Build your own 'team'

Client Olga, who stars as Sue in our new TEAM You campaign, chats about her very own HammondCare At Home care team 

I was very happy to be a part of the Team You project. I normally don’t have so many visitors in my house! Everybody was very well behaved; in fact, I think I was the only cheeky one. 

I liked that I was made to feel a part of what was going on – I felt very involved in the process. And I was kept up to date at every step of the way, so there were no surprises. 

And being a very social person, I really enjoyed the company! 

I feel very blessed to have my care team. I have my regular specialised carer Fresia who comes for two hours on Wednesdays to clean the house, and then again on Thursdays to take me shopping. We always speak Spanish together. Sometimes she takes me to the doctor and the specialist, too.  

Fresia drives me in her car, and I take my walker. She never rushes me – we take our time.  

Some days I don’t feel my best, and Fresia does her work quickly, so she has time to sit with me – on the days when I feel down. She is so thoughtful. If Fresia can’t come, the team send Jessica instead. They are both lovely company for me, the highlight of my week! 

What has been of most benefit to you personally?  

I’m not a fussy person, but Fresia knows me well and what support I need, so I don’t have to go through the details each time. 

On the days we go shopping, I get to socialise at the same time. I enjoy getting out and about. It’s so nice to have the company. 

What other services have you used in your time as a client?

Having a whole team looking after me here in my home is a big help. I’ve had both knees and hips replaced, I’m full of spare parts!  I have also had a mastectomy, from when I had cancer, and now cataracts and osteoarthritis. Getting around is not that easy for me. I can still drive, but these days I only drive to church, which takes me about two minutes from my house. 

Georgia the physiotherapist comes every six weeks to do an assessment. We speak in Italian together; English is not my first language. Georgia provides massage too, which helps with my aches and pains. After my mastectomy, my arm and shoulder are always sore – and I’ve recently had a fall and broke a tendon. The treatment gives me a lot of relief. 

James the podiatrist visits every six weeks as well. I enjoy hearing updates about his new baby and stories about his overseas travels. He’s very friendly, and always asks about me, how I am going. 

Liz the Clinical Care Manager comes every six months to check up on me, to do a care plan. She makes sure I have all the services I need and checks if there is anything else I need help with. 

As well as the weekly support visits on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the HammondCare team provide me with taxi vouchers for emergencies. They do think of everything! I know if I have any questions or am worried about anything, I can call them anytime of the day or week – the office support is always there, too. 

I really do feel I am part of a team, not just a client. I feel a connection with everyone who comes to my house to support me, even the two men who mow the lawn every month. They all call me ‘aunty.’ 

I have been paired with people who are able to speak my native language and provide a truly specialised care. It’s like we are a family, that I am important to them; it feels like they are relatives who are coming for a visit.