When Laura’s mother Alice became ill, the family dynamics were upended. Alice had always been the primary carer for her husband who was blind.
As Alice’s illness progressed, Laura knew they would need help and she made the decision to leave her job to care for her mother and support her Dad.
“I had no experience with the world of cancer or end of life,” said Alice. “I certainly didn’t expect to find a charity that provided funded supports. I was blown away to discover Mingary Care.”
During one of Alice’s hospital stays, a social worker met with Laura to discuss options for additional assistance. The social worker told Laura about Mingary Care and explained it was a charity providing palliative care for people dying on the Sunshine Coast.
Mingary Care can also provide compassionate support for carers, partners, families and friends. At that point, Laura felt she could manage without support, but then Alice suddenly declined and Laura contacted Mingary Care.
“The Mingary Care team were just incredible,” said Laura. “They knew exactly how to help me and nothing was too much trouble. All of the equipment we needed arrived really quickly: a shower chair came first, then a walker, a toilet seat chair, a falls pendant and a wheelchair. This equipment was invaluable and was absolutely fundamental to allowing Mum to stay at home.
Laura says that taking time off work to care for her Mum at home was the best decision she has ever made. The support was so unexpected and significantly eased the way for her.
When her friends ask how she coped, Laura tells them about the wonderful people at Mingary Care.
End-of-life care at home really is possible. It can be achieved with the help of organisations like Mingary Care and supported by skilled community palliative care nurses, clinicians, support workers and general practitioners.
Mingary Care is committed to providing compassionate palliative support to the Sunshine Coast community, allowing individuals to experience holistic care at home. If you or someone you know needs help, please get in touch.