27th March 2026
At home, her family understood every gesture, expression and small sign of what she needed. Oliwia communicates in her own way: a few words, some signs, guiding your hand to what she wants, a look that says everything. “If you know her,” Sylwia says, “you know exactly what she means.”
Oliwia has Cornelia de Lange syndrome and needs support with daily living, including personal care. Like many working parents, Sylwia often did things quickly in the rush of everyday life.
“I was always in a hurry,” she says. “Working, running the house – it was just easier to do things for her.”
But one thought stayed with her.
I started thinking about her future. What if something happened to me? I didn’t want her to be moved somewhere suddenly, somewhere she didn’t know. She had to be happy and safe. That was the most important thing.
After careful consideration – and heartfelt family conversations – Oliwia moved into Croftlands in November last year, supported by Discovery.
A big step – for everyone
The first week was emotional.
“She had always been with me,” Sylwia says. “The first week, I cried.”
Oliwia’s older sister was also beginning a new chapter in her life. For the first time, the family dynamic was shifting.
But very quickly, reassurance came.
When I saw her after that first week, she looked very happy.
Not just settled – but thriving.
Growing in Independence
In a short space of time, Sylwia has seen real progress.
“She’s more independent already,” she says proudly. “Now she’s learning to do more for herself.”
Oliwia lives with five other people and already knew one of her housemates from her daytime activities, which helped her feel comfortable from the start. The team quickly noticed her personality too.
“She’s cheeky,” Sylwia laughs. “A bit bossy. She’s loud – she’s everywhere. They said she brought new life into the house.”
The team has supported Oliwia in broadening her routine. She loves music and dancing, and they are exploring local dance classes. There are plans for swimming again. She spends time baking and cooking – something she enjoys – and joins others downstairs rather than staying in her room.
At one point, when her tablet broke, something unexpected happened.
“They said she was a completely different person,” Sylwia recalls. “She had time -time for people, time for activities. She was busy.”
It’s those small changes that have made a big difference.
A moment that said everything
A few weeks after Oliwia moved in, Sylwia experienced a moment she’ll never forget.
She bumped into her daughter in town. Oliwia was heading to a coffee shop with the team.
“She blew me a kiss and said, ‘Bye Mum!’ and went,” Sylwia says, smiling. “She didn’t ask me to come.”
For a mum who had always been by her daughter’s side, that independence spoke volumes.
That’s when I knew,” she says. “She’s confident. She’s happy.
Trust, Passion and Peace of Mind
Sylwia is full of praise for the team at Croftlands.
They are amazing people. They have passion. It’s a hard job – they look after her with everything, 24 hours a day.
She values the open communication and the reassurance that if anything is wrong, she will know – but equally, she trusts the team to get on with supporting Oliwia’s life.
Living just 20 minutes away means she can visit easily, while still giving her daughter the space to grow.
And for the first time in many years, Sylwia has regained a little freedom too.
I can close the door and just go out,” she says. “I never had that before.
A future full of possibility
When asked about the future, Sylwia keeps it simple.
If she finds something she loves, let her do it. If she wants to travel, let her travel. If she discovers something new – that’s fine.
What matters most to her is that Oliwia is safe, valued and encouraged to live her own life – not just cared for, but truly supported to grow.
At Croftlands, Oliwia isn’t just being looked after. She’s building friendships, discovering new interests and developing confidence in her own time, surrounded by a team who understands her.
She must be happy and safe,” Syliwa says. “And she is. Always happy.