Born to care and living independently with in-home support
Great grandmother Pamela continues to live in the home her beloved husband built.
After a lifetime caring for others, Pamela is glowing about the support she receives to live confidently and independently in her home in regional Tasmania.
“I wouldn’t be without them,” she says of her integratedliving Support Worker Cassie and long-time Care Partner Helen. “Cassie knows me better than I know me.”
At 81, Pamela has lived a remarkable life, although she is quick to describe it as an ordinary one. “I’m a battler,” said the second eldest of 11 children.
A lifelong calling to care for others
Born in England, Pamela knew from childhood that she wanted to become a nurse. “I was born to be a nurse,” she says. “I would watch the ambulances and want to check on everyone hurt or sick. I was just drawn to do that.”
She started training as soon as she could following school, before migrating to Australia with her husband Philip when she was 21. They had three children, Philip built the family home Pamela still lives in, and Pamela spent another 43 years in the profession she always loved. They also became grandparents and great grandparents while in their family home.
Today, after a lifetime of caring for others, the great grandmother has learnt the importance of accepting support herself. Despite facing significant health challenges in recent years including strokes, a heart attack and mobility issues, and diabetes for decades, Pamela remains determined to stay in her beloved family home.
The home holds treasured memories and, with the right support around her, it continues to be the place where Pamela feels most comfortable.
Learning to accept support
Pamela’s journey with integratedliving began with Philip around 12 years ago when they started receiving domestic assistance. When Philip tragically passed away a decade ago, Pamela continued receiving assistance and, as her needs changed, her support and services have evolved too.
Today, Pamela receives a Support at Home package that helps her maintain the independence she values so deeply. Her tailored support includes domestic assistance, shopping support, personal care and other services that make everyday life safer and more manageable.
"They've helped me stay at home," Pamela says simply.
For Pamela, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference. “Where would we be without the carers?” she asks. “They're everything.”
The little things that make a big difference
A regular outing with Support Worker Cassie might involve doing the shopping, enjoying a coffee together and a very special annual visit to place fresh flowers on Philip’s grave.
Those outings provide practical support and something equally important – connection.
“She loves me and I love her,” Pamela says of Cassie.
Pamela speaks just as warmly of Helen, her integratedliving Care Partner. Helen has helped her navigate changing care needs and access services that support her independence. “I couldn't do without her,” she says. “She's done a lot for me.”
As someone who spent a lifetime and career looking after others, Pamela has a deep appreciation for the work performed every day by support workers and carers. “Where would we be without the carers? They are amazing.”
Her appreciation comes not only from her professional experience as a nurse, but also from her personal experience as someone receiving care.
A new perspective on receiving care
Pamela knows first-hand that ageing brings daily challenges. Tasks that were once effortless now take much longer. Health concerns require ongoing management. Planning for the future becomes increasingly important. Yet Pamela approaches these realities with characteristic practicality, humour and faith.
A regular churchgoer, Pamela credits both her faith and her support network for helping her navigate life's ups and downs.
“I'm a believer. I love the Bible. I love Jesus. I tell my family to 'live by it'," Pamela says warmly.
While she remains realistic about the possibility that she may need more support in the future, Pamela is clear that she continues to enjoy a fulfilling life at home today.
Her story is a powerful reminder that ageing does not mean giving up independence. With the right support, people can continue living safely, confidently and with dignity in the communities they love.
After spending decades caring for others, Pamela has discovered that accepting care can be just as important. And thanks to the support of her integratedliving team, she continues to live life on her own terms in the family home her beloved husband built.
Learn more about how in-home support can help you or a loved one live independently, stay connected and enjoy life at home. Read about how the right support helps Kathy continue living independently in the home she loves, and discover how in-home support gives Heather more time to enjoy what she loves.