Geelong’s Judy O Brien knows she’s able to live her best life at home, looking out on the Barwon River while listening to music and engaging in “people watching” on the path below their house.
That’s what she’s done her whole working life – people watching. And listening deeply to people and giving them advice in her role as a psychologist both at schools in Australia and in South East England, and for staff and students at the Deakin University campuses in Geelong.
“I’m happy and content,” Judy says. “I love reading and talking about anything and everything with my husband, Terry, and my family. And of course, staying in our same lovely home next to the river where we’ve lived for the last thirty years and watching people out and about enjoying themselves.”
And the 78-year-old has been enabled to stay at home thanks to the level three home care package she receives through Uniting AgeWell.
Her insightfulness enables her to see her situation for what it is. “I have a neurological condition known as HSP, osteoporosis and swelling in the legs. I use a walker to get around the house and a wheelchair when I go out,” Judy says. “I fell really hard the other day, and I bashed my head and had to go to hospital for a couple of stitches. Luckily I didn’t break any bones … but I have to be careful.”
And she’s delighted that her package includes physiotherapy and personal care, as well as equipment to make life easier at home. This includes using her package to buy a bed with a higher base which makes it more manageable for Judy to use. “Uniting AgeWell is very caring and kind and I’m so grateful to be living safely and well at home. I don’t want to live anywhere else,” Judy says.
And her advice for older people in similar health circumstances?
“As you get older, you understand life more, but this does not necessarily mean you automatically accept the situation. I try to manage the skill-sets I have left, and not to let the situation annoy me. I concentrate on what I can do – not what I can’t,” Judy says. “And above all, I try to stay strong and count my blessings.”
Her other “truth” is the importance of life balance. “Work is very important, but so too is family, love and relaxation.”
And love is something she has in abundance. Judy and Terry have three children and six grandchildren.
And although she and Terry, who is a social worker, have spent their whole lives helping other people, they’ve been careful not to dole out endless advice to their kids all the time.
“Kids don’t take kindly to their parents giving them constant advice. A little is good, but too much is, well, too much!” Judy says.
And have children’s and student’s problems changed much over the years? “No, not really,” Judy says. “Circumstances may change, but the emotions are the same.”
Wise words. But then, Judy is a wise person.
Find out more about Uniting AgeWell's Home Care services here: https://unitingagewell.org/our...