November, 2019, Jeanette took a monumental step forward, transitioning from the large institutional setting of the Stockton Center to her brand new Specialist Disability Accommodation SDA property managed by Westhaven in Dubbo.
For a non-verbal individual with complex medical needs—including a severe intellectual disability, dysphagia, and psychosis—moving away from the only world she had known for a long time was an immense challenge. The initial adjustment period was intense; unfamiliar surroundings sparked profound anxiety, and Jeanette had to rely entirely on the patience of dedicated support workers to establish a sense of routine and trust.
Over the next seven years, Darling Street became Jeanette’s sanctuary. It was here that a comprehensive approach to her care truly allowed her to settle in. Her days were structured around specialised 1:1 supports that honored her boundaries while keeping her safely connected to the world. She enjoyed gentle community access routines tailored to her social anxiety, such as morning tea outings and peaceful drives through the local park with her team.
Living with high-intensity needs meant navigating complex chapters, including managing behaviours of concern rooted in her desire for companionship and communication. Her care collective consisting of dedicated Team Leaders, Service Managers, and regular support staff worked continuously alongside behaviour practitioners to implement a Positive Behaviour Support Plan. When she faced physical hurdles, such as balance difficulties or swallowing concerns, the team dynamically wrapped occupational therapy and speech therapy interventions around her to maximise her safety and comfort. Through these collective efforts, Dubbo evolved from an unfamiliar environment into a true home where Jeanette was understood, validated, and safely supported.
While Dubbo provided stability, Jeanette’s ultimate long-term goal remained constant: moving to Bathurst to be closer to her loved ones. Throughout her years in care, her sister and guardian, Cheryl Farr, remained a steadfast pillar of strength, maintaining regular contact and traveling consistently to visit her.
By early 2026, the pieces of Jeanette’s long-term dream finally began falling into place. Plans were set in motion for a transition to Vivability in Bathurst, into a purpose-built facility explicitly tailored to accommodate her care needs.
Her recent move represents the ultimate achievement of an ongoing goal. The narrative that began with an anxious departure from Stockton in 2019 has come full circle: a triumph of customised support, absolute family devotion, and a brave individual successfully claiming a future surrounded by the people who love her most.
