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International Wheelchair Awareness Day!
International Wheelchair Day is a day to celebrate the positive...
Christine
A weekend at Rocky Bay’s ‘Beach House’ left Christine the most excited she’s ever been.
For her sister and full-time carer Lee, it was a chance to take a well-earned break and recharge.
The Beach House is one of four Short Term Accommodation (STA) options at Rocky Bay and offers respite for people living with disabilities. This service allows their families and carers to take a well-deserved break, knowing their loved ones are in a safe and supportive environment.
Lee is Christine’s full time carer, having relocated to Perth from Bunbury five years ago to take care of her.
It was only after Lee battled cancer last year, without any immediate family for support, that she realised both she and Christine needed a break.
“I couldn’t live like this,” Lee said.
“Carers WA helped us find Rocky Bay the Guest House, and it was such a relief.
“That first stay for Chris, was respite for me,” Lee said.
The story continues...
With just two stays under her belt, the Beach House has quickly become a special place for Christine.
“It’s pretty awesome, I don’t think she stopped talking about it for days after,” Lee said.
“She got on a bus, met someone she works with, went to a party, visited the zoo, patted a goat and even did karaoke.
“She loved her room, she loved the attention and she came back asking, ‘When am I going again?’” Lee said.
Christine, who is usually reserved when displaying emotion was visibly excited after her stay.
“She couldn’t stop talking about it, it was just lovely,” Lee said.
“She is very social, and she literally couldn’t wait to go back,” Lee said.
Being a full time carer is no easy feat, and for Lee, the break was exactly what she needed.
“The first weekend, I wasn’t sure how Chris would go with a weekend away from me so I didn’t make big plans, I just relaxed with a glass of champagne and a cheese board,” Lee said.
“I didn’t have to think about dinner or nutrition, I just kicked back with Netflix.
“It was exactly what I needed,” Lee said.
How we helped
Knowing Christine would be safe and happy during her second stay at the Beach House, Lee took the opportunity to enjoy long lunches with friends and catch up on things she had previously set aside while caring for Christine.
Choosing the Beach House was an easy decision, the southerly location, far from their North of the River home, made it feel like a real holiday gateway.
“Chris doesn’t love being in the water, but she loves looking at the beach,” Lee said.
“Rockingham was a perfect choice, and the house accommodates high needs, and from our first visit, we knew it was right,” Lee said.
Lee and Adam, Rocky Bay Team Leader at the Beach House, have since secured more funding through the NDIS to secure further stays at the Beach House for Christine.
“I am so thankful for their care, Adam and the team have been wonderful,” Lee said.
“I would recommend the Beach House to anyone, you can’t put your loved one in better care.
“The universe smiled on Chris and me, and we found the perfect place.
“She’s happy, she’s safe and I can start planning a few days of my life again,” Lee concluded.
For more information about Rocky Bay’s Short Term Accommodation options, head here: https://www.rockybay.org.au/services/accommodation/guest-houses/
A few words
I would recommend the Beach House to anyone, you can’t put your loved one in better care.
- Lee, Christine's Sister
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