By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A FUN day of massages and kite-flying seemed to rub stay-at-home carers the right way.
It’s not just the pampering, but the acknowledgment that’s important, says Hampton Park mother Evelyn McAlpine, who has been caring for her daughter Wendy Boyle for the past 30 years.
“We’re not just a ’no one’ who’s looking after someone.”
She was one of scores of carers, clients and families who enjoyed the music, food and entertainment at an Eastern Region Mental Health Association fun day ’How High Can You Fly?’ at Dandenong Park recently.
With the kite-flying frivolity came a message: that carers can thrive in the community.
For the past three years, Ms McAlpine has been also juggling the needs of her husband Bill, frail with alcohol-related dementia. Two months ago, he moved to a nursing home.
Rather than feeling imprisoned by the situation, Ms McAlpine enjoys the regular camaraderie, the stories and the social release of carer support groups and forums.
Her daughter Wendy Boyle also likes getting out and about. She spends weekdays doing activities at ERMHA such as shopping and creating lunches, barista training, walking, sports and movies.
“It’s not a high profile job but it can be very rewarding and inspiring,” Ms McAlpine said. “I hope carers can take advantage of listening to other carers’ stories.
“I don’t regret it for a minute. I have learnt a lot about Bill’s illness and Wendy’s illness and learnt a lot about myself.”
