Maryborough resident, Darryl Mathie has a new lease on life. At 58, he’s moved from residential aged care to Supported Independent Living (SIL) and he couldn’t be happier.
Now he’s out and about shopping; at the gym; out fishing on his boat; socialising with the neighbours and cooking up his catches on his new BBQ, happy to invite everyone over.
Sister, Phyllis said since Darryl’s move his speech and mobility have improved; he’s no longer depressed and unmotivated, and the family are stunned at his rapid turnaround.
“All it took was for an aged care nurse to tell my mum about NDIS funding,” she said.
“Then she got us on to Darryl’s NDIS Case Manager, Anne Carter, at All About Living, who just went bang, bang, bang, and got the ball rolling.”
While Darryl’s move didn’t happen immediately, Phyllis said it was well worth the wait to see her brother back, enjoying all his former hobbies after five separate mini strokes, starting from age 52, played havoc on his speech, mobility and mental health.
“Initially, when Darryl was in aged care, he had a bit of physio to keep him moving; he did mix, play cards, and other games during the week, but as time went on he did less and less.
We could see he was becoming quite depressed and unmotivated,” she said.
“We could see he was giving up, but now he’s able to do what he wants, instead of having to follow the same daily routine.
He knew, and we knew, he was just too young for that.
“Now our family can’t believe the difference in Darryl, from how he was, to how he is now, and what he’s been able to achieve since the move. It’s just incredible,” she said.
Living in a residential house with three larger than normal bedrooms, all with ensuites, Phyllis said Darryl’s SIL has all the comforts of a regular home, the only difference is it’s been designed to be more accessible for people with disability and a carer is available 24/7 to assist with any additional support Darryl may need.
“His carers ensure he is dressed, clean and shaven; he eats well, and gets regular exercise. He also attends weekly physio, which has really helped to improve his mobility.
“Darryl also got funding for an iPad. He loves it. Now he likes to Facetime everyone.
He chats away, and he’s speaking much clearer so it’s really helped to improve his speech.”
Phyllis said her family is “extremely grateful to everyone who has supported Darryl to make this move”.
“It’s been such a wonderful and positive experience. Darryl is so much happier, and the care and compassion he has been shown has just been outstanding.
“We are very grateful for all the support he’s been given and for all his ongoing support,” she said.