Taking good care
An in-home service from Anglicare can provide important respite for a person who cares for their loved one.
Brian and Judy Cullen, of Sandy Bay, have been supported by Anglicare since January 2021 and it’s been ‘beaut’, according to Brian.
Brian cares for his wife Judy, who has dementia. Anglicare provides Judy with personal care sessions three days a week, and the couple also appreciates a fortnightly gardening service.
Brian lists patience, understanding and keeping your loved one safe as the most important elements of being a carer. He says he and Judy are grateful for the support of their daughter, a retired nurse who used to be in charge of the geriatric ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Brian also appreciates the respite that Anglicare’s service provides him for nearly a full day each Wednesday. Once the shopping is out of the way he likes to spend it with family, his friends at the Veteran Car Club and working on his model boat project.
“My granddaughter has two babies, aged 4 months and 18 months,” he says. “On Wednesdays they go to swimming lessons. I like to go along and watch, and then we go back to Sarah’s place for something to eat and to play some more.”
The proud owner of a 1953 MG, Brian joins fellow car club members on Wednesdays on a drive to the club rooms near Brighton.
“We chat about this, that and the other and I think that’s good for my mental health,” he says.
Judy is very physically active around the house and she and Brian head out for regular walks to a nearby park.
“Judy is fitter than me,” Brian says. “At the height of COVID I got into the habit of sitting and watching television more than I should and I feel that my fitness has gone downhill. Losing our dog last year and then some radiation treatment earlier this year hasn’t helped. Walking is good for our pains and it’s something enjoyable that we can do together.”
More information
Head to this web page to find out all about Anglicare’s in-home care services for older Tasmanians.
Carers Tasmania can provide advice and support if you are caring for a loved one at home – phone (03) 6144 3700 or email intake@carerstasmania.org.
Dementia Australia has three offices in Tasmania. They are located in Battery Point in the South, Newnham in the North and Devonport in the North West.
The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Phone the Helpline on 1800 100 500 or email helpline.nat@dementia.org.au
PIC: Brian and Judy Cullen wait for a break in the weather before heading off for a walk. Judy is holding Benjie, who is a great source of comfort since the beloved family dog passed away.
