Shirley’s story
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
If you watch TV, you might have seen the smiling face and twinkling eyes of Shirley on your screens. Shirley has been a client of Amana Living since 2017 and she is the star of our current TV commercial.
Shirley came to Amana Living originally as a client of our short term restorative care program. She needed help to recover her strength after a stay in hospital.
Our physiotherapists were right by her side, a support that proved crucial when Shirley experienced a stroke. Their quick action in recognising the symptoms and calling an ambulance was pivotal.
Upon her return home, Shirley continued to receive comprehensive support from us, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help her get back on her feet. Since then, Shirley has been approved for a home care package, which we provide.
Shirley’s home in Scarborough means the world to her. It holds 60 years of memories, including her career as a retail buyer, raising her sons with her husband Lionel, and looking after him before he passed away. All she wants is to keep living there.
Unfortunately, osteoporosis has made Shirley’s bones fragile, which means they can break without warning. She needs help to stay at home from staff who are attentive, knowledgeable and deeply caring.
Our staff assist Shirley in the morning and evening to shower and get dressed. They will also get washing off the line, help prepare a meal or whatever Shirley might need as she goes about her day.
These services, seemingly simple, are crucial for Shirley’s ability to remain independent, maintaining her connection to her community and lifelong friends. This includes the girls she first played netball with when she was a young mum in the 1980s, and who she continues to meet for lunch every six weeks so they can chat and reminiscence about the days gone by.
Shirley’s story is a testament to the difference we make in the lives of those we serve. She considers our staff her ‘angels’, essential to her independence and quality of life. Through our services, Shirley has found support which she says has been a salvation.
Her story also reflects our Christian ethos, which underpins our care. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we see each person as a unique individual, with every interaction marked by compassion, engagement, inclusivity, empowerment, understanding, forgiveness and unconditional love. These principles are based on respect for the individual and embody a person-centred approach.
As we continue to walk alongside individuals like Shirley, we will always focus on providing what is needed to support a fulfilling life that is meaningful to them.
If you or someone you love needs help to lead a full life at home like Shirley, contact our friendly team by calling 1300 26 26 26 or visiting
www.amanaliving.com.au.