For four housemates from Aruma’s Umina Beach Specialist Disability Accommodation, a trip to Sydney Zoo was a chance to enjoy a new experience together. Behind the scenes, their Central Coast team was busy making sure the day was ready to go.
With three of the housemates using wheelchairs and requiring one-to-one support, there was plenty to consider, from individual accessibility and dietary needs to travelling on a public holiday and making the 1.5-hour journey to Sydney.
Getting ready for a big day
The team had been planning and preparing for the outing well before the day arrived. By the night before, they had everything ready for the morning.
Rosters were adjusted, food was prepared, bags were packed and clothes were laid out. By 8am, the van was packed and everyone was ready to go.
At Sydney Zoo, the aquarium was a highlight of the day. The group explored together, stopped for a picnic lunch and continued discovering the zoo before finishing with a visit to the gift shop, where each person chose a keepsake to take home.
“From the start, the team worked like clockwork, navigating with ease, adapting to needs on the go and ensuring no one missed out on any part of the experience,” says Stephen Crouch, Aruma’s Manager Shared Living.
Stephen reflected on the impact of the day:
“The smiles on the men’s faces said it all. These moments bring us closer as a team, deepen our connection to the people we support, and remind us why we do what we do.”
The Right Way in action
This was more than a day at the zoo. It was a great example of how the way we work can make a difference.
The preparation behind the scenes meant the team could focus on being present, working together and responding to what was needed throughout the day.
It’s about having the right plans and processes in place, following them consistently and knowing when to adapt to what each person needs.
When we get the way we work right, we can create more opportunities for people to take part in the things that matter to them and live the life they choose.
That’s The Right Way in action.
Learn more
At Aruma, The Right Way is about delivering effective support the way it should be, with staff having the skills they need to support people and help them achieve their goals.
