Jarrod

Jarrod, who now requires a wheelchair for mobility, has lived and been cared for by his grandmother, Mary, since he was three years old. In January this year, Mary approached Rocky Bay seeking urgent support with therapy and respite, as caring for Jarrod and meeting his needs adequately had become extremely difficult. Accessing the necessary services in one place was also important for him, for consistency of support staff and therapists.

Jarrod had also lost weight over the past year which was a concern, so connecting with a dietitian was also of paramount importance.

After partnering with Rocky Bay in Geraldton, Jarrod received speedy access to regular NDIS support coordination, physiotherapy and speech therapy services.

After determining that Jarrod had funding in his NDIS plan for respite, the Rocky Bay Geraldton team looked for local respite options, but ran into wait lists that were several weeks long.

An immediate spot at Rocky Bay’s Beeliar respite guest house – The Bush Retreat – was sourced and secured for Jarrod, and the team’s next hurdle was to organise flights to Perth, which various funding avenues did not cover.

The team applied to Rocky Bay’s Wishing Tree, which funds special experiences, treats or equipment for Rocky Bay customers where no other funding is possible, and were successful in receiving funding for Jarrod’s flights.

However, the road blocks to get Jarrod to Perth were not yet over.

After booking the flights, the team at Rocky Bay in Geraldton were told by the airline that Jarrod could not travel alone.

“We looked at the options of paying for a carer’s time to travel there and back, plus penalty rates, accommodation, their own flights and who was even available to do it,” Rocky Bay’s Regional Site Coordinator, Cheryl Lockwood, said.

To overcome the problem with no delay, Cheryl offered to accompany Jarrod on the flight herself to support him and ensure he got there safely, with Rocky Bay covering costs associated with her flights.

“I’m so glad Jarrod had not travelled alone,” Cheryl said.

With incredibly efficient and tireless teamwork by Rocky Bay staff in both Geraldton and Perth, plans were put in place as quickly as possible for Jarrod to be flown to Perth where he is now accessing respite services at The Bush Retreat in Beeliar, along with dietetics services, occupational therapy, speech pathology and physiotherapy.

Cheryl said there have been numerous benefits for Jarrod accessing respite in Perth.

“He is so happy and wants to stay in Perth,” Cheryl said.

“Being here has allowed him to connect with a dietitian…he has gained weight since staying at our respite guest house. Plus he has accessed Rocky Bay Equipment services and received a new cushion for his wheelchair.”

Jarrod has also been able undergo CT scans in Perth, so that specialists can continue monitoring his cancer remission.

He has been accessing Rocky Bay’s respite services since late March and is now staying ongoing while he explores long-term accommodation options in Perth.