Margaret keeps very busy in Tumut

Extra help at home is ok by Margaret  

Margaret, a Tumut resident, will tell anyone who will listen just how much she loves Louise at Forrest Community Services, and the gardener that Louise arranged for her as part of her Home Care Package.  

When Margaret’s husband, Ron, died 16 months ago, she had been his primary carer for the four years he battled with cancer. For the last three months, they had at-home care to help shower him three times a week, and it had made a big difference. So much so that Margaret was easily convinced to access at-home support for herself after he passed, this time to help mow the lawn and carry out a few tasks around the house.  

“I just knew that I needed a bit of extra help. I probably could have done things myself if I’d really pushed it, but I wouldn’t have been able to do everything. And I wouldn’t have had any time or energy left to do the other things that are more important in my life, like spending time with family, helping with the grandkids, or getting out and about and being with friends. My family were pleased with me getting the help, too. I guess, this way they didn’t have to worry about me.” 

At 83, Margaret doesn’t consider herself old and likes to keep busy. She has always been an active person and since starting at-home care with Forrest Community Services, she has not only picked up some of the activities that had fallen away while she cared for her husband but also explored new things. 

“Everyone at The Forrest Centre is just so lovely and they are always sending me invites to events they are holding or that are on for us older people around the area, like the Seniors Dinner at Tumbarumba. Some of it is stuff I wouldn’t get to do without them. It really is such a good thing. 

“Everyone always asks, ‘Do you ever stop?’ but I never get bored. Besides, I think if you don’t use your legs you’ll lose them. And if it takes a bit of help to keep them – and me – going, then that’s okay, too.”  

Forrest Community Services supports clients in Tumut, Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith Local Government Areas. For free information and advice about at-home care, call Aged Care Solutions on 02 6932 3009.