Hi my name is Christian Konstantinidis. I cannot speak, walk or care for myself. I only make noises when I am happy or if I am in discomfort and need assistance immediately.
My mom knows me best and is my biggest advocate. She speaks on my behalf to ensure I am safe, loved and cared for with dignity and respect.
In January 2020, I had recently moved into a care home as my mom could not lift me anymore (I am a big boy for my age). She had suffered many injuries due to lifting me up and down the stairs and both of our safeties were in danger. Hard decisions had to be made and I moved into a home where the proper equipment was in place to care for me.
My mom and two brothers came to visit me a few times a week as I was close by. I had daily phone calls from my mom so I could hear her voice. I loved our chats and visits. In March 2021 I moved into Safehaven. I was so happy and sad at the same time. I knew my mom was going to be taken away from me again and I could not hold her hand due to restrictions from Covid.
My mom worked closely with Safehaven staff to ensure that nothing bad was going to happen to me again. We all developed a beautiful bond. We created a foundation of communication, collaboration and TRUST.
Safehaven staff worked closely with my mom to ensure that I was able to communicate with her and my brothers on a daily basis and that I was never left alone. This made me so happy and I felt so loved and most of all HEARD!
They heard my voice and knew what I needed to stay safe, loved, cared for and happy. My mom even taught the staff how to make the funny noises that make me laugh.
All of my caregivers love me so much and I cannot thank them enough for the aroundthe-clock care they gave me to get me to where I am today. I love them all.
Today, I AM SAFE, I AM HEALTHY, I AM LOVED, I AM HAPPY, I AM GRATEFUL and most of all I AM HEARD!!!
Thank you Safehaven for everything you have done for me.
Thank you for listening to my mom and making sure I am able to see and talk to her as much as I want without any judgment.
I look forward to continuing this beautiful relationship and making wonderful memories along the way.
I LOVE YOU SAFEHAVEN! You are all HEROES!
Love, Christian – Written by my mom Lisa