For Rachel, a TV advertisement was the start of a wonderful support journey with Mable.

Rachel’s dad, who is 78 years old, lives with dementia and also experienced a stroke a few years ago. 

“I’d heard there was an organisation I could use to find support workers,” Rachel says. “We had just got the Home Care Package and we were looking at providers, but we wanted to do it independently. One night, I saw a Mable ad on TV and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s perfect for what we need’.”

Rachel’s father has now been getting support through Mable for 6 months, and Rachel says it’s been a wonderful solution for them.  

Finding support workers on Mable

“Dad’s support worker comes in twice a week and she’s fantastic,” says Rachel.

“She helps with vacuuming, mopping and cleaning the bathroom. She’s most valuable in the social engagement she provides for dad.”

According to Rachel, having someone from outside the family come in and provide support is good for her dad. “She’s really creative. If Dad gets a bit tired or doesn’t feel like doing the activities she’s prepared for him, she finds ways of encouraging him to keep going.” 

“During COVID, she supported Dad through Zoom. They would play games, keep the connection going, keep him thinking. Dad doesn’t like change of routine and the support worker is always flexible and finds ways to make things happen.”

The support worker also helps with light massage for his hand, affected by the stroke. “It’s to keep the flexibility in his fingers,” Rachel explains. “We showed her how and she’s very good at it.”

Rachel adds, “Dad is so happy about this extra help. Mum gets comfort out of knowing he’s being cared for so well, aside from what we do for him.”

Building a support team on Mable

Rachel’s family was also able to connect with an occupational therapist (OT) on the Mable platform. “It’s been so good for Dad,” Rachel says. “The OT helped us get the right wheelchair and some other equipment for Dad. We’ll be seeing her again to do an assessment on him and work out a plan for his mobility.”

Finding support through Mable simplifies things for Rachel, because she self-manages the Home Care Package through HomeMade. Rachel says, “It takes some effort, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Finding independence with Mable

“My dad’s big on games,” she says. “They play cards, dominos, guess the word. She works really hard to keep him engaged. She also gets him to prepare morning tea with her. 

“The week before, she asks Dad what he’d like, asks Mum to get the ingredients, and they make it together. Sometimes it’s apple pie, sometimes another fruit dessert. He wants to do as much as he can.”

Rachel says. “Mum and dad have always been very active. Mable gives them the confidence to continue being independent at home. Even though Dad needs high-level care, he doesn’t want to go into residential care.”

She adds, “They both know that if they need more care in the future, they have Mable.”

Find your kind of independence with Mable. Sign up and start searching for support workers in your local area or post a job ad today.