Home is where the heart is. For Betty and Jim, that is together in their garden.
"We've grown it for over 40 odd years," reveals Betty, explaining how gardening is "kind of built into our lifestyle,"
It's no surprise that the couple didn't want to move when their house and yard became a bit too much for them.
With the help of an independent support worker, Joe, Betty and Jim have been able to remain living independently at home.
It's something which many older people also desire.
Loving where you live
According to a study, most older Australians wish to age in place. 71 percent of respondents identified remaining at home for longer or avoiding residential care as their biggest motivation for considering home support.
The desire to age in place certainly applies to Betty and Jim.
"My husband and I were quite convinced we could manage by ourselves," says Betty.
Their daughter, Bronwyn, understood this about her parents but felt they could use a little support, especially with the garden.
She searched Mable and found Joe. A few direct messages later, and Joe was meeting Betty and Jim. The 3 clicked.
Betty now feels Joe's support is invaluable.
"Joe's work helps us all and that help means that Jim and I can stay in our own home," she says.
"We don't have to go into a retirement village or somewhere else, so we're very thankful for that," she adds.
It's not the only thing she's grateful for, though.
A blooming relationship
With Betty and Jim's green thumb expertise, Joe can keep the garden their pride and joy.
"Joe spends a considerable amount of time in the garden with Jim, instructing him and teaching him," says Betty.
It isn't just the plants and flowers that Joe cares for.
Betty describes him as "very humane" and understands her husband's "physical limitations.” She has watched the two men form a bond.
Jim likes to stand by as Joe works, passing on his knowledge of growing produce after spending his childhood on a farm. They also enjoy just talking.
"Jim always has a cup of tea, and they chat about old times a lot," she says.
It's companionship support, and while it is different from what the couple originally booked Joe for, it is appreciated nonetheless.
Finding meaningful work
Joe had a very different career before becoming an independent support worker on Mable.
"I worked as a computer programmer for years and years," he reveals, saying his desire to help people inspired him to try something different.
After taking a Leisure and Health course, Joe became interested in disability and aged care support.
He joined Mable and was impressed with how straightforward the sign up process was.
"It was very easy to navigate," he says.
Being a computer programmer, Joe also rates the platform's communication features.
"I'm able to receive messages from people contacting me and get back to them in a timely way, and it's all smooth," he explains.
Most of all, though, Joe appreciates how Mable helped him find a meaningful career. One he knows makes a difference.
"As a support worker, I do get to feel as though I'm really changing people's lives and helping them," he says. "And that's really nice."
The other thing that's "really nice" is knowing that Betty and Jim get to stay at home and enjoy their beautiful garden because of him.
Home really is where the heart is.
Discover how Mable can support your kind of independence today.
