Shirley has lived in the Western Sydney Region for more than 50 years. A vivacious and kind-hearted lady, she shared much of her life with her husband Ted, and their three children. When Ted passed away in 1995, Shirley lived independently, enjoying her life with her friends and family in her local community. She was even an active member of the group “The Shirleys” who encourage women with the name ‘Shirley’ to join the group for outings and travel.
In 2009, Shirley was diagnosed with two life-threatening illnesses: she was 77 years old. After multiple hospital admissions and several operations, she was successfully treated. When she was well enough, she went to live with her daughter Margaret who became her full time carer. “It was a big responsibility,” Margaret says, “but I wanted to look after my mum.”
Recently, Shirley was admitted into residential respite. Now 79, she has multiple health problems and requires oxygen continuously. She is nil by mouth and can only speak in a whisper. When an Aged Care Assessment Team at Westmead Hospital assessed her, they realised Margaret required in-home assistance to maintain Shirley’s high-care needs. Thanks to this assessment, Shirley has been referred to Care Connect as an Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) client.
Shirley’s case manager at Care Connect listened to her story and soon realised a portable oxygen machine was at the top of her “wish list”. “Mum had been housebound for months,” Margaret says. “She couldn’t even sit in the garden.”
Through Care Connect’s EACH package, a support plan now provides daily in-home respite and personal care, and a monthly visit by a registered nurse to give clinical support. The support plan also allocates money to hire a portable oxygen unit. This portable machine has transformed Shirley’s life. No longer isolated from her friends and community, she is also an active member of “The Shirleys” once again.
“Mum is so much happier,” says Margaret. “Now she can go out and spend time with other people, and she can enjoy the outdoors too. And I feel much less pressure because Mum’s services are organised. To be honest, we’re all much happier now.”
And Shirley can’t wait for her next outing with “The Shirleys”!
Written by Wendy Cavenett.