Art, Joy and Respite – Living with Parkinson's and Accepting the Support Available
It was a pivotal moment when Casey and his wife Sue decided to welcome aged-care support. They haven’t looked back.
Casey has lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 27 years, and for most of that time, he has had a productive life pursuing his many talents. These include running a successful printing business, publishing two books, painting and even competing in the State Championships for lawn bowls. Six months ago, his Parkinson’s was becoming a challenge, and he and his wife Sue decided they needed some extra help.
Sue said that while they have always been very independent, Casey had no reservations about transitioning to the Home Care Package, now a Support at Home package.
“I have accepted that I need the help,” Casey said. “Teresa, my support worker, comes every week. We go on outings, which gives Sue a break too.”
For Casey, the highlight is getting out and about with Teresa. He enjoys painting and drawing, so they go to the park or lake, where he can sit and make sketches to work on when he gets home.
Teresa has learned a lot from Casey, including how to fish. So far, the fish have been too small to eat, but they have a laugh and enjoy the fresh air. Now, Casey is trying to teach Teresa how to play chess.
Teresa says she is grateful for Casey’s slow approach to the skilful game as it is taking her a while to catch on.
Until a few years ago, Casey played lawn bowls twice a week. The sport has been a great joy to him, and he still has lots of friends at his local bowls club, so Teresa often takes him to have coffee with his mates and watch the bowling underway.
Casey is also an author, and wrote his self-published autobiography, Who the Hell is Casey Paardekooper?, in 2018. Casey emigrated to Australia from Holland when he was five years old.
Having been so far away from his grandparents growing up, he thinks it is important for children to connect to their history and where they came from.
His second book, Hook, Line and Stinkers, includes illustrations by two of his granddaughters.
Sue agrees with Casey that the help provided by integratedliving has been wonderful. “Being able to have some respite, as well as personal care and domestic assistance, in place means the time I have with Casey is more enjoyable. We get to make the most of life,” Sue said.
“I can’t say enough about how happy we are,” Sue said. “The staff are so caring, show great empathy, and are incredibly professional.” Casey and Sue have been married for 56 years. They often discuss how to make the most of their time. Casey is thinking that he might write another book. Sue says he needs to choose between his art and writing, as they take up space in their small apartment.
“This is our first experience with aged care,” Sue said. “We have been very lucky. Donna, our case manager, is also very helpful. We feel like the whole team is holding our hand.”