Staying a part of the community

Tom has been part of our Crosslinks Community Inclusion Program since 1996. Long before moving into a Crosslinks supported independent living home in 2019, Tom was already well known for his love of getting into the community and enjoying being outdoors.

Tom loves fresh air, scenic drives and listening to music – especially old-time songs. Music Time is one of his favourite activities, where he happily sings along and enjoys the shared experience.

Over the years, Tom’s needs have changed. As he’s aged, Tom’s mobility has declined and he now relies fully on a wheelchair. What hasn’t changed is how important being outside and connected remains for him.

Unfortunately, Tom’s wheelchair recently broke. Ongoing delays meant repairs took far longer than expected. Because Tom is transported in his wheelchair, this left him unable to safely access the community for over six months.

Despite this, our Crosslinks crew made sure Tom still spent time outside each day. They took him for manageable walks in the local area so he could enjoy being outdoors, listening to music and staying connected in the ways available to him.

While Tom’s wheelchair was still out of action, his sister sadly passed away. Attending her funeral was incredibly important to Tom. Thanks to the dedication of our team, a hire wheelchair was organised so Tom could attend the funeral. It was a powerful reminder that support is about showing up, especially during life’s most difficult moments.

The good news? Tom’s wheelchair has been repaired! And getting back out into the community has been his priority. Supported Independent Living support workers made sure he enjoyed trips to Kings Park and went out on scenic drives while waiting for his regular community inclusion services to recommence.

Now, Tom is eagerly looking forward to returning to hydrotherapy – an activity he loves and one that brings movement, comfort and joy.

Tom’s journey these past few months is a reminder that community inclusion services are about more than activities. They’re about dignity, belonging and long-term relationships that adapt as life changes.

At Crosslinks, we’re proud to support people like Tom – not just for a short time, but for life.

Keen to learn more?

If you’d like to learn more about our community inclusion services or supported independent living in Perth, we’d love to chat.
Call (08) 9374 1600, email [email protected], or fill out our form to have one of the team contact you when you’re ready.