Penny and Graeme recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and reflected on the key to their long and happy marriage.
Graeme is quick to explain – “Shared values.” The couple’s commitment and shared experiences with community service has been a constant throughout their time together.
When they met, Penny had been breeding Labradors for a number of years, including donating a couple of litters to the Guide Dogs Association. They have been passionate supporters of them ever since.
“For over 55 years we’ve been involved in charity work together, with the fundraising group Pied Pipers for the Royal Children’s Good Friday Appeal and Penny’s involvement with Guide Dogs Association,” Graeme explains.
Penny is an Honorary Life Governor of the Royal Children’s Hospital and been a part of raising approximately $19M* for the RCH. Penny has also done volunteering work for the Epilepsy Foundation. (*net present value)
Graeme admires Penny’s spirit and resilience through various health challenges throughout her life. Penny was impacted by an acquired brain injury after having had a bicycle accident at age 11, leading to an epilepsy diagnosis. Penny has persevered with positivity despite hundreds of falls and injuries, and uninformed predjudices.
Penny and Graeme’s journey through the health system continued with the birth of their daughter, who faced serious health issues, including a heart condition and other complications.
“We have been through a lot together in our marriage… Penny’s a fighter.”
A series of serious falls and broken ankles twenty years ago has resulted in Penny’s mobility decreasing over time. She uses a walking frame or wheelchair, and a mobility scooter outside.
“Life for us now is very much a team effort,” Graeme says.
Penny has received support from Prestige since 2020. One of her regular team, Sue, has clear affection for Penny and Graeme.
“When Pen and I first met, we just had lots of chats and went out for coffee. As we got to know each other, we started going on more outings and adventures a bit further out,” says Sue.
It’s not only important to Sue to connect with her client, but also with other members of the family. When asked about her relationship with Graeme, she says they’re like three best friends.
‘Sometimes Graeme hasn’t even gone out, he’s just stayed and talked with us,” Sue laughs.
Sue has been a carer at Prestige for two years now and says that she finds the job incredibly fulfilling.
“Everyone’s always told me I care too much…it’s just what I do. And my biggest regret for this job is that I didn’t start doing it sooner.”
Sue says that it’s very important to match your approach to your client, as everyone needs different things from their carer.
“For Pen, it’s the social interaction, getting her out…but there’s so many things that carers can do,” she said. “I do my research before I meet my clients, so I get to know their likes and dislikes.”
Penny and Sue both agree that the relationship they have fostered together is one of the most rewarding things to come out of in-home care.
“I just want to thank Prestige for giving me Sue,” said Penny. “We just clicked and that was it.”
However, another important benefit is of course the fact that clients can receive care whilst remaining comfortable in their own homes.
“Give me home any day,” says Penny. “I feel more comfortable, I feel relaxed…the people who are there I love.”
“Home is always gold.”