News

Help for Ageing Carers
Tue, Jan 8 2008

Tom and Anne Arnold, both in their 60s, have always had a dream that their daughter, Sheree, would be able to live independently.

Last year, Tom was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and their dream had to become a reality – fast.

“We had to decide what would happen – we needed to move into a retirement village,” said Anne. “We talked it over with Sheree and fortunately, she was ready to make the move towards independent living. A couple of years ago it would have been a different story.”

Tom and Anne were able to link up with the Ageing Carers Initiative, a project in the Loddon-Mallee region assisting parents who are still caring for adult children with disabilities at home.

Michelle Butcher of Community Living and Respite Services had trained with the Initiative as a facilitator – someone who can help families with short and long term planning.

Michelle, Tom, Anne and Sheree set about planning how Sheree could live independently, with some support.

In the process of hunting for a unit to rent, they also discovered one of Sheree’s friends was keen to live independently as well. The pair moved in together, and now receive support for things like budgeting, domestic chores, shopping and cooking.

“On her own it might have been too much for her, but sharing with a friend, with support, has worked really well,” said Anne. “It’s been a huge learning experience for us all but it’s going really well.

“It’s lovely to have her living independently. It makes us feel that she’s going to be all right. She has a good network of support, family and friends, and you can see her blossoming.”