Support worker Justine was working locally when she came across Mark’s Hireup profile. She messaged, and was “tickled pink” when Narelle, Mark’s wife and account manager rang.
They met at the nursing home where Mark was living, and they just “clicked”.
There have been times when people say “I’m so sorry for you, your husband’s in a nursing home,” says Narelle. “But she [Justine] gave none of that. She just thought these are the facts and this is what you need. That made me feel quite comfortable”.
Mark’s support needs were initially just social. Justine would take Mark out onto the balcony and listen to music of his era. “He always loved fishing,” says Narelle. “So, Justine would make sure she was always up on fishing news, what’s being caught and when, and became quite knowledgeable on fish, and football,” Narelle laughs.
“As Mark’s condition deteriorated, his swallowing became affected,” Narelle explains. “It takes a long time to feed him. [Justine] was able to give him lunch and make it a social thing, just as if going out for lunch. She’d be helping him with lunch but still chatting about football or playing music.”
“I think she just says what she feels and Mark has always been that kind of person, tell it as it is,” says Narelle.
Justine describes herself as a talker. “Mark is non verbal but he has his own language. Being patient and realising Mark’s expression is quite active…[it] became a personal challenge of patience,” says Justine. “I really wanted to make things matter to Mark.”
“I connected with his family, and his family realised that someone got their Dad, their son, their brother. It was just finding the right interest things for Mark and how we can make his day better in the short time I was there.”
A few times Narelle couldn’t visit, so they started Facetiming when Justine was supporting Mark during lunch or in the evening to say goodnight. “So now we Facetime nearly every visit. He can see his grandchildren, his son, especially during COVID. Watching his body language, his ticks, and his nuances,” says Justine.