Peace of mind

Anglicare can fill the gap when it’s hard for family members to physically visit their loved ones.

Jenny Kimber lives in rural New South Wales. She visits her father, David Harvey OAM, as often as she can at his home in Launceston.

Jenny was forced to stay at home by the bushfires in January and coronavirus restrictions soon after that.

“This was such a difficult time, not being able to see Dad,” she says. “He is quite deaf and lives alone and I have been worried about the safety of his home environment.”

David, now 91, received an Order of Australia in 2009 for his services to the Launceston community. He was an accountant by profession and heavily involved in the scouting movement.  He has written a book about the history of Ben Lomond that celebrates his love of walking in the Tasmanian bush and mountains.

“Dad’s kept a daily diary all his life,” Jenny says. “He’s always been such an outdoors man—walking, camping and sailing—and he still loves to walk when he can.”

David’s home care package includes domestic assistance, gardening and some social support. Jenny’s been particularly impressed by the meticulous cleaning and initiative shown by her father’s regular Anglicare cleaner, Wendy.

“I visited Dad for three weeks over Christmas and the house was such a pleasant surprise,” she said. “Everything was clean and smelled fresh.  Wendy had also arranged a personal safety alarm for Dad, repaired some curtains and cleaned the fridge.

“It’s so comforting to see this care and foresight. It gives me peace of mind knowing that with this standard of care, Dad can stay safely at home.”

If you are interested in learning more about Anglicare’s home care services, check the Home Care page on our website here or telephone us on 1800 466 300.

Photo:  Anglicare cleaner Wendy, and client David Harvey OAM.