My Little Corner

 

Government packages - what you need to know if you don’t already.

Let’s talk about getting old, or even if you’re young and unable to manage while experiencing debilitating health issues. It’s often a stealth thing which creeps up on the unsuspected or it could be something sudden; we’re all affected differently. I say to  younger people than myself, look after your body as best you can because once you hit 70, that seems to be the time things begin to wear out or some-such and each year it gets worse albeit subtly. Often it’s various things that happen through life that play catch-up; all the little accidents over time, or sicknesses, plus other anomalies that come together to form difficulties one never dreamt of. But you know, people are resilient, stoic, and marvelous through whatever comes. The human spirit is amazing.

I don’t know about other countries, but here in Australia, if one is still able to stay in one’s own house but aren’t able to cope with housework, yard work etc., we have available to us different agencies who help us obtain a package for levels 1 to 4. The more debilitated you are, the higher the Level.  The package is a certain amount of money from the government to be managed by an agency for us to live as comfortable as we can in our own homes.  It’s cheaper for the government to do that than to put someone into hostel care.

Not knowing anything about these packages, I suffered considerably for nearly 2 years when I desperately, DESperately needed help, then a friend told me about the package. Although there is a waiting time (I waited around 8 months) I have just been granted  Level 3 which began last week and is such a blessing. Level 3 is worth over $37,000 each year.  It’s not put in my bank, but is managed by my agency and any job I need doing, the person working for me is paid by the agency I chose.

If John wasn’t able to take me to appointments or shopping, I could have someone do that. Someone can come into our home for 2 hours at a stretch to do anything that needs to be done which I cannot cope with. I can have a gardener to keep things tidy but not to plant flowers and the like; someone to wash windows; someone to do light maintenance. The only way I can move well is on my trike or in a wheelchair. I’m very good at waddling like a duck often holding a walking stick around the house or when walking into church when I can go – hooray for zoom!  I’m not complaining … no, no; I just want you to know what is available if you need help.

While waiting for the Level 3, Community Health sent a lovely woman to my house once a fortnight to vacuum and wash the floors and clean the downstairs bathroom which I use, for free. I remember the first time she came; it was a burden lifted.

Early this year I was granted an interim $12,000 8-week Therapy package which, after administrative costs, left about $8,500 to use for a physiotherapist, dietician, podiatrist, Occupational Therapist, and a whiz-bang motorized chair worth up to $4,000. The Occupational Therapist helped with the purchase of a chair and mine will arrive after Easter.  He also suggested there be grip handles inside and out at our three exterior doorways as well as the shower.  I balked at the idea of the door grips but had them installed and now I don’t think I’d be without them.

I was finding it hard to give up my independence but when it settles in the mind it’s not so bad. Last week I had a lovely young woman come do housework for me and as the idea settles I’ll hand over more chores that I’m finding difficult to do. Although John is my Carer, there are things he just can’t do.

As you’ve probably read in previous posts, I was beginning to get out and about on my tricycle and that is gold to me. I love cycling; it’s freedom to go just about anywhere I desire around Caloundra on my weight-bearing machine. I’ve even half-jokingly asked our son if he’d join with me in next year’s bicycle run through Brisbane city. When I bought my trike he invited me to do a part of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.  I’d still like to do that – we’ll see how things go.

I can’t express enough how thankful I am for the packages. Not only does it help physically, it also helps mentally, so if you’re having difficulties and need help, Freecall: 1800 200 422 at myagedcare or email: myagedcare.gov.au and register with them. They’ll start the ball rolling.