In 2018, Dianne (69) was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver. She was given 12 months to live.
But after recovering from a previous battle with breast cancer, Dianne’s fighting spirit continues to shine bright.
“I just keep going as long as I can,” she said.
“I made it to Christmas and I didn’t think I was going to. I rang Julie [AnglicareSA service coordinator] when she was back from leave and said, ‘I made it! I’m still here’.”
Despite her unwavering will, which she attributes to her mother and grandmother, Dianne’s diagnosis means she requires regular support at home and in the community.
Through accessing a Home Care Package with AnglicareSA, Dianne has received home care services for the last year including cleaning, gardening and personal care, as well as health and wellness services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and podiatry.
AnglicareSA also organises transport for Dianne to get to appointments and services that support her wellbeing and home treatments. Her husband John, who has early onset dementia, also receives support services through the organisation.
“It’s so good to be in my own place, especially with the pandemic and all these lockdowns,” she said.
“I enjoy chatting to the different workers – it makes me happy to share funny moments and good stories.
“If it wasn’t for the support, I’d be in hospital or possibly in residential aged care – right now, more than ever, I just want to be in my home.”
When she can, Dianne also attends AnglicareSA’s ‘bobbins and banter’ arts and craft social groups.
A veteran sewer, she has a history of donating handmade items to families in need.
“Most of what I make goes to charities and you generally don’t come here and leave with nothing,” she said.
“I learnt sewing at school – I made all the kids clothes. I’ve found I’m a bit slower, but it just keeps me going and the last few years I’ve become a lot stronger.”
While “every day is a blessing”, Dianne said she’s incredibly proud to be able to nurture the youngest generations of her family and watch them grow.
“I try to guide the kids. I’m an advocate for different things. I tell them that there is always help out there if they need it.
“My family are just brilliant – my children and grandchildren – I’m just so lucky.”
With continued weekly support, Dianne’s living her best life.
She encourages all families to become familiar with available aged care services, as her ‘’miracle’’ of enjoying life at home would never have been possible unless she built the courage to reach out.
“If you give, you’ll get it back – loving, caring and things like that. That’s the sort of values I grew up on – you’ve just got to be strong.”
For all those that know Dianne, her sense of humour has always made her the life of the party. Being a huge footy fan, she has kindly leaked the plans for her very own grand final, when the time comes.
“I’ve organised my funeral, I barrack for North Adelaide and everyone else [in the family] barracks for Norwood,” she said.
“I’ve ordered a white coffin and I’m going to have red flowers. And my song – ‘Wild Thing’ by The Troggs.”
Are you interested in home care services for you or your older loved one?