Ron and Zora Wynd
Zora Wynd lives at home with her husband Ron, who is her full-time carer. Many years ago Zora had a serious accident that caused her to lose most of the mobility in her shoulders and arms.
At-home support provided by Lyndoch means that Zora, 76, can live longer at home with her husband. The assistance she receives has increased during the past 12 years according to her needs, explained Ron. “We get help to keep the house clean, the ironing done and the gardening,” he said. “When Zora was more mobile a lady would come in and do some cooking with her. She’d only do the things that Zora couldn’t, like use the stove. Zora felt like she was contributing.” Zora currently receives a Level 4 Home Care Package, which essentially funds the services that she receives as well as the purchase of equipment like support chairs. The rehabilitation staff, such as the Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, demonstrate how to use equipment and install it.
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“Zora has since deteriorated quite a bit, so she’s unable to walk far on her walker,” said Ron. “We now have a lady come to shower her five days a week and someone comes in to do most of the cleaning and cooking for us. We can extend these services whenever we feel we need to.” Ron said that whilst Zora hasn’t taken up any respite services yet, she does have a carer who takes her out for a couple of hours a fortnight, enabling Ron to run errands and enjoy a cup of coffee whilst he watches “the world go by”. “We couldn’t survive without these home services,” he said. “The workers are exceptionally good and become part of the family because you see them so often.” Former bank manager, Ron, and Zora, who also worked in finance, retired in Warrnambool from Melbourne. Ironically, after Zora’s accident they kept busy by volunteering at Lyndoch, doing everything from chatting with residents to running bingo and barbecues. “That knock on the door each morning is just wonderful. It’s good to know there’s someone there to help,” said Ron.