A Little Goes a Long Way for Malcolm

The story of Mr Malcolm Burgess, aged in his 80s, highlights the vital role that carers play in our community, along with the importance of utilising support services to ensure that carers remain healthy themselves in their caring role. 

"Mr Burgess cares for his wife, Janice, who accesses a Home Care Package through Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills and Fleurieu Community Services," says Manager, Cecelia Oxborrow.

Mrs Burgess has some complex care requirements, including peritoneal dialysis, but is able to continue to remain at home with the support of her husband.

Unfortunately, the caring role was becoming more difficult for Mr Burgess. Despite this, they both prefer Mrs Burgess remain living at home.

Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills and Fleurieu Community Service staff discussed options with the couple, with a focus on their goal to both remain living at home.

Mrs Burgess chose to have regular fortnightly respite at Resthaven Murray Bridge, along with community-based clinical staff to attend their home twice a day. Staff prepare the dialysis equipment to alleviate the heavy lifting, which is becoming difficult for Mr Burgess.

Resthaven Murray Bridge Manager, Residential Services, Debbie Lindner, says, "After discussing the situation with Cecelia and her team, and the specialist clinical services team at Resthaven, we worked with Mr and Mrs Burgess to make the transition as smooth as possible. We also consulted the specialist dialysis team from the Royal Adelaide Hospital."

With Mrs Burgess enjoying a very successful stay in residential respite, Mr Burgess was able to take a break from his caring role, to ensure he remained healthy himself.

Resthaven's fully trained community services team also made a plan to support him to safely manage the dialysis equipment in their home upon Mrs Burgess’ return.’

Mrs Burgess says, "The main thing for Malcolm is to have a rest."

Cecelia says, "The couple continue to live at home together, and with the support of regular, planned residential respite for his wife, Mr Burgess is able to maintain his role as carer."

Resthaven’s provides a wide range of aged care support services across South Australia, including respite for carers, in home support, retirement living, and residential care. 

Find out more about Resthaven.