Outside the box care makes all the difference

Husband and wife Estelle and Ali have been clients of Bolton Clarke’s At Home Support program for three years.

They started services after it became too difficult for Estelle to attend appointments for complex health issues without additional support.

“Ali is my husband and my best friend, but having the support from the At Home Support team takes the pressure off of him and our relationship,” Estelle says.

“Seeing Bolton Clarke carers Jenny and Sue regularly gives me hope and stability - it’s nice when it’s people you know and have a relationship with. I don’t like going with anybody else, I’d rather it be one of them.”

As Estelle’s primary carer, Ali says managing his wife’s appointments while juggling his own health issues is sometimes a challenge.

“I’m trying to keep her at home as long as I can,” he says.

Sue Branchett, Bolton Clarke Home Care Package Care Manager, works with Estelle and Ali to help them stay strong and supported at home for as long as possible.

She has also found a beautiful person connection to the couple, both being from Bowen. 

“My kids are Murri kids. Often Murris tend to miss out on services or don’t get the best of them. The thing I love most is that we can be there for Estelle and Ali,” she says.

“That makes me very proud to know that I can support the community to access services that make a difference for them.

“For me, care means thinking about how we manage each situation and what we can offer clients in terms of practical and clinical support.

“It’s finding meaningful solutions that sometimes might be considered a bit outside the box, but that achieve positive outcomes.”

Recently, through the At Home Support team, Estelle and Ali were able to receive a new double hi-lo bed which not only allows them to sleep next to each other again but has alleviated some of their health concerns.

“My body isn’t that sore anymore when I wake up. In the old bed I used to wake up and it would feel like somebody had been punching me but with this new bed now it’s so comfortable,” Ali said.

“I love the bed; I can sleep better on it, I’m not in pain and I don’t have bedsores. In this new bed I can sit up while I sleep which helps with my breathing problems,” Estelle says.