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Getting back on track with Home Care
Home and Community
Meet Norm Ellery – a loveable larrikin whose laugh enters the room before he does.
The 78-year-old is embracing life with a new state-of-the-art wheelchair, complete with a rising seat. He’s already putting it to use. “The other day I was at the pub and I sneakily hit the button so I shot up in my chair,” chuckles Norm. “Everyone around me thought they were seeing double, it was hilarious!”
A retired train driver who spent 32 years travelling the tracks of Victoria — sometimes dressed as Santa at Christmas — Norm knows the state like the back of his hand.
When he says the City of Ballarat is “beaut”, it’s a well-informed opinion. He’s just as resolute when he says he loves the beautiful architecture, cool weather and friendly people that make the city home.
Right now, Norm lives in his happy place at his son Roy’s home. Roy is Norm’s primary carer, and they share a special bond beyond just father and son. “He really takes care of me,” Norm says. “I’m so glad I can live with him.” There’s a catch in his voice.
Norm lives with Parkinson’s disease and a number of other conditions, relying on his wheelchair to get about. It hasn’t been easy. He received disability support before turning to Uniting AgeWell for support in his older years. He wanted help that would support him to live well, on his terms, in the home and city of his choice.
Uniting AgeWell’s home care team for the Grampians region makes that possible. From personal care and shopping to light cleaning and laundry, the support keeps things running smoothly — and gives Roy valuable respite.
“The staff are all very kind and caring,” Norm says. “I love joking around with them, we always share a laugh or two.”
While he enjoys the comforts of home, Norm also values staying connected. “I watch a bit of telly, read the paper every day and I love going out for lunch,” he says.
For Norm, it doesn’t take much — just the right support to keep doing the things he enjoys.
If you or someone you know needs support to keep living well at home, phone (03) 5326 0700 to speak with Uniting AgeWell’s local Ballarat team, or register for a chat and a cuppa at an information session in July.
