From 10-16 October is National Carers Week - an initiative of Carers Australia to raise awareness about what care involves and recognise the 2.65 million Australians providing unpaid daily care and support to those who are frail, aged, have a disability, mental health condition or other illness.
At Catholic Healthcare many of our Home Care clients are supported and cared for by nominated carers who may be a spouse, partner, family member or friend of the client. National Carers Week honours and acknowledges the work of our carers, the ‘unsung heroes’ who do an amazing job caring for their loved ones, each and every day. Thank you for all that you do!
Like Rob, a former public servant and lecturer in management, who is the primary carer for his wife Nesta. (Pictured top of page Rob, with his wife Nesta)
“I’ve been retired now for around 20 years and when Nesta began to show more significant signs of cognitive loss associated with her advanced dementia, I made the decision to care for her in our home,” says Rob.
Rob is a resident of Henry Kendall Gardens Retirement Community in Wyoming, and both he and his wife are Home Care clients with Catholic Healthcare.
“Caring for Nesta is a full-time job and I need all the assistance I can get,” says Rob. “It can be sometimes difficult to manage even small things for myself, like attending an educational webinar during the day, while I am caring for Nesta 24 hours, seven days a week.”
Rob manages the daily care of Nesta that involves showering, dressing, helping to maintain her skin condition, and other personal care duties. He also manages her medical and specialist appointments.
“The administrative side of things, including navigating various health systems, has been difficult. It is however one of the many responsibilities of the ‘carer’.
“Due to COVID-19 we have been unable to utilise the respite and social aspects offered by the nearby Warnervale Wellness Centre run by Catholic Healthcare, which is something I do miss. I am looking forward to the Centre reopening.”
Fortunately, Rob has developed a strong relationship with Lynn, who is Care Advisor for Home Care services on the Central Coast.
“We communicate quite often, sometimes daily, so over the last two or three years we have developed a great relationship. Lynn has been terrific and helps us a lot,” continues Rob.
Lynn feels privileged to watch the dedication and devotion of Rob for his wife.
“Being able to help coordinate the care and support for them both is one of the reasons I get up each day,” says Lynn.
Another carer from the Catholic Healthcare family is Judy who cares for her husband Ian. The couple are residents at Brentwood Retirement Living Village in Kincumber where they have been living for the past 17 years.
Ian had a heart attack five years ago and also had a major fall at the time of the heart attack that resulted in a number of associated conditions and complications.
“Ian has suffered bouts of pneumonia and sepsis over the last couple of years. He has been in and out of hospital for multiple operations,” says Judy.
“It’s been quite a challenging time for us during this period.”
On a daily basis, Judy cares for Ian’s most basic needs from providing meals, assisting with showering, dressing and other personal care duties like helping with administering medications.
Judy has been able to obtain much-needed respite for herself through Catholic Healthcare’s in-home respite care service, for Home Care Package clients.
“Each week, three lovely ladies come to our place to look after Ian. They look after all of his needs, including feeding, dressing and showering,” says Judy.
“They truly have been lifesavers, as it allows me some freedom to run errands and look after housekeeping and other daily needs, while I know he is in good hands.”
Judy also enjoys being able to do things like play the organ for Ian.
“Ian loves to listen to me playing and finds it comforting. It’s a great way for us to spend time in each other’s presence. He loves it when I play rock ‘n roll tunes!”
Judy and Ian’s decision to move to the Village has paid off in the long run.
“When we decided to make the move we were in our mid-sixties and had the foresight to do this early, in case we needed additional care as we aged,” says Judy.
“Then when Ian had his accident, I have been counting my blessings as we are much more comfortable here than having to maintain a larger house and we can receive Home Care.”
Judy and Rob are just two of the many ‘unsung heroes’ who care daily for their loved ones, providing unconditional support and love.
National Carer’s Week is also a great opportunity to get involved in helping to raise awareness about what carers do and how you can support them. Carers Australia suggests organising a morning tea or afternoon tea, fundraiser or workshop to help recognise carers.
If you or someone you know would like more information on National Carers Week, and to access resources, visit the website:
Carers can also access help and support from the Government’s Carer Gateway website. There are practical tips, counselling services and other information, see below website:
https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
* Photo was taken prior to social distancing
October 13, 2020
Home Care Services, CHL
Music can be a soothing companion and for Home Care client, Evelyn, there’s nothing she likes more than sitting and listening to Andre Rieu. The uplifting tunes make her happy and content as her daughter and son-in-law care for her at home.
August 17, 2020
Home Care Services, CHL
“Catholic Healthcare provides in-home respite care so dedicated carers can leave their loved ones at home confident in the knowledge that clients are being supported and looked after properly.
