Bodhi’s future is bright. As a kind and intelligent teenager, he loves spending time with friends, being active, sailing, and representing New South Wales in Boccia, a competitive Paralympic ball sport.
Today he enjoys a full and vibrant life, but there have been challenges along the way.
A few years ago, Bodhi experienced difficulties that seriously impacted his confidence and mental health. To give him a fresh start, his family decided to move from their home in Sydney to the South Coast of New South Wales. The sea change was exactly what they needed: Bodhi started attending a wonderful school he loved, and his mum, Heike, embraced a slower pace of life in a smaller community.
When Heike needed help, it was only natural that she wanted someone local. Caring for Bodhi, who uses a wheelchair, had started to take its toll on Heike’s health, and she found it increasingly difficult to physically support him every day.
After seeing a flyer on a local noticeboard, Heike decided to get in touch with Home Caring Shoalhaven. Renee Smith, manager, Registered Nurse and long-time local, dropped by for a visit. The family immediately sensed a great connection. “I loved the way she treated Bodhi,” says Heike. “She understood him and was so inclusive in the way she spoke. We instantly felt comfortable with her.”
Bodhi now receives regular support from the team at Home Caring Shoalhaven. Each day, his support worker helps him with personal care tasks and getting ready for school. They enjoy a good rapport, which has helped build Bodhi’s confidence. “He’s such a pleasure to support and warms the hearts of everybody,” says Renee. “We’ve become very attached to him, as he’s such a delight – a vibrant, appreciative young man with a heart of gold!”
For Heike, professional support has helped ease her caring load. But more importantly, it has also enabled her son to thrive. Though still young, Bodhi has big goals for his future, such as learning how to drive a car and getting a job he loves. And with the right support, there’s little he can’t achieve.
“Having Home Caring’s help has helped Bodhi take steps towards independence, which has been really beneficial for him,” says Heike.
“We’re so thankful to have found Renee and her team. We know Bodhi has a great team behind him, and we’re looking forward to seeing what his future holds”.
Home Caring provides local communities with personalised disability and aged care support. For more information, please get in touch.
