Supported living facility in Navan celebrates 20 years

A SUPPORTED living service in Navan has marked 20 years in the community, with residents, families and staff gathering to celebrate the milestone and reflect on how independent living support has evolved over the past two decades.

Praxis Care’s Swan House service supports adults with intellectual disabilities, autism and mental ill health and was among the first residential services of its kind in Ireland when it opened in Navan 20 years ago.

During the anniversary event, one resident’s story offered a powerful example of the difference supported living can make.

Benson ‘Chile’ Ngoma moved to Swan House last year and, according to staff, has become far more independent and settled in recent months.

A keen gardener, Chile now spends much of his time helping maintain the grounds and tending to his own small greenhouse on site — something staff say has transformed his confidence and wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, his keyworker Nicole explained that gardening had long been an interest of Benson’s and quickly became a major part of his daily life after moving into Swan House.

“He loves just pottering around out there,” she said.

“He’s always looking for any excuse to get outside into the garden.”

Chile’s greenhouse currently contains strawberries, cauliflower and flowers, while staff are hoping to upgrade the small plastic structure in the future to allow him spend even more time gardening comfortably year-round.

Nicole said Chile had become much more engaged and active through gardening and outdoor work around the house.

“There were days before when he wouldn’t really get out of bed and was quite low,” she said.

“Now he’s out weeding, cutting the grass and looking after the plants. It’s become a really important part of his day.”

Staff at Swan House said residents are encouraged to shape daily life within the service, from activities and outings to developments around the house and gardens themselves.

The greenhouse and sensory gardening area were both developed in response to residents’ interests.

Head of Operations at Praxis Sinead Gilsenan said supported living services today are far more person-centred than when Swan House first opened two decades ago.

“When the service first opened, people were often simply placed in homes without the level of assessment or person-centred planning that exists today,” she said.

“Now everything is much more focused on the individual, ensuring people feel safe, comfortable and supported to thrive.”

Praxis Regional Director Rosarie Tynan, who was among the first team leaders at Swan House when it opened, said there had been major changes in how independence and human rights are viewed within social care services.

“It’s about ensuring people can live as independently as possible, make choices and feel part of everyday life,” she said.

She added that one of the most important principles for staff was recognising that Swan House is first and foremost the residents’ home.

“You’re entering somebody’s home every single day and that’s an honour,” she said.

The service currently supports 10 residents across two houses in Navan, with some residents having lived there for almost the full 20 years.

Staff said family involvement remains a hugely important part of the service and praised the role relatives continue to play in supporting residents throughout their lives.

Looking ahead, staff said they hope Swan House will continue to evolve while maintaining the strong sense of community and belonging that has shaped the service over the past two decades.