We first profiled Ron Brewseter earlier in the year, when he shared some of his extraordinary art with us. At that time he was receiving some services to help him stay at home delivered under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. He was then assigned a Level 3 Home Care Package, which provides for a higher level, and variety, of services and supports. The Home Care Package program is now called the Support at Home program. It offers a greater number of funding levels, and includes clinical services which require no co-contribution.
Ron knows that some people are, understandably, reluctant to accept assistance. What follows is, in his own words, Ron’s experience over the 5-month transition phase between the two programs. He shares it in the hope that others will be encouraged by his experience to discover what might be available to support them.
USING YOUR PACKAGE EFFECTIVELY
An Holistic Approach for Mind, Body & Spirit
My body had been pretty much broken over my lifetime.
Accumulated motorcycle, industrial and construction injuries had already taken a toll. Then I had the car accident that inadvertently discovered the aneurism in my brain, which led to the procedure that saved my life, but did soon after result in a stroke and ongoing involuntary tremors.
Anxiety, depression and associated mental health issues could easily follow which would only exacerbate my compound health issues.
I was initially overwhelmed by the level of funding and was advised if it remained unused, it would be returned [to the government].
But how best to use the funds?
The recommendation was the usual cleaner, plus physio/exercise therapist.
Now, I must warn this may only work for the most freakishly independent and stubborn among us.
An exercise physio specialist is fantastic… but I was determined not to become a “hamster on a treadmill”. Exercising is vitally important, however I’ve always hated “exercise”, but enjoyed hard work – actually doing something.
After long discussion with the therapist, and confirming with my coordinator, a new plan was devised. Rather than supervised exercise I have a series of specifically tailored exercises I can do during my regular exercise days, which usually consist of a ferry ride to the city, followed by several hours of casual walking, plus the exercises I’ve been given. Not only am I doing the exercise unsupervised, in many instances I’m actually exceeding the minimum duration or limits.
If you recall, my body is pretty much broken, so using the package funds for a massage therapist rather than an exercise therapist has been a much better use of them. After my usual several days of exercise it is sheer luxury to have a trained physio massage from head to toe and “put humpty back together again”.
But the massage isn’t purely for relaxation. As my masseur is Chinese and Western trained, she is actively working muscles and joints, soothing and relieving the ongoing back, neck and shoulder pain we all experience. The arms, legs, hands and feet are also worked on to improve blood flow and mobility. This overall holistic approach assists immediately with pain and mobility and, more importantly, is actively working towards improving my overall mobility or at the very least, maintaining my current state much longer into the future.
The money I’ve saved from my package has been put towards Cabcharge which can then take me to different exercise locations, providing not only exercise but a chance for social interaction, a change of environment and for me personally, almost a meditative experience.
I’ve recently discovered the Sydney Heritage Fleet and the work they do in restoring old ships to fully working condition, including several tall ships, historic steam vessels… and much more. I’m currently seeking volunteering options that will provide the opportunity for a little “hard work”, a sense of achievement and the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals of all ages. This is where I’ll contact the physio/exercise therapist again to assess the workshops and various tasks available and work out a suitable “exercise regime”.
We are all different, we all approach our respective health challenges differently.
I have been fortunate enough to have found Care Connect, and the understanding of my coordinator to help find the right balance for me.
My advice, think carefully about how your funds can best support your health and physical wellbeing, but don’t neglect your own sense of independence or mental wellbeing. Discuss openly and honestly with your coordinator how you want to live your life and find the best way to manage your funds to achieve the best outcome for your Mind, Body and Spirit.
“I struggled with how to use the package in the beginning. It is overwhelming, but you can’t simply sit back thinking it will solve all the problems… there’s lots of work to do, but approaching it creatively has actually made it fun. …. Probably more fun than it should. “