If anyone understands a challenge, it’s Elizabeth. If anyone understands the importance of their role as a carer, it’s Elizabeth. And if anyone understands the importance of family, it’s Elizabeth.
For Elizabeth, family always comes first.
With a big heart and a wealth of life experience, the 71-year-old dedicates her days to her caring role. Having raised two daughters, she now cares for her two grandchildren, Molly and James.
Both Molly and James live with Elizabeth and are her pride and joy. Elizabeth is 100 per cent committed to them. The 15-year-old twins each have medical conditions that require ongoing attention and support. Although Molly manages her type 1 diabetes independently and James is self-sufficient with his asthma, this hasn’t always been the case.
It’s Elizabeth’s love for her family that gets her out of bed each day. Her dream was always to marry and have children – a dream that for her came true. But Elizabeth has a love for children that extends beyond her own family.
At the age of 17, Elizabeth worked in the children’s ward of a hospital. Today, Elizabeth spends her days ensuring Molly and James get to their doctors’ appointments and manage their health.
“These two keep me going”, says Elizabeth, who would do anything for those she loves. “I just want the kids to be happy and I will do whatever I can for as long as I can”.
Feeling supported by Carer Gateway
Elizabeth first heard about Carer Gateway six months ago and has found it to be a fantastic resource with a wonderful supportive team of people. A team who always go out of their way to help.
“Carer Gateway has done a marvellous job to help me out. I receive domestic services and counselling. Mel has really gone above and beyond to help me.”
“Each time I speak with her on the phone, it’s as though I have known her for years and I just feel so comfortable with getting support in place so I can keep going”.
Advice for others
Elizabeth has her own underlying health problems. This can make her caring role a little more challenging at times, however, she doesn’t let this hold her back, and advises others to simply, “Be strong and do what you can. Just be there for them.”.
All names have been changed for privacy.
