"Support From Care Co-ordinator"

At the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions, it was a priority that my much elderly parent comes to live with us so we could look after them and not have to come and go to their home and do their shopping etc.  

They have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and it really was a blessing they were staying with us as it proved to us that they could no longer stay at home alone. Even though Community Services were in place for them, they were continuing to decline as they were forgetting to eat and hydrate themselves.  

Care Coordinator, Vicki tried to call my parent at their home but after trying a few times, checked their profile and rang me as the next of kin. Vicki then called me at work and asked if not only was my parent ok but how were we doing as a family, supporting a loved one with Alzheimer's. This was all new to me and Vicki was outstanding support as she advised me of Carer groups and also the Dementia support group that exists in our area. I had no idea that these groups were available for me to talk to and get help and support from.  

Vicki also kindly spoke to me about what to expect with my parent, with their moods and personality that we certainly were experiencing. Vicki's conversation with me put my mind at rest that I believe we were doing the right thing with my parent and it made me feel so much better about having my parent at home and that in fact, we could cope with the outside support that Vicki offered.  

Vicki has since phoned me again to see how we are all going and if there is anything else I need from her to support us in having my parent living with us. She has given me suggestions to try to enhance my parent's appetite and they have worked as they have put on half a kilo! It's amazing, in my opinion, how such a small thing has made us all so happy and positive! We can't thank Vicki enough for supporting us and pointing me in the right direction for my parent's future, to make sure they are well cared for and supported.