Loving The Life You Live at Home

“When you get older you feel like everything is going downhill, but with the right support and care, suddenly you’re back on the uphill.” For years Linda has managed ongoing mobility challenges, and the uncertainty of debilitating flare ups, caused by her rheumatoid arthritis.

“Some days the only way to get down the stairs was shuffling on my bottom. Simple things like vacuuming the house would be a week-long job,” Linda said.

Linda’s move to a Logan retirement village was a fantastic decision, and one she wished she made earlier. A smaller house and yard to manage gave Linda more time to enjoy the community of like-minded seniors she’d joined.

Due to Linda’s chronic disease she qualified for a full range of services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

For years Linda has managed ongoing mobility challenges, and the uncertainty of debilitating flare ups, caused by her rheumatoid arthritis.

“Some days the only way to get down the stairs was shuffling on my bottom. Simple things like vacuuming the house would be a week-long job,” Linda said.

Linda’s move to a Logan retirement village was a fantastic decision, and one she wished she made earlier. A smaller house and yard to manage gave Linda more time to enjoy the community of like-minded seniors she’d joined.

Due to Linda’s chronic disease she qualified for a full range of services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

She gained access to funded support for occupational therapy, podiatry, domestic assistance, garden and home maintenance, meals, transport and social support.

“It is hard to ask friends and family for help. I hated to ask my family as I felt like a burden. Plus, my friends are all around my age, so it was getting harder for them to help,” Linda said.

“I chose Carinity Home Care to manage my care and support. I’ve found it so much easier to ask carers and professionals for extra or different things – it’s just a normal part of their job and day.

“Having a single budget makes it so much easier for me to keep track of what is being spent on what services. Plus, having a coordinator who manages and schedules all my services takes a lot of pressure off me.”

Carinity ensures the services Linda receives from her Home Care Package budget are provided by her preferred suppliers. She maintained her existing cleaning and gardening contractor and her strengthening program has recently been approved to provide subsidised services.

“My Carinity carer, Lexi, comes to help me every week. We do whatever I need or want to do – anything from going shopping, pharmacy or post office visits, and medical appointments,” Linda said.

 
Linda has built a strong relationship with her regular carer, Lexi.

“Lexi is so much fun. The more we have got to know each other, the more fun we have together. The familiarity of having the same carer is so good.”

Living life has never looked so good for Linda. Keeping her mind and body busy, and following her love of aromatherapy, natural products and science, she started a course in making homemade soaps, moisturisers and massage oils.

Linda has brought that passion to other retirement village residents who have joined her at classes and sold homemade goods at the village markets, choosing to donate all proceeds to the charity Orange Sky.

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