The local Just Better Care team was honoured recently to win the Excellence in In-Home Care Services Award, a prestigious accolade celebrating the team’s commitment to providing exceptional, personalised support services across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Northern Suburbs regions.
To better understand the Just Better Care team’s dedication to customer service, I caught up Just Better Care client, local resident Dave who, in 2017, at 59 years of age, developed a severe infection in his left leg, so severe he had to have his leg amputated from the knee down. He credits Just Better Care with not only allowing him to continue living independently, but to also care for his elderly mother until her passing.
“I didn’t know what a carer even did,” says David, who was first introduced to the crucial role carers and service providers offer when he was in Mona Vale Hospital in 2017, soon to be discharged following his left leg amputation. “However, after I lost my leg, I understood how important carers are.”
It can’t be understated how important a role the Just Better Care team has gone on to play in David’s life. On top of the left leg amputation, David has also endured life-long joint pain, diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis in his youth, which later progressed into Rheumatoid Arthritis, the harsh symptoms exacerbated by cold weather.
“The Just Better Care team of carers are vital to my independent lifestyle,” says David. “They help me with cleaning, hygiene and washing, as my muscles and joints have been severely damaged from 46 years of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
“Just Better Care has never let me down. They have always supported me with all the vital activities that are essential for me.”
This has given Dave a chance to enjoy the other things that make him happy. “Without the Just Better Care team, I would not be able to manage on my own.”
Beyond the activities of daily living around the home, essential for well-being, there is no shortage of medical appointments and requisite transport that a client such as David is scheduled to attend, which are also crucial for staying on top of any potential medical issues which can develop.
“When it comes to the really important things, such as medical appointments which I can’t miss, Just Better Care coordinate things for me,” explains David. “I tell them what my medical appointments are and Just Better Care roster staff to take me.”
Since 2017, David has developed skin cancer, with myriad medical appointments needed to combat that. “I have had 30 radiation therapy appointments for six months. Then a further 60 appointments were necessary for ongoing nursing care, three times per week to heal the radiated skin, with my support workers taking me each time, never missing a single appointment,” says David before concluding, “I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for the carers.”
Incredibly grateful for Just Better Care’s assistance, David is a resounding endorser of the service. When asked, would you recommend Just Better Care to someone? “Without a doubt, absolutely yes.”
David’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, with Just Better Care playing a pivotal role in enhancing his quality of life and ensuring ongoing support.
Just Better Care services Sydney’s Northern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.
To find out more, call 9934 9999 or visit justbettercare.com/nbns