Mary is one of the growing number of Australians who want the freedom, support, and choice to stay in their own home as they grow older.
For 94-year-old Mary, remaining in her own home as she grows older has always been important.
After her husband passed away, Mary realised she needed some support around the house, as well as a social outlet. She was assessed as eligible for a home care package, and was connected with Life Without Barriers’ home care services.
"I’ve never wanted to go to a nursing home," said Mary.
"Now I live at home by myself, I get a lot of help. I have ladies come do my shopping, my cleaning and transport to doctor's appointments - anything I want I can always get done."
"The ladies who come to help me are wonderful and Life Without Barriers have been great for what I want."
Not only does Mary receive in-home care services at her home in Brisbane, she also benefits from social interaction at Life Without Barriers’ Capalaba Seniors Day Centre.
"It's an outing with people in my own age group. I don't see many people in my own age group now. There's not many of them surviving unfortunately," said Mary.
"I enjoy catching up with all the regulars and doing activities such as craft and having special morning teas."
Beyond home services and social support, Life Without Barriers have also played an important role in making Mary’s home safer and more accessible through home modifications.
"They put more rails around the shower and the toilet, and they even fixed my wheelchair which I don’t use much, much to my daughter’s regrets! While I can still walk, I want to walk," said Mary.
A small change that made a big difference for Mary was swapping out her traditional taps, which were becoming harder for Mary to use, for new flip taps.
"Flip taps are quite good. It’s so much easier for me now," said Mary.
With these small modifications, Mary’s daily routines became smoother, providing the independence and autonomy that’s important to her.