Caring values drive Fay's life

Home Care client Fay Viney spent more than 30 years working in aged care and is grateful to now be receiving some care to help her continue to live independently.

“I’ve worked very hard through my life, so I feel very fortunate that I was able to get help myself when it’s needed because when you’re on the other side of it you don’t realise how much you depend on people,” Fay said.

Growing up in Semaphore, as number six of ten children, Fay had strong family values instilled in her from the beginning.

“None of us were spoilt. We learned to share a lot and treasured what we did have, but we did have really good parents,” she said.

All of the children played sport and Fay's favourite was netball.

“Before we went to netball I used to have to put cardboard in my shoes because I had holes in the bottom of my shoes,” she said.

“It was pretty tough but I felt proud of who I was and my achievements.”

When there was no netball Fay was into cricket, football or whatever game the neighbours were playing in the street.

One of the neighbours, Fay's cousin, was best friends with Steve.

Fay married and had four children of her own, while Steve also had a separate marriage.

Many years later Fay and Steve reunited, becoming best friends and eventually making the relationship formal with marriage in 2004.

A year ago Fay and Steve downsized into a retirement village.

Their new home has very little upkeep, but enough space for them to enjoy cooking meals together and to have their family around for dinner.

It also suits their beautiful whippet dog Monty.

Fay was a carer in Residential Care for 36 years, including managing a dementia support unit.

Old work and sporting injuries have limited Fay's movement in both shoulders and her back, causing her a lot of pain and forcing her to retire earlier than she planned.

“I’ve had a very busy life, a very active life,” she said.

“The impact of the injuries was very depressing, but once I accepted my injuries and my way of life now things got a bit better.”

Once a week a carer visits to help Fay wash her hair and other personal care tasks that are difficult to do with her impacted shoulders.

“I do as much as possible for myself to feel as good about myself as I can,” Fay explained.

She also has some cleaning services that help with tasks she and Steve are finding difficult and accesses regular therapy for her mental health.

Whenever they can, the couple go on holiday, either to places with accessible hotels, or in their caravan.

They often go with their daughter and grand daughter to spend quality time together as a family.

Fay's family is so important to her, and having that little bit of support in her home means she can focus on her family rather than her abilities.