When Caitlin’s father John was diagnosed with brain cancer in late 2024, life shifted fast. She became his full-time carer, managing his high and complex care needs while still trying to hold down full-time work. For months, she did everything she could to keep him at home — where he felt safe and familiar.

By mid-2025, John’s health had declined. He was in hospital and wanted to come home. But making that happen wasn’t simple.

John had a Home Care Package, but most of the funds had already gone into equipment and home alterations. What was left wasn’t nearly enough to cover the intensive in-home respite he now needed. And the system didn’t allow the package to grow — even as his needs increased.

Caitlin was exhausted. She was doing everything — caregiving, coordinating services, and working full time to maintain her income — but it still wasn’t enough. The hospital said they couldn’t keep caring for him long-term, and they were pushing for discharge.

“Dad was stuck. He was scared. And I felt completely alone trying to figure it out.”

That’s when Mingary Care stepped in.

With a referral from John’s Community Connect team at the hospital, we were able to provide a few hours of in-home respite each week. It might not sound like much — but for Caitlin, it meant everything.

“It gave me breathing room. And it gave Dad his dignity back.”

One of the hardest parts was the intimate support John needed. He didn’t like Caitlin having to help him with things like getting to the bathroom or having a shower. Having a trusted carer step in made all the difference. It meant Caitlin could just be his daughter again — sit with him, talk, share memories, and simply be present.

“I would have been lost without Mingary Care,” Caitlin said. “Before they came along, there were days I genuinely didn’t know how I could keep working and keep providing care. If I hadn’t had even those few hours of help each week, I could have lost my job.”

That trusted presence also gave Caitlin emotional support — the kind you can’t put a price on. A steady hand. A warm check-in. Someone who understood how hard this was, and didn’t make it harder.

John died shortly after. But thanks to that short window of help from Mingary Care, his last days at home were a little more peaceful — and a little less pressured.

Now, Caitlin shares her story so others know help like this exists.

Her message to other families is simple: “Know what to expect. Have a healthcare directive organised. Know where to get help.”

Because when care is complex and time is short, that kind of help can make all the difference.

At Mingary Care, we step in when other systems can’t — providing free, compassionate care that helps families navigate the hardest moments with more calm, more support, and a little more time together.

That kind of care — funded entirely by our community — gave Caitlin the breathing room she needed.