Independent Thoughts digs deeper into what it really means to live on your terms, sharing insights into life for people with disability and older Australians.
We invite guests with lived experience to share their perspectives in an open dialogue. From casual chats to asking some of life’s biggest questions, Independent Thoughts covers it all.
Independent Thoughts is an invitation to join us as we challenge the status quo, shatter stereotypes, and redefine independence – one open-hearted conversation at a time.
In this episode, we meet Simone, who manages support for her dad, Con, through Mable. She speaks with host and Clinical Psychologist, Melissa Levi.
Finding the right support
Dogs, flowers and a veggie garden. These are three things that bring Con joy, according to his daughter, Simone. But as he got older, it became physically harder for him to stay connected to the parts of life he loved.
When Con and Simone felt it was time to begin looking for help at home, it was important for them to find someone who could support the parts of life that mattered most to him. “It could be bending down to pick the zucchini for him, or grabbing the hose because it’s too heavy and that gets him out of breath,” Simone says.
Through Mable, Simone was able to do that. What stood out the most for her when looking for support was the ease, choice and control it offered her.
“I was quite amazed that such a platform existed. I was really excited to know that I could search for independent support workers, find out about who they are […] what their star ratings are, what they charge and what they’re capable of doing. It’s fantastic,” she explains.
Support can enable independence and more
Starting a conversation about aged care support with a parent can be tricky. Many older parents fear it means losing their independence. But support doesn’t have to mean stepping in and taking over. In their conversation, both Melissa and Simone say reshaping what support at home means can help ease some of that fear.
With her dad, Simone framed the right support as an “avenue for him to stay at home” and says that over time, “he’s learned to accept help.” She also focused on understanding what independence really meant to him. “It’s about having choice and being able to make his own decisions,” she says.
It has also become a way to expand his social connections.
“The other good thing about the independent support workers coming is that it gives Dad different people to talk to […] They sit in the garden and just talk about what’s growing.”
Simone says another benefit is that it gives her some respite. “I can rely on them when they’re there. I can organise to go to a concert or catch up with friends. It’s been great to get part of myself back.”
Tips for building your parent's support system
Finding the right support worker makes a big difference to creating a successful support relationship. Simone recommends carefully reviewing support worker profiles on Mable as a first step.
“Look at their feedback and reviews, and how long they’ve been doing it for. Those things are incredibly helpful to select someone.”
She also feels looking for a support worker with shared interests can be a wonderful way to build a stronger relationship.
“Dad’s really open to different cultures and different types of food […] We had a lovely lady who used to make beautiful Korean food and Dad used to love talking to her about Korea and what life was like there,” Simone shares. “They also had a shared interest in gardening. It was great.”
During their discussion, Simone offers adult children another helpful tip – be present during those early support sessions as it can help your parent feel more comfortable with the care arrangement and adjust quicker.
Melissa highlights the value of creating a small circle of support workers and Simone agrees, saying “it’s critical to have two or three” as part of your care team. This ensures continuity of care if your parent’s primary support worker is on leave, unwell or support needs change.
Watch the full conversation
For Simone, her dad’s circle of support workers has become more than practical help. They help Con to keep living life in a way that feels connected and his own, while also giving Simone space to step back sometimes.
Simone and Melissa’s Independent Thoughts episode shows that the right support doesn’t have to mean taking independence away. It can be the very thing that helps protect it – both for parents and their families.
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