A Helping Hand at 96: How Home Care Keeps Galina Safe and Connected

In the 1950s, thousands of Russians living in China immigrated to Australia, driven out on political grounds by Chairman Mao and the communist party. Galina Chadiloff, a Chinese-born Russian/Greek, and her family, were among those who re-settled in Australia, arriving in Brisbane in 1954 at 27 years of age.

Today, now aged 96, Mrs Chadiloff lives in a comfortable, light filled unit within a retirement village in Strathfield. Until recent years, she was fairly independent, with her daughter, Marina, helping her when needed.

However, when her much loved dog Priscilla sadly passed away before the first COVID 19 lockdown in 2020, things started to change for Mrs Chadiloff. Then, in early 2021, after a few falls at home, Mrs Chadiloff ended up in hospital for a month long stay.

When she had recovered, the hospital connected Mrs Chadiloff with Multicultural Care to provide services and supports for the first three months to help her transition to being at home again. This was her first experience of having help at home. It gave her daughter peace of mind and provided Mrs Chadiloff with the assistance she needed for showering safely, cleaning around her home and getting out to her favourite places.

While the support was short term, it made a big difference. It set the wheels in motion for Mrs Chadiloff to access a Home Care Package to enable her to stay living at home safely. When her funding was approved earlier in 2022, Mrs Chadiloff’s family approached Multicultural Care to continue providing services.

“The helpers make a big difference. I have a problem with my legs. If it were not for that, it would be better, but walking is very hard for me. It’s annoying, otherwise I would be alright,” Mrs Chadiloff says.

“They help with personal care, washing and cleaning the place. Then, if they have time, we sit and talk.” Mrs Chadiloff says things are easier with the carers around and she is happy she can continue to live in her unit, where she has been for over 13 years.

“It’s much easier, especially with the shower. I’ve fallen in the shower but now I feel secure because somebody comes to help.”

Mrs Chadiloff also enjoys a fortnightly social outing with her Multicultural Care worker. The pair sometimes visit Chullora Shopping Centre or a local Flower Power store where they enjoy looking at the flowers while having a coffee.

Mrs Chadiloff is happy that her daughter is no longer having to help so much. She also enjoys the company of her Multicultural Care carers.

“I don’t have any complaints. They are friendly. Sometimes they tell me about their families. It’s quite interesting because they are from overseas as well. We talk about how it was there and how it is here. Sometimes they tell me about their families, because most of them have children.”

Mrs Chadiloff says having help is a big change for her – after a lifetime of working and caring for others. “I’m not used to it. I was always looking after somebody or doing something. Now, because of my legs, I need help. But I’m thankful that I’m not somewhere sitting in a corner and there is nobody around. I am grateful and happy I have the help. I’m in my home and yet I’m with the people. That’s why I like it here.”

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