Where Home Help Makes a Difference

For many older people, home is where the heart is and living the best life may simply mean living at home for as long as possible. And with the right support, this is possible, said Kitty Smutny who has been a full-time carer for her husband for the past four years. 

“For as long as I can cope, I want to ensure Rudy is able to remain living at home. I know this would not have been possible without the additional supports that I receive at home,” said Kitty.

Rudy, who has severe dementia, requires constant supervision and assistance with his everyday living including personal care, dressing, eating, and general wellbeing. Despite the challenges caring for someone living with dementia, Kitty has never considered moving Rudy into residential care.

“Southern Cross Care has been providing us with home support for the past four years. Through Rudy’s Home Care Package, a support worker comes three times a week to help him shower and dress. We are also getting support with home cleaning and maintenance, as well as respite care to provide me with a break when needed. I would not have been able to manage all these on my own,” she said.

“Rudy enjoys living at home with me, and I enjoy caring for him full-time. However, it can be very tiring and stressful at times. That’s why it’s wonderful to have someone to come in regularly each week to give me a hand.

“John, our support worker from Southern Cross Care is fantastic and gets along so well with Rudy. With carers to help me, I am able to spend some quality time with
Rudy without having to worry about his care all the time. This is very important to me,” she said.

Southern Cross Care (Vic) supports more than 2900 older people in the community, and is currently the largest provider of Home Care Packages in Victoria. To find out more, please call 1300 4 SUPPORT (1300 478 776) or email homesupport@sccv.org.au.