How aged-care support improved life for Christine and Steven
How Steven and Christine found the support they both needed.
As Christine’s dementia became more advanced, her son Steven was finding it increasingly difficult to balance the demands of caring for her with his work. Christine had always been very resistant to receiving care and wanted to stay in her home in Woy Woy. When he discovered integratedliving and the Home Care Package options, Christine slowly adjusted to the idea.
“Initially, we had help with personal care and meal delivery, but this still meant Mum was alone at home for a significant number of hours while I was working,” Steven said. “She wasn’t happy and understandably lonely. I suggested she might like to try the Activity Centre.”
Steven says his Mum was not keen on going, but he went with her the first time for a trial. On their way home, Christine told Steven, “That was pretty nice.” She started going two days a week, and it quickly increased to four and then five days a week.
“Mum responded so positively to her time at the Activity Centre that I thought I had found a cure for dementia,” Steven said
“She seemed to perk up considerably. I think it’s a great example of how important it is to be well cared for, connected with others, and treated like a human being.
“I used to work from home on a Wednesday to be with Mum, but she began telling me she wanted to go to the Activity Centre. That was when she started going five days a week,” Steven said.
Christine loves music, and one of the things she loves to do at the Activity Centre is listen to her favourite songs. Her eclectic taste ranges from the Beatles and ABBA to UB40, Wham and Ed Sheeran.
She also enjoys colouring and drawing. Steven’s father, Tomi, died last year, leaving him with the sole responsibility of caring for his Mum, and it became much harder. Knowing that Christine is well cared for while he’s at work is a great relief.