Jenny has mealtime management plan in place which requires someone to be with her when she is eating or drinking but otherwise is very independent. “Onsite Shared Support means we’re on call to meet her needs, but not in her way,” said Centacare support worker Farai. “Jenny will call us when she’d like a snack or coffee and a support worker will help with the preparation, stay with her while she eats and help with the dishes.”
“Sometimes Jenny needs help unpacking her groceries or calling for a taxi to attend an appointment. There are lots of little ways that we support Jenny in her day-to-day life.”
“We even help take care of JoJo and Gemini, Jenny’s cheeky budgies,” laughs Farai. “It’s one of the services offered through Onsite Shared Support and it means that tenants can keep their four-legged or winged–companions close.”
Companionship, family and friendship are things that Jenny holds dear. The walls of Jenny’s apartment are adorned with photo montages of precious moments captured with family and friends including with her local church group whom she sees every Sunday.
Jenny shared the significance of one special photo in which she is dressed head to toe in green, pictured beaming at the camera beside her mum and dad who are both 84.
“Mum is Irish and every year we march in the St Patrick’s Day parade in the city,” explained Jenny, proud of her heritage. “Dad has danced the whole way around before but he’s getting a bit older now.”
“I don’t ever get bored living here,” adds Jenny. “I have friends close by and when I feel like it, I’ll get the bus to Chermside and do some shopping or get the train into the city or see mum and dad. I love to get out and about.”
Could shared support be right for you?
There are always going to be those days! Confidence comes when you know you have professional, support on-hand as you need it. Our Onsite Shared Support is a shared service across multiple co–located, independent apartments, which means we’re on call, but not in your way. Call us on 1300 236 822 to learn more.