Home is where John and Vivian’s heart is

Life is action-packed for John and Vivian Elliott at Wellington Manor Retirement Village. The residents love the life they’ve created in a community where they are surrounded by neighbours who’ve become dear friends. They keep themselves busy every day with a long list of activities in the village. John and Vivian say they’re able to keep active through the assistance they receive from their Home Care Packages.

Keeping active

During an average week at Wellington Manor, John and Vivian like to take part in indoor bowls, snooker and croquet. This helps them keep physically active and engaged in the community.

“It’s a lot of fun and we enjoy spending time with our friends here,” says Vivian.

During their time at Wellington Manor, John and Vivian have been heavily involved with the resident and social committee, including holding leadership roles. While they have pulled back a little, the couple continues to support the committees and stay involved as much as possible.

Needing extra help

John is a leg amputee and Vivian has been his primary carer, assisting him with daily tasks. As the pair have got older, things have naturally become more difficult for Vivian to provide the care John requires.

“I need a lot of help. With the wheelchair I had, Vivian would have to push me around, which was getting difficult,” says John. “We were really struggling.”

It was suggested to John and Vivian that getting a Home Care Package could help make their life much easier and more enjoyable. A Home Care Package is a government-funded program to assist older Australians remain safely at home. The funding can be used to provide a range of services, such as personal care, domestic assistance, and transport services, as well as funding for home modifications and assistive technology.

Speaking to the RetireAustralia Home Care team, John went through the assessment process and was allocated a Home Care Package.

“I think we were one of the first people in the village to get a Home Care Package, but we certainly weren’t the last,” says John.

How it helped

Life is now very different for the couple. The Home Care Package has meant they are able to have a carer come in and assist them with daily domestic tasks. They’ve also been able to purchase equipment to make their day-to-day life feel less impossible.

“Before we were surviving on second-hand items, but since we’ve had the Home Care we’ve been able to purchase things like a lift for the car and a new motorised scooter,” says John.

“Now instead of staying at home, I can go and help my wife. I’m not relying on her to push me around, I can push myself,” says John. “I can now help with the shopping.”

“We can walk to the shops and John can bring the shopping home in the scooter!” says Vivian.

For John and Vivian, it’s not just the new lease on life the equipment has given them, they also appreciate the care and support the Home Care team has offered them.

“It’s just excellent. We feel really looked after by Tracy, who’s part of the team,” says John. “It’s just a really personal service.”

Life now

After witnessing how things have changed for John and Vivian, many of the residents at Wellington Manor are now accessing a Home Care Package.

“We have recommended a government-funded Home Care Package and RetireAustralia Home Care to quite a few people,” says John. “And why wouldn’t we? Life is pretty good!”