Finding a way through

After decades of teaching Victorian children and raising her large family, Bett Beaton is pretty good at calling things out for what they are and looking for solutions to problems.

Last year, when she grew increasingly exhausted caring for her husband, Glynn, who was battling continence and cognitive challenges, Bett realised, “I’m 89 years old and I’m just simply not cut out to be a nurse.”

The Balwyn couple were both on home care packages through Uniting AgeWell but Glynn’s higher needs meant Bett’s caring duties became more difficult, causing her own health to suffer.

Eventually the couple decided that Glynn would go to Uniting AgeWell Camberwell Community Condare Court for a couple of weeks of respite care. The room he was staying in became permanently available and he ended up staying.

Bett is still receives services through her home care package with Uniting AgeWell and visits Glynn almost every day. She still drives and always looks forward to seeing him, especially now she can enjoy their time together without worrying about nursing duties. She still plays a carer’s role, but it is a different kind of caring. They celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary soon and both are looking forward to the occasion.

Bett is also relieved that Glynn, who is also a retired teacher, is happy and content. “The staff at Condare Court are incredibly caring,” says Bett. “They are experts at what they do, there is no way I could even begin to provide the same level of care at home for him.”

She also feels that Glynn is more comfortable having staff take care of his personal needs. “He has always been a very proud and dignified man,” she says.

Bett does sometimes feel lonely at night but enjoys having more energy to do the things that she loves – reading, watching good programs on television and spending time with the family.

Uniting AgeWell’s residential sites of Kalkee Community Nangatta and Murray, and Manor Lakes are extending their offer of stay-2-weeks-and-pay-for-one until the end of March.

Read about the special offer here.