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At Amaroo@Home, we have been providing specialised home care to the Denmark community for over 7 years.
We are privileged to support the wellbeing of many residents within the Denmark area, each with their own unique journey.
In recognition of the remarkable lives we get to be a part of, we are thrilled to share with you the stories of several individuals from our Amaroo@Home community.
In our second blog post in this series, we introduce you to Gordon.
Meet Gordon
Prior to calling Denmark home for nearly 40 years, Gordon and his late wife Janice met and lived in Britain.
“My wife is Australian. I grew up in South Africa. We met in Britain and our children were born there. In 1975 we made the decision to move to Perth.”
Whilst living in Perth, Gordon worked for the University of Western Australia as Head of Computing and Janice as a Coordinator for Home and Community Care in Nedlands, where she managed 80 volunteers and 600 clients.
Moving to Denmark
The couple took many trips around WA, and it was their passion for environmental conservation that ultimately led to their decision to relocate to Denmark.
“We thought it was a lovely place and we could see that the people who lived here were interested in trying to protect the environment. I believe that’s something everybody ought to be passionate about.”
In 1991, Gordon and Janice opened an organic fruit and veg shop in Denmark’s town centre, which they managed until it unfortunately burned down in 2003.
Taking this as a sign to retire, the couple enjoyed several overseas trips in the years that followed, visiting friends and family in the UK, South Africa and Europe.
Seeking support
Gordon’s first contact with Amaroo@Home was for his wife Janice, who passed away 2 years ago from an inoperable brain tumour.
“Janice was in hospital in Perth for quite some time when she received her diagnosis. She was brought back home for the last few months, which meant getting machinery to lift her and having a palliative care nurse who was able to help us. We approached Amaroo@Home and they were able to supply people to help.”
When Janice moved back home to Denmark, their daughter was training to work in aged-care and decided to move in with her parents to help provide care for her mother. Their son also began working part-time to spend as much time as possible helping.
Unfortunately, the family’s hardships worsened during this period, when Gordon discovered that he was suffering from bowel cancer.
“None of us were aware that I had bowel cancer, but I’d lost all my energy. I’d try to unload the dishwasher then be completely exhausted and have to sit down.
There was something definitely wrong and I eventually went to Albany hospital where I was diagnosed,” Gordon explains.
With Gordon admitted to Albany hospital and Janice unwell at home in Denmark, she was eventually brought to Albany for the last few weeks of her life.
“We were so lucky that they organised for Janice to be taken to the hospice in Albany so that I could see her. We were both together when she passed away.”
Finding comfort in home care
Gordon now engages Amaroo@Home for himself, to help him with domestic and personal care, as well as meal preparation.
“They’re really great. I have my meals cooked on Monday and Friday and I get them to purchase fresh veggies. They clean everything, even things I might’ve missed they take care of it.”
Gordon explains that the help he receives from the Amaroo@Home team goes beyond the physical nature and that it provides him with immense peace of mind to know that someone else can be relied upon to take care of his needs.
“I order my equipment replacements myself on the days when my nurse is here so that she knows what each is for and where I keep them. I’m comforted to know that it is not only dependent on my mind but also hers, and I have her support.”
Gordon still loves living in Denmark and travels into town for library books and to run errands, as well as into Albany when he needs.
He also drives to and from Perth to spend quality time with his children.
At Amaroo@Home, we strive to ensure that clients like Gordon get the most out of their Home Care Package. Our mission is to provide all the support they need to stay happy and healthy in the comfort of their own home.
If you or a loved one would benefit from any of our at-home support services, please call 1300 653 967 or visit our friendly team at 1/81 Strickland Street, Denmark for a cuppa and a chat.