Qualcare Clients Stories

• Jim Stallard
• Steve Toan
• John van Aken
• Jack Curphey
• Rose Giuffrida
  

Jim Stallard

A Respite client of AQA Qualcare

“Respite care gives us time and space within our busy lives and enhances our independence”.

Enjoys being retired and the freedom that Respite Care hours provide him and his wife Pam.

Jim sustained a C6 quadriplegia and underwent a double below knee amputation as the result of an accident ten years ago. After eleven months post accident Jim returned to work, gradually increasing that to four days a week. During this time Jim and his wife Pam used respite care hours to get Jim up in the mornings and prepare for work. Although this was only one hour a day it was enough to get Jim back into the workforce and enable Pam to maintain her employment.

Approximately eighteen months ago Jim and Pam retired. For various reasons at that time they relinquished their respite care hours. After twelve months however Jim says Pam “began to find me tiresome – I mean tiring!” They approached AQA Qualcare for help and secured seven hours a week respite care.

Jim and Pam use the hours primarily to get Jim up, showered and dressed each day. This allows Pam time and space to get her day ready and underway before “having to put up with me!” On two days each week they have a two hour slot where their Disability Support Worker usually does some ironing and folding of clothes. Jim says “this helps me keep my image of the immaculately dressed man about town.”

Jim and Pam are both loving retirement and the freedom it brings. They also greatly appreciative of the respite care hours they receive and the freedom that brings. Using the care during week days helps to maintain a routine, which is also important for health issues.

Steven Toan

AQA Qualcare Disability Support Worker

"I like to feel like I’m actually helping people to achieve something".

Enjoys working with people with disabilities and making a difference in people’s lives.

Steven was introduced to AQA Qualcare in September 2007 by an employment agency that was supporting him to get back into the workforce. At the time of his interview Steven pointed out to AQA’s recruitment coordinator that he had sustained a permanent leg injury as a result of being hit by a car in his teens. He was concerned that this would be a barrier to gaining employment with AQA. As an equal opportunity employer AQA Qualcare was open to finding out more about Steven and upon receiving a medical clearance to perform the duties required he was offered a position.

Since joining AQA Steven has completed training in Manual Handling, Bowel and Urinary Care and is currently completing the Certificate III in Disability and Aged Care - dual qualification. Steven commenced his position with no experience and with training and support has quickly become a competent and professional Disability Support Worker. He has had the opportunity to work with a number of clients and taken a particular interest in supporting people to participate in wheelchair sports. Steven has shown an insightful understanding of his role, particularly in relation to supporting people with spinal cord injuries. He attributes this knowledge to having been through the rehabilitation process himself.

Steven supports AQA’s clients with a diverse range of activities including personal care, attending the football, gym and other recreational activities. A highlight of his work during the last year has been supporting a man with quadriplegia to regularly go fishing. Steven has established a rapport with the client and in doing so has assisted him to reconnect with a pastime that will continue to play a significant part in his life.

Steven had tried a number of job roles over the last few years and had not expected to experience the level of job satisfaction that he has achieved while working as a Disability Support Worker for AQA Qualcare. He is passionate about the difference he makes to people’s lives and believes that he has made a career choice that has provided him with both skill development and personal growth.

John van Aken

A client of AQA Qualcare

Enjoys family, friends, music and movies.
A country life with C5/6 quadriplegia.

In 1989, at the age of 17, John had a swimming accident that changed his life forever. John chipped the 4th and smashed the 5th vertebrae in his neck and became a C5/6 quadriplegic. While in rehabilitation, John was motivated by the immense support of family and friends and that continues to this day. Once back in the community, he very quickly learnt that rehab was only the start of a whole new life of obstacles and learning and so, through much trial and error, he slowly went through all the long slow steps of regaining as much independence as possible.

John lives by a saying he found in an early 'Newslink' edition', Independence is achieved through clear and precise instructions'. John has lived independently in the community for nearly 6 years now and could not do it without patience, tolerance and complete trust and faith in his carers. “I've been training my own carers since Attendant Care became a part of my life and I'm sure that my ability to teach anyone who can listen is half the reason my carers become long lasting friends.”

John admits to being a bit of a computer addict and this hobby gives him full control of his two other hobbies - music and movies. Thanks to the handiwork of his brother, he can fill his house with music, all controlled through his PC. So far he has had no complaints from the neighbours. John also uses the computer for some serious work too and dabbles in some web design and desktop publishing, but he mostly uses it to keep in touch with friends via email and to stay sane through some addictive time wasting games.

John recently sent in a letter to AQA acknowledging the very special relationship he has with his workers. This is what John had to say about the team who care for him in his home in the small community of Beechworth.

“After recently doing a couple of glowing follow up assessments of my two newest carers, I was approached about giving them some recognition. I found this quite daunting as I don’t like the thought of singling out any of my carers. I feel if any of my carers deserve recognition, they all do.

Living in a small country town, it’s often difficult to find carers and to be lucky enough to find good carers that very quickly become friends as much as ‘support workers’; that’s even more special. My care team is made up of a group of diverse individuals ranging in age from early 20’s to just over 60 and various ages in between. They all understand one thing, each and every one of them is a valued member of my team, and I owe them much more than just gratitude.

eing part of a small community care team requires greater flexibility. It’s extremely difficult to get fill ins when incidents crop up at short notice, but I consider myself lucky. My team understands this and I’m always able to get cover when family and work coincide. In saying this, I’d like to offer recognition to my whole team, Hans & Ria, Stephen & Pauline, Daryl, Mick, Joye, Margaret, Rhonda, Michelle, Paul & Thora, you make living independently in a small community a reality, not just a possibility.”

Jack Curphey

A client of AQA Qualcare

Enjoys family, friends and getting out and about.
An independent life with C5 incomplete quadriplegia.

Jack was involved in a car accident at Phillip Island in July 2006 which resulted in him sustaining a spinal cord injury. He then spent eight months in rehabilitation before moving back into independent living in the community. Jack’s attendant care program is provided by AQA Qualcare. A team of Disability Support Workers assists him to manage day to day activities such as personal care and grooming, community access and maintaining his home.

Jack’s AQA Service Coordinator supports him to keep his care plan up to date and manage his roster. Prior to his accident Jack enjoyed living and surfing at Phillip Island and was very much a part of the local community. The flexibility offered by AQA, has enabled Jack to stay in touch with his friends and family at Phillip Island by providing attendant care when he goes there for a few days at a time. Jack will remain at his flat in Fairfield while he completes his rehabilitation, however if he decides to return to Phillip Island down the track, AQA can continue to provide him with attendant care and support to access the community.

“I value the AQA support workers so much because without them I wouldn’t have the quality of life that I do. They offer helpful advice, assist me to attend events, shops, social outings, appointments and compliment my lifestyle in such a way that their presence is not an intrusion. They are friendly and professional, therefore it’s a very comfortable and relaxed environment in my home.”

“Also my AQA Service Coordinator must be recognised for her outstanding ability to go the extra mile in meeting my support needs that can change in a heartbeat due to my sporadic lifestyle.”

Rose Giuffrida

AQA Qualcare Disability Support Worker

A happily married mother of four, Rose had spent the last fifteen years raising her family. When she was ready to re-enter the work force AQA provided the opportunity for her to gain new skills and employment where she makes a valuable contribution to the community by providing personal care and support to people with a disability. Rose has been with AQA for one year and has completed training in the areas of manual handling, bowel & urinary care and also learning on the job. Rose will commence the Certificate IV in Disability course at AQA’s next intake and hopes to further develop her skills and continue to provide quality attendant care.

“I feel like I am assisting Jack with his recovery. I help him with his every day living. In this role I am many things. I am a cook, personal carer, driver, advocate and a Jack of all trades. (no pun intended).