Michael is enjoying new independence

Michael has been a client of Anglicare’s Acquired Injury Support Services for almost 20 years. After sharing with a housemate for much of that time he now lives on his own – and he’s relishing the change in routine and extra scope for independence.

For more than 15 years, Michael lived with a housemate in a unit in Montrose, with the support of Anglicare’s Acquired Injury Support Services. Things changed suddenly late last year when his housemate decided to move out of the unit and transfer to another service provider.

Michael knew he couldn’t afford to stay on in the unit on his own. He didn’t want to move with his housemate because that would mean he may need to leave Anglicare’s service (which he was very happy with). His Anglicare support team suggested he move into the main building at Caylea, the MAIB-owned facility that is home to people with complex needs, but Michael was adamant that that would compromise his independence.

Michael and his support team worked together to find a solution: an affordable, one-bedroom unit in the grounds of Caylea. He moved in in January.

“It allows him to maintain his independence and also feel safe in the knowledge that there are always people around if he needs urgent help,” explained Service Manager Jodi Bentley.

A keen traveller

Watching sport and remaining connected to his large extended family are very important to Michael, and these twin loves have driven a lot of interstate travel over the years. He’s particularly keen on football and cricket as he used to play them in his younger days.

“I’ve been to Queensland twice, to New South Wales, to Melbourne lots of times and Adelaide twice, and to the WACA and Subiaco ovals in Perth,” he said.

He is an ardent fan of the Essendon Bombers and his unit is filled with club memorabilia. He also gives a big thumbs-up to Tasmania’s AFL team, the Tasmania Devils. “I’m a member. One of my great-nieces plays AFL for Tasmania,” said Michael. He’s also enjoying following the fortunes of Tasmania’s basketball team, the Tasmania JackJumpers.

A local legend

Michael’s family is originally from Shooters Hill, on the way to Gretna in the Derwent Valley. Michael grew up in New Norfolk.

“Me and Dad used to fish for trout in the Derwent River,” he said. “I used to go fishing with a mate near the railway line. There were cows in the paddock. We’d stay overnight with our tents and sleeping bags and make a fire.”

“I would describe Michael as a local legend,” says Client Liaison Officer  Kim Wheeler. “He knows everyone in New Norfolk and in town as well and he’s always up for a chat.”

Settling in

Before the vehicle accident that caused his brain injury, Michael worked at the paper mill at Boyer. Afterwards, a stint at the Botanical Gardens sparked his interest in growing tomatoes. He plans to put in a garden bed at his new home next summer.

Michael doesn’t plan to travel any time soon. “I need money to travel, I need to save up,” he said.

Michael’s Anglicare team supports him to enjoy life: “It’s not too bad. We have a laugh,” he explained. “They stir me up and I stir them up. My Dad liked to do that as well!”

Kim said:

Whenever anyone shares a home with another person, there are compromises. Michael is thriving now that he’s living on his own. He’s making his own decisions, and that’s really great.

More information

Anglicare’s Acquired Injury Support Services provide residential care in Hobart, Ulverstone and Launceston on behalf of the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB).

They also support people who live independently in the community all around the State. This service is known as ‘attendant care’.