Richard receives a number of services through his home care package including cleaning, respite care, regular Lite N Easy meals, and assistance with tasks such as shopping. Richard is also able to attend physiotherapy and podiatry appointments through the transport assistance included in his plan.
Having been a mecwacare client for 16 years, Richard has been able to build strong relationships with the people that support him, including his care advisor, Kathleen.
Richard explains that Kathleen has supported him throughout several struggles, including a move from his previous first floor apartment to a ground floor home.
“Due to my decline in health, I struggled to climb the flight of stairs to get to my apartment,” Richard explains.
“Kathleen advocated for me tirelessly [and] managed to negotiate to a ground floor unit where I now live. If I had continued to live on the first floor, I would have had multiple falls and ended up in hospital.”
Richard explained that Kathleen assisted him to reduce financial stress by negotiating a discounted rental rate. She facilitated an occupational therapy assessment to determine whether Richard’s home needed modifications for him to remain living there safely.
“With the completed home modification funded by my home care package, I am able to live in my home indefinitely, independently, where I find comfort and feel safe,” Richard expressed.
Kathleen knows that Richard has limited community and social support, so keeping Richard in his home, where he feels confident and secure, is important in maintaining his
independence and positive spirit.
“She comes to visit me where possible and calls me on a regular basis,” Richard says of his care advisor.
“My carers are fantastic. They understand my needs and are very helpful and friendly – they do such great jobs.”
Richard is extremely grateful for the assistance he receives from mecwacare, and it is an honour for mecwacare to be able to provide such worthwhile support to him.
“With everything Kathleen has done for me, I am able to achieve my goals, to stay at home where I love to be, and live independently for as long as possible,” Richard smiles.
Photo: Richard
