OurClients

Michael – 80, HCP client

Michael, now 80 years old, has always found a way to see the sunny side of life. Raised as an orphan in an all-boys home in Melbourne, with no family to lean on, he never let his circumstances define him. At just 18 years old, with only the clothes on his back and a sense of determination, he thumbed a ride on a semi-18-wheeler bound for Sydney. He was dropped off in Liverpool, Sydney, ready to start a new chapter in life.

Micheal learned to be independent at a young age. In a time when having a fixed address was essential to get a job, he often slept under houses, determined to find his footing. Over the years, he worked hart to support himself, taking jobs on a factory and a farm. He found purpose in his work, but life threw Michael some tough challenges along the way. He began losing his peripheral vision in his thirties, and over time, his sight faded completely, forcing him to leave his work. More recently, he’s needed hearing aids to stay connected to the world around him. Despite it all, his spirits remain positive. His knack for sharing a laugh has helped him maintain a positive outlook on life and brighten the days of everyone he meets.

Living alone in government housing doesn’t bother Micheal one bit. In fact, he’s well-known and loved by the other residents there, who admire his friendly and cheerful nature. He has two carers who regularly visit to support him: one to tidy up, help him read any letters, and check he has enough food and supplies, and another to take him for a stroll or a drive to the beach.

Michael is confident in asking for the help he needs. When he needs help, whether it’s the washing, changing the bed sheets or booking appointments, he knows he can count on Fran, his Care Consultant, and his carers, to be there for him. Micheal loves sharing a laugh with Fran, and she always looks forward to their chats. His playful nature and endless supply of jokes, like his latest gem, “Why did the coffee go to the police station? Because it was mugged!”, never fail to bring a smile to her face.

Michael is always up for a chat, and his care team at Your Side are only too pleased to oblige. He says with a grateful smile, “They do good things at Your Side. Thank you!”

Ken – 72, HCP client

Ken has always had a knack for cars. As a young man, he taught himself how to navigate an engine by tinkering away on his nephew’s vehicle, and he’s revved up by all things automotive ever since. Today, you’ll often find him proudly lifting the bonnet of his beloved Holden Commodore, making sure everything’s running like a dream.

Ken also has a fascination with model cars and airplanes. He builds and maintains them with meticulous care. These intricate projects keep his mind sharp and his hands busy, boosting his overall wellbeing. Recent research on people aged over 65 showed those with hobbies reported better health, more happiness, less depression, and higher life satisfaction. Hobbies are linked to creativity, sensory engagement, self-expression, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation, which promote good mental health and well-being.

When he was born, Ken suffered brain damage that affected his literacy skills. He also has peripheral vascular disease which caused circulatory problems that led to the loss of all but one of his toes. He had to give up his cleaning job because of his health problems some years ago. He was very close to his mother, but now she is gone Ken lives on his own in a social housing unit with very little contact or support from family or friends, so he can get lonely sometimes. As well as his collection of model cars and aircraft, his home showcases his love of animals, especially Australian native species, with pictures and ornaments all around.

Loneliness was starting to weigh him down, especially as he managed peripheral vascular disease (which led to the amputation of all but one of his toes), diabetes, and a birth-acquired brain injury that challenged his literacy skills.

Ken was initially apprehensive about accepting help, so his Care Consultant, Ann patiently built his trust and got to know him so she could help him use his Home Care Package to improve his life.

With Ann’s encouragement, Ken began to work with a speech pathologist who’s helped him improve his reading and writing. He also gained the support of a Chronic Wound Nurse for regular wound care and a care worker to provide social support, companionship, and assistance with shopping and appointments. One of the real game-changers has been a special scanner pen that reads his newspaper and mail. No longer relying on a care worker to read everything out, Ken has gradually built his skills to the point where he can now read entire novels, and he can even write the days of the week.

With the right support through his Home Care Package Ken can remain living in his own home safely and with confidence.

Aranka – 95, HCP client

At 95 years old, Aranka is one of our oldest clients, yet she can lift the energy of a room with her youthful spirit. She was born in Hungary and moved to Australia with her husband in 1957. For many years she worked as an assistant nurse in hospitals around Sydney, work that she loved and says she still misses. She left nursing to take a role managing her husband’s mechanics business. She answered the phone and looked after the books, so she knows a thing or two about customer service.

Sadly, since her husband and son passed away, Aranka has no family left in Australia. She enjoys attending Probus Club events and the community activities at her independent living units. She also stays active with swimming and walking.

Aranka doesn’t drive anymore, so her Care Consultant, Indira, helps her stay socially connected using her Home Care Package, with transport and taxis so she can get to the shops, her social events and medical appointments. Her Home Care Package also helps her get physio and massage treatments for pain associated with her arthritis and osteoporosis. Aranka keeps her home beautifully and is so independent, it took some convincing for her to accept some cleaning support with the more arduous tasks.

Aranka became a minor celebrity when she starred in the ABC TV series, Old People’s Home for Teenagers, in 2022. The program was designed to connect older people who live alone and experience loneliness, with teenagers who also struggle to make friends or feel a sense of belonging among their peers. Your Side nominated Aranka as a participant, because we knew she would not only benefit from the opportunity to make friends, but bring her joie de vivre, which is a positive influence on everyone she meets.

It was a wonderful experience for the participants of both generations, who learned a lot from each other. Aranka enjoyed it enormously and remains in touch with several of the young people she met, still texting them and meeting up in person.

She loves music and listening to the radio and will break out into a little spontaneous dance while talking with her Care Consultant, Indira.