Victoria/Tasmania At Home Care Grant Recipient
Michael is 47 years old, a husband and a father of two beautiful daughters. 25 years ago, Michael was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, aged just 22.
Until recently, Michael has been working as a Computer Programmer a few hours per week. The extra income made a real difference with medical costs and covering family expenses, but, just recently, Michael was made redundant.
Over the past 12 months, Michael’s symptoms include fatigue, heat intolerance and deterioration in strength and co-ordination have increased, making transferring to the toilet, bed etc. very difficult. Following a major relapse, six months of rehabilitation and numerous hospital admissions, Michael has become dependent of his powered wheelchair and feels a real loss of independence.
With the increased changes to his care needs, Michael’s wife, Michelle is struggling with the demands of caring for him, their children, the house and working almost full-time. Michelle is committed to keeping Michael at home, out of inappropriate accommodation; however, her care tasks and responsibilities are taking a toll.
The state government provides Michael with only three hours of assistance per week and the National Disability Insurance Scheme will not be available in Michael’s area until late 2018.
In 2017, Michael applied for a Youngcare At Home Care Grant in the Victoria/Tasmania round, and was successful!
The grant means Michael and Michelle now have the funds available to receive ongoing, in-home respite of four hours/week to help with care and household tasks. Michelle also received a grant for eight days of respite for some much-needed rest so she can continue to have the capacity to be Michael’s full-time carer.
It is thanks to Flight Centre, that Michael was granted $7386.41 to stay at home with his family, avoiding admission into inappropriate accommodation.
