Brisbane-based couple, Bruce and Beryl, have been married for over 29 years.
Trained professional singers who have worked in various opera companies, the couple met while performing in the show of ‘Cabaret’ in Brisbane where they have shared their mutual love of music and the arts ever since.
When Bruce was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease nine years ago, the couple started to consider their home support options. They wanted support that fit their lifestyle and helped them remain independent.
Beryl says, “Bruce is extremely intelligent, is a trained linguist and has also trained as a carer. He got Parkinson’s Disease nine years ago however he is still extremely smart and craves intelligent, intellectual conversations.”
Their first experience with a provider-managed Home Care package meant different workers coming to their home and no real connection with what was important to them. They also had no say in what time of the day their care workers arrived and how the support was delivered.
Discovering self-management and Mable
Frustrated by this experience, Beryl started to explore her options.
That’s when she came across self-management.
“I have never had a good experience with traditional providers. I go out of my way to investigate and find the best options,” she said.
To find their support workers, Beryl and Bruce used Mable, an online website where you can find and connect with Independent support workers in your local area.
Beryl says she loves how self-management put them in control of who came into their home, and, “the freedom to choose your own carers, read their story, see their fees, see a photo of them and understand who they are.”
All support workers on Mable have police and reference checks, and are covered by a suite of insurances arranged on their behalf.
One support worker who they have connected with is a stand-up comedian and musician. He visits on weekends for social activity and entertainment, and Beryl says this has been a big success.
“I will come home and see Bruce smiling from ear to ear with his face lit up,” she adds.
A support team they could rely on
Just as important for Beryl was knowing she had care that could be relied upon.
After bad experiences with other providers, where she had returned home to find carers delivering subpar service for Bruce, Beryl found the reliability offered by the independent support workers they have connected with via Mable refreshing.
“We have a good communication and they always show up on time,” she says.
“There is general respect and trust.”
Approaching home care differently
After switching to self-management and choosing their own team of support workers from Mable, Beryl now says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the platform to anyone in a similar position.
“I am very active on Facebook and many people ask me what options are out there, I always tell people about Mable,” Beryl says.
“They are usually surprised this model exists and are shocked by the amount they can save compared to a traditional provider.”
A recent report has highlighted the cost-effectiveness of self-management, explaining how lower package management and case management fees mean participants have more money available in their packages. To find out more click here.
To learn more about Mable’s self-managed home care packages, click here.
