VMCH community support assistant Dani Craig has formed a strong bond with clients Jean and Alan, providing personal care and support.
Dani’s personal care support helps Jean regain independence and trust, creating both daily ease and a meaningful companionship.
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VMCH community support assistant Dani Craig is like family to clients Alan and Jean.
The trio has formed a strong bond since Dani began helping Jean, 87, with personal care around the home.
Jean, a keen line dancer, likes to keep fit and healthy.
However, a slip on the train a few years back saw her suffer a serious shoulder injury, which has affected her ability to manage many everyday tasks.
Dani’s support, as part of Jean’s Home Care Package with VMCH, has allowed Jean to continue to do the things she loves.
This includes spending time with her husband of 15 years, Alan, who also has a HCP with VMCH.
“Dani is very, very caring and goes out of her way to help us with things that maybe nobody else would do, like filling in forms or helping with my iPad,” Jean said.
Dani believes the personal support she provides to Jean has helped build their relationship.
“When you do personal care, it’s vulnerable, and Jean had never had help before she did her shoulder,” Dani said.
“So, going from no help to then having someone literally help you get undressed, wash your hair, you need to have that trust there.”
Dani's caring and personal support has helped build a trusting relationship with Jean, who appreciates the help with tasks like filling in forms and using her iPad.
Jean agrees.
“It was a little confronting at first because I was very independent. But I know I can ask Dani anything and she’ll help me,” she said.
Dani admits CSA work isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for her.
“You don’t do this job for the money; you need to want to be here,” Dani said.
“I love that I feel like I make a difference. I know when I leave that Jean and Alan are happy, they’ve got everything they need and can relax for a bit. I treat my clients as I’d like my own family treated.”
Jean and Alan said they certainly felt the love from Dani.
“We look forward to her coming. I said to Alan, we'd get better looked after here (in Australia) than if we were still in the UK. It’s wonderful,” Jean said.
If you’d like to learn more about home care with VMCH, joining or transferring your Home Care Package to VMCH, or have any questions about the upcoming Support at Home program, call 1300 698 624 or drop in to see the friendly team at VMCH Shop 2, 226 Pakenham St, Echuca.
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