Inside Dungarvin Homes: A Young Woman’s Striving Toward Independence

Dungarvin’s Residential Services span a variety of settings and situations, depending on the specific needs of each individual. This is what makes Dungarvin special – a mission that focuses on the individual, meeting people where they are and working with them to tailor the supports they need.

For the most part, based on personal preference, people receiving Residential Services support can, for example, choose to live in a group home or host home (also known as a Community Companion Home, or other terms, depending on the state). Some individuals with significant behavioral challenges due to their disabilities may require living in a home without roommates, supported throughout the day and night by Mental Health Specialists or Direct Support Professionals.

This is the case for Akila, who is served by Dungarvin Minnesota. She lives in a suburban home, where she is guided by Mental Health Specialists Nafisa Musa and Sylvia Flomo, as well as other staff.

Akila loves seeing the deer, fox and other wildlife around her house, drawing with pencils, choosing her own clothes and fashion accessories, window shopping, and hanging out with her boyfriend, who is also supported by Dungarvin. She also relishes occasional outings, including one she recently enjoyed with her mom, visiting from Florida.

Akila has been looking for a job and striving to be as independent as she can. During a recent conversation with Dungarvin staff, she talked about her recent accomplishments, of which she is clearly proud. Earlier this month, she had an interview for a job and she’s excited about the opportunity. She also spoke about improving her daily self-care and living skills.

“I do my own medication now; I fill it up myself, with supervision,” she said, referring to the pill boxes she uses to manage her health. “I make most of my meals myself. But if I need help, I’ll ask.” She added that she likes living in the Dungarvin home. “I like how I get to be helped to get the skills for my independent life.”

On their shift at Akila’s home, Nafisa and Sylvia typically arrive in the morning to check on things. “We make sure that the house is in good order; we make sure she’s ok and she’s getting the support she needs,” Sylvia said.

“And taking her medications,” Nafisa added.

The two staffers, who also work at another Dungarvin home, said they enjoy supporting Akila, although it can be a significant challenge sometimes. Akila occasionally becomes upset and needs help calming down. Dungarvin’s Mental Health Specialists are trained to handle challenging behaviors using a variety of techniques, including observation and identifying triggers, and using de-escalation methods to calm and divert the person.

Over time, Sylvia has worked to develop a relationship of trust with Akila, which allows her to provide better support. “That relationship has to be established. You need to get to know what the person likes to do, what they do not like to do – if you get to know those things, you are good. There must be real caring, understanding, listening and trust to create a healthy relationship.”

If you are looking for supports for yourself or a loved one, visit the Dungarvin website to see the services and supports provided in your state.