her for walks, helping her maintain important family connections.
Ongoing Support
Antonia enjoys a life shaped around her interests, preferences and familiar routines. Going out for lunch is a particular favourite, especially when dessert is involved. The team supports her to visit local cafés and restaurants, where she can enjoy each experience at her own pace.
Antonia likes getting out and watching the world around her. She takes a real interest in people and is often happy simply observing what is happening nearby.
Throughout the year, Antonia is supported to enjoy seasonal activities and local events that are meaningful to her. Christmas is an especially happy time for her, and she particularly likes going to pantomimes and joining in with festive events.
She has also enjoyed experiences such as a country and western concert. These types of trips allow Antonia to spend time with others, explore new places and enjoy a range of activities and sensory experiences.
Antonia’s current goals focus on maintaining close relationships with her family, trying new experiences and enjoying a holiday each year. She also has plenty of time for her favourite activities, including looking at books and the picture within them.
Antonia’s Progress
The support Antonia receives continues to make a positive difference to her wellbeing and quality of life. She appears settled at home and communicates through body language, facial expressions, vocalisations and interactions with others. Antonia has formed meaningful relationships with the people she lives with and the team, and she responds well when new people move into the home. Her warm nature helps her to build positive connections with those around her.
One of Antonia’s most memorable achievements was a trip to Disneyland Paris, where she enjoyed the atmosphere and saw the Disney characters. This experience showed what Antonia can achieve when the right encouragement and opportunities are in place. The team will continue to help her maintain important relationships, discover new experiences, enjoy holidays and live a fulfilling life centred around what matters to her.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, the team will continue helping Antonia enjoy life in ways that reflect her interests, choices and aspirations. This will include discovering new holiday destinations, trying different experiences and having regular opportunities to take part in activities that bring her happiness and comfort.
Antonia will continue to receive person-centred support that is shaped around her choices, routines and what matters most to her. With the right support in place, she can make the most of every experience in her own way and at her own pace.
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