This transcript features a conversation between Chris and interviewers Megan and Jason van Genderen from 'Everybody's Oma'. Chris shares her family's journey of supporting her mother's independence while navigating the challenges that come with ageing. As her 90-year-old mother became increasingly vulnerable to falls and required more support at home, Chris faced the difficult decision of transitioning her into residential aged care. Following a serious accident that resulted in a broken neck, the family recognised the need for additional care and safety.

Introduction

00:03 | Jason van Genderen (Interviewer):
Hey, Chris. I'm Jason. Nice to meet you.

00:05 | Chris:
Nice to meet you.

00:13 | Megan van Genderen (Interviewer)
Chris, thank you so much for having us in your home today. We'd love to hear about your relationship with your mum, what she's like, and all the wonderful things that make her special. 

Meet Chris's mum

00:24 | Chris:
Well, Mom's just turned 90. She's always been a social butterfly, we call her. She loves life.

00:32 | Chris:
She loves going out and enjoying herself. She's a teetotaler, doesn't drink. But was always beautifully dressed and, as I said, her coiffure, her hair, was always done gorgeous.

00:49 | Chris:
She's a really fun person to spend time with. She has a wonderfully dry sense of humour and can be a little cheeky at times. She's just a lovely lady. 

Maintaining independence at home

01:04 | Megan van Genderen (Interviewer)
Was staying independent at home important to her?

01:09 | Chris:
Absolutely. We wanted Mum to remain independent for as long as possible. That was always our goal. 

But eventually it reached a point where she couldn't manage some everyday tasks. Something as simple as answering the phone became difficult because she didn't always know what to do. 

As her daughter, I became more involved in helping with her personal care and daily needs. Those responsibilities can be challenging because you want to respect your parent's privacy and dignity while making sure they're safe and supported. 

When everything changed

01:40 | Chris:
In 2022, Mum experienced several accidents, and we realised something needed to change.  

01:50 | Chris:
Shortly after we completed an ACAT assessment, we were outside picking roses when Mum tripped near a retaining wall. She fell approximately one and a half metres and broke her neck.

It was terrifying. I was shaking, calling for help and trying to get hold of family members. Thankfully our neighbour was home and able to assist. Eventually my son arrived and helped take control of the situation. Mum was taken to hospital for treatment. 

02:20 | Chris:
She spent three months wearing a neck brace and, following her hospital stay, we were able to move her directly into care.

Making the decision about residential aged care

02:31 |  Megan van Genderen (Interviewer)
You were trying to maintain your mum's independence at home, but after such a serious incident, did you still consider bringing her back home?

02:46 | Chris:
No. That was the turning point for us. We already knew we needed additional support, which is why we had completed the ACAT assessment.

02:54 | Chris:
I had reached the point where I simply couldn't manage everything on my own every day. The fall and broken neck marked the beginning of Mum's loss of independence. She could no longer safely do many of the things she once could. 

03:08 | Chris:
Mum has always been active and enjoyed walking. That became difficult because she still wanted to move around independently, but when she was unsteady, the risk of another fall was very real. 

Support and rehabilitation at Tingira Hills Care Community

03:25 | Jason van Genderen (Interviewer):
How did the team at Tingira Hills Care Community support your mum when she moved in? 

03:31 | Chris:
They've been absolutely wonderful. The physiotherapist, Justin, has been fantastic in helping Mum regain confidence and mobility. 

03:38 | Chris:
She's now able to push herself up, stand and use her walker again. There was a period when she needed supervision for everything, but the team worked patiently with her every step of the way.  

03:45 | Chris:
Mum has always been a fighter. She wants to keep moving and stay active. The team recognised that and supported her recovery.  

03:51 | Chris:
The care has been brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. 

Finding purpose and social connection

03:54 | Chris:
One of the biggest positives is that there's always something happening. At home, Mum was becoming bored and isolated. 

04:00 | Chris:
She can no longer sit and read books the way she used to, but she still enjoys looking through pictures and participating in activities. There are always opportunities for residents to stay engaged and connected. 

04:12 | Chris:
That was very important to me because I never wanted her sitting alone in a room with nothing to do. 

04:23 | Jason van Genderen (Interviewer):
I think that's one of the biggest concerns families have when considering aged care. They want to know their loved one's life will still be meaningful.

04:30 | Chris:
And it is. Mum enjoys talking about her days, the people she meets and the activities she's involved in. Sometimes I'm not entirely sure who she's talking about, but she's happy, and that's what matters. 

Peace of mind for the whole family

04:41 | Chris:
What I wanted most was for Mum to be happy, settled and safe. I wanted her to continue enjoying life and making the most of what she can still do. 

04:52 | Jason van Genderen (Interviewer):
Chris, thank you for sharing your story with us. It's clear that you and your mum have a special relationship, and it's wonderful to hear you've found a place that brings peace of mind for both of you.

05:03 | Chris:
Yes, absolutely. The team are beautiful. I can't speak highly enough of them.