Living life to the full with At Home Services
A few stories from our At Home Services team that show how significant can be for people to receive the support they need to keep doing the things they love and to stay happy and healthy.
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29 May 2018
News
| Home Care
Supporting people in doing the things they are passionate about is a crucial part of Baptistcare’s philosophy to ensure people continue to live lives of purpose and meaning.
“Our organisation is very much about helping people pursue their personal goals, passions and what is important to them,” explained Deb Patterson, General Manager At Home Services.
Deb said there are many cases where assistance from Baptistcare employees has enabled people to live life to the full.
One example is 97 year old George Conner, an At Home Services customer in Bunbury, who was a tram driver in Perth from 1947 through to when the tramways closed in 1958.
George’s Support Workers heard him reminiscing about his days as a tram driver and discovered the very tram he drove was part of the heritage trams operating in Whiteman Park, Perth. They subsequently arranged a trip for him to travel from Bunbury to meet members of the Perth Electric Tramway Society Inc and board the tram for the first time in 59 years.
Four generations of George’s family joined him as he was reunited with Tram 66 once more. George was thrilled to show his family his beloved tram.
“Coming here has brought back a lot of good memories,” George said.
Paula Olsen, At Home Services Clinical Service Facilitator for the South West region, said, “George is a very special person and it’s been a privilege to celebrate his life story and create these special moments for him.”
For Perth At Home Services customer Helene Merriman, art has been a big part of her life for many years and being able to hold her first solo exhibition in 25 years earlier this year was a significant personal triumph. Helene was recently inspired to continue her art after a long hiatus due to family commitments and health issues. The artist successfully exhibited pieces from her extensive portfolio at Atwell Gallery in Alfred Cove with the assistance of Support Worker Rowena Botterill, who helped her to prepare for the exhibition over several months.
Similarly, Disability Services customer Kelly Rogers was able to attend concerts of her favourite singer Guy Sebastian on two occasions thanks to Support Worker Carol Triglia contacting The Sebastian Foundation to organise carers tickets so Kelly could be accompanied by her support staff. Carol also arranged opportunities for Kelly to meet her hero Guy, which Kelly thoroughly enjoyed and are moments she will never forget.
Deb Patterson said experiences like these have great significance for each individual and are fantastic examples of how our employees go above and beyond to ensure the people they support are happy and healthy.
Click here for more information about home care services at BaptistCare.