Louise has been an Enhanced Lifestyles Customer since our inception over thirty years ago. As a passionate advocate, she has been actively involved in the organisation’s governance and social activities ever since. Louise served as a member of our Board for 10 years when she stepped down to take a break and focus on other pursuits.
We’re pleased to announce that Louise was nominated back to the Board in 2022.
During her time with us, Louise has achieved a lot of personal goals. One important milestone was the modification of her Adelaide home in 2021, which was achieved with the support of the NDIS.
One of Louise’s major goals was to increase her independence and have greater control over her home environment with the help of assistive technology.
“Everything I requested to assist me in maintaining my independence was budgeted and submitted as part of my new NDIS plan this year,” Louise says.
Once Louise had established her desired goals and a home assessment was completed, the NDIS granted her request. She received funding for smart lights, smart blinds, speakers, air conditioner voice sensors, a new doorbell, and a Google Home!
The technology is impressive: the Google Home device is linked to all of the other new additions through Louise’s Wi-Fi network. This system has an in-built scheduling program to help her establish a regular routine, and voice activation sensors were installed for the air conditioning units so that she can adjust heating and cooling easily. All globes and sensors are regularly monitored to ensure Louise can enjoy her day-to-day life with no interruptions.
“This new technology has been absolutely fantastic; it has changed my life for the better. It means that I’m more independent – I can set the blinds to go up or down whenever I want and don’t need someone to do it for me. My air conditioner can automatically be switched on day or night so that, when I go out, I can come home to a nice cool or warm house with the lights on.”
Louise has control over her home’s technology through several applications on her mobile phone. The Doorbird application allows Louise to monitor her doorbell camera and speaker, LIFX controls the blinds and lights, and SENSIBO controls the air conditioning voice sensors. Lastly, both of her televisions can be switched on and off through Siri, the Apple iPhone’s virtual assistant. When Louise communicates with Google Home or Siri, they communicate back to her to confirm commands.
Behind the scenes, In-Home Housing and Stretchy Tech installed Louise’s modifications. They also undertook training with her, ensuring that she felt comfortable and confident about navigating these systems on her own.
Aside from these providers, Louise has a great support network around her. Her team includes Lifestyle Attendants from Enhanced Lifestyles, a Plan Manager from My Plan Manager, and a Support Coordinator from The Growing Space.
Working with her Support Coordinator and Occupational Therapist, Louise wrote a letter outlining her needs and detailing how the requested modifications would assist her to maintain her independence.
Everyone’s efforts sure paid off!
“I’m very thankful for everyone who was involved in making these modifications to my home and life. I couldn’t be happier with how everything has developed and I can’t wait for what’s in store next!”
The work isn’t totally finished yet, though. Louise plans to have a heater installed in her bathroom, which will have remote control access. She is thrilled at the thought of keeping her bathroom warm during those frosty Adelaide winters.
If you’re looking for support to achieve your goals, get in touch with our friendly team on 8340 2000 or email us via contact us via this form.
