The Focus Is On Jennifer - Interaction Disability Services

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The Focus Is On…..

Posted: April 3, 2019

Twelve months ago Jennifer had a bad fall, fracturing her hip. She spent months in hospital, followed by rehab where she remained for a further few months. The allied health team at rehab made attempts over this time to engage Jennifer to regain mobility and strength, but were unsuccessful. It got to the point where the suggested next plan for Jennifer was to transition her into an aged care facility – basically putting her in the “too hard basket”.

This was devastating news to Jennifer, her family and all of us at Interaction. We made a collaborative decision that we would remain committed to Jennifer and her transition to one of our High Support accommodation houses, as the last thing we wanted for Jennifer was to be placed into aged care. This decision involved Interaction advocating to the NDIS for transitional funds and increase in supports. Our commitment required house modifications – we completely modified the bathroom to a full disability bathroom, widened doorways and modified outdoor areas, making it wheelchair friendly to accommodate Jennifer’s new needs. Interaction arranged for hospital grade equipment (bed, seats, hoists etc.), and within just a couple of weeks we had Jennifer transitioned.

Fast forward twelve months and what a year it has been. Kristina and other support staff have worked incredibly hard to support Jennifer in her new environment so that – coupled with intensive therapy and a lot of grit and determination – she can now self transfer, walk small distances, be transported in a vehicle, engages in regular exercise, has returned to a day program (which she loves) and has lost a whopping 15kgs! Most importantly though, Jennifer is healthy and happy, surrounded by support and people she cares for, and who care for her.

In a recent NDIS review meeting, Rachel (Cluster Manager) and Maggie (GM, Operations) asked Jennifer and her sister if they were happy with everything. They both were, with Jennifer’s sister saying “I couldn’t be happier and I’m so grateful for everything Interaction has done and continues to do for Jennifer”. Now this is job satisfaction!

What a testament to Kristina (Team Leader) and all the support staff at Jennifer’s home, congratulations to them on the ongoing high quality of work and genuine commitment. Definitely onwards and upwards for Jennifer!

(pic left to right: Rachel, Jennifer’s sister Jan, Maggie, Emma – Jennifer’s housemate. Front and centre is Jennifer)

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The Focus Is On…..