Ageing well at home

Living on the land means everything to Fred Bridgewater.

Fred was born on a farm in western Victoria and spent his life in shearing sheds, driving across the countryside as a seed grader and representing his rural council.

But a severe stroke seven years ago almost stripped him of the rural life he loved. Fred and his wife Shirley would have left their 22-acre property by now, if not for the ongoing support Uniting AgeWell has provided.

After Fred had been in hospital for 10 weeks, Shirley was determined to keep Fred at home on the farm.

“I’d been a nursing aid so I knew I could care for him,” Shirley said.

“After two weeks I realised I couldn’t manage the housework on top of the farm – the irrigation, weeds and cattle – and caring for Fred.”

Shirley engaged Uniting AgeWell’s home care services. As well as arranging a bathroom renovation, the organisation provides domestic cleaning and daily personal care for Fred and supports the couple to remain active members of the community.

“Every week they provide respite so I can have a night out, and they help with Fred’s social group and exercise classes,” she said.

That support means Fred, now aged 81, is able to continue enjoying “the freedom of the country” in the home he bought more than 40 years ago.

“Fred is fantastic,” Shirley said.

“He has always had a veggie garden and he still loves it. He hops across on his wheelchair and sees the neighbour with the horses and cattle, he watches television and reads the newspaper.”

Uniting AgeWell supports seniors from the Geelong region in their homes through federal government home care packages and privately-funded services.

Home care packages provide assistance with personal and clinical care, household chores, assistive technology, social support and transport, delivered by friendly local staff.

Uniting AgeWell can also support people to remain connected through social groups, carer respite services and health and therapy programs.

To find out more about how you can be supported to live well with choice and peace of mind, phone Uniting AgeWell Barwon on 9680 0450, or head to unitingagewell.org.