Alison in words of her sister Sandra
Sandra and her family felt that Alison wasn’t just a member of their family, but of the MacIntyre family too
Top Tips from Families to Families
MacIntyre want to help as many families and circles of support as possible. We have heard from some of the families connected to MacIntyre with top tips which might help you and your loved ones.
It would be great to add to this list - if you have a tip that could help others please use the form on this page or email Nicola Payne [javascript protected email address] and we will add it on.
- Join a local support group (in person or a Facebook group). Other parents are great at sharing information.
- If your child joined a residential school, try not to visit your child too much at the beginning, allow them a chance to settle in.
- Think of this as you gaining your independence, too, not just your child.
- Think about what this means for you and have plans for yourself, too.
- As an overwhelmed carer, find time to exercise 2/3 times a week.
- Join in whenever you can.
- It is useful to think about end of life matters and have them in place.
- Bullet journal - a great easy way to see an overview of appointments etc.
- Keep records of all correspondence, reviews, appointments.
- Ensure you are registered as a carer with your GP.
- You are never the first or only person with a problem, ask for help.
- Trust your judgement.
- Organise visits throughout the transition period
- Try to visit at different times if the day
- Engage with the staff where your child/ adult is, to ensure they settle happily in their new life
- Be positive
- Trust the staff
- Be willing to step back and let the staff do their job
- Don’t give up, keep going until you get funding
- Don’t let social services put you off
- Get to know MacIntyre's Management structure
- Make sure you know what you and your loved one want
- Reach for the stars! MacIntyre were creative in finding solutions and even helping us to know what to aim for
- Understand the line of communication between your family member, staff and management
- Get advice on how to fill in council forms
- Always make a note of questions you have, as soon as they pop in to your head
- Ask all questions you have
- Try to teach your child to be as independent as possible at home before they go. Don’t leave it too long to cut the apron strings
- Talk to other MacIntyre Families
Share your tips
Please use the form below to share your advice with other parents.
More for families
More about how we work with families
22 Apr 2025
Our commitment to families
MacIntyre's commitment to open and honest communication is set out in our Family Charter.
22 Apr 2025
The MacIntyre Podcast, Season 4, Episode 4
In conversation with Karen Gunn, daughter of our founders Ken and Marjorie Newton Wright, and Nicola Payne, our Health and Families Manager.
27 Sep 2024
The MacIntyre Podcast, Season 4, Episode 1
In this podcast, we hear from MacIntyre's Chief Executive, Sarah Burslem, in which she describes MacIntyre as an amazing place to live, learn and work.
9 Jul 2024
How You Can Feel Supported As A Family Member
At MacIntyre we want you as a family member to feel engaged with your community and supported. We offer various resources to help you to do just that.
Feature photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash, where artists offer their work for free which allows non-profits to minimise the costs of stock photography.