Deepa’s story

When Deepa turned 86, her health started to decline. In the space of 6 months, she had a mild heart attack and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Due to her health issues, her energy dropped, she became weak and less active, and then she had a fall at home. Deepa realised how much things had changed when she asked her sons to visit her at home instead. She even found it hard to go into her small backyard garden. 

Deepa called My Aged Care who arranged for an aged care assessment. When she met with the assessor, she explained her aged care needs and importantly her goal which was to remain independent and stay living at home. She also wanted to regain her energy so she could look after her house and enjoy the things she loved, including gardening and visiting her sons. 

Deepa was approved for the Restorative Care Pathway, including funding for minor home modifications. She found a provider and together they developed a goal plan to help slow Deepa’s decline, build her strength, and restore her independence. A physiotherapist prescribed exercises to improve her strength. A chiropractor and remedial massage therapist also helped improve her movement. A dietitian worked with her to improve her diet and help manage her diabetes. Deepa also had handrails installed in her bathroom and around her garden to make it easier and safer to move around. 

As a result of these changes, Deepa found that she became stronger, healthier, and more confident managing her own care. After a couple of months, she was able to move around the house and garden and resume her trips to the coffee shop to see her sons.