One caregiver, one small town and a whole lot of heart

After a fall at home, Jackie had one clear wish: to return to her own home in Westonia, surrounded by her garden, her friends and her community. With live in care, she did just that, and she’s been growing in confidence ever since. 

Westonia is a small wheatbelt town more than 300 kilometres east of Perth, home to around 129 people. Neighbours know each other by name, and the town takes great pride in its history.  

For Jackie, it’s home. 

When a fall led to a stay in transitional care, Jackie was clear about what she wanted next. She didn’t want to move into residential care. She wanted to go home. 

Jackie’s friends and the Shire of Westonia wanted to help make that possible. One friend had seen a Dovida live-in care advertisement and reached out to the Dovida Perth team.  

Together with Jackie’s support network, live-in care was identified as the right fit, with four weeks of support until Jackie’s son could move to Westonia to live with her. 

Bringing care to Westonia 

Caregiver Jess moved to Westonia to live with Jackie for four weeks.  

Jess and Jackie soon became good friends and settled into a routine that suited Jackie. They planned nutritious meals together (Jackie loved Jess’s cooking), and every afternoon time was carved out for some coffee and chocolates. They also exercised together each day, and Jess noticed Jackie’s strength and mobility improving every day. 

Back into the community 

Jess supported Jackie to reconnect with the people and places she loves. They visited the Westonia museum, and Jackie’s friends took them along the back roads for some outings, sharing local knowledge of the land. 

Spring brought a special daily ritual. Jackie is an avid gardener, so Jess made sure to bring flowers to her every day. 

Jess felt welcomed too. Between supporting Jackie, she joined classes at the local gym, went looking for wildflowers and took Jackie’s dog, Mitsy, for walks. 

“I have not only made a friend with Jackie but a whole community,” Jess reflected.  

“The help and support has been very generous.” 

Confidence that lasts 

The best measure of success is how Jackie is going now. When the Dovida team checked in with the Shire of Westonia, Stacey and Lani were delighted to share her progress. 

“Jackie is going fantastically! Jess did an amazing job with Jackie; she has gone forward in such a huge way,” they said.  

“She is still walking to the shop and her appointments independently; she is joining groups that she never would have before and is very active in her garden. We are very proud of her and would like to thank Jess for her part in Jackie’s progress.” 

A role that matters 

For Jess, the experience was a reminder of why she does what she does. 

“My role here has been fulfilling and I’m grateful for this opportunity to support someone in their home,” Jess said.  

“I will leave here knowing that Jackie has the love and support she needs from her family, friends and community alike for her future at home.” 

Care at home, wherever home is 

Jackie’s story shows that distance doesn’t have to stand in the way of staying at home. Live-in care can give people in rural and regional communities the support they need to recover, reconnect and keep living independently in the place they love. 

If you or someone you love would like to explore live in care, we’re here to help. 

Call 1300 008 018, email care@dovida.com.au or visit dovida.com.au