How Nola Reclaimed Her Life Through Catholic Homes’ Day Therapy
Just a few years ago, 71-year-old Nola found herself in a place she never imagined. A devoted wife of 44 years, she had spent five of those years as a full-time carer for her beloved husband, Ken, who was living with advanced Alzheimer’s. When Ken passed away in May 2020, Nola’s world quietly fell apart.
“I unintentionally became reclusive, anti-social and very sedentary,” Nola said. “Taking Ken to doctors and hospitals was my life, and then, he just wasn’t there anymore.”
As her grief deepened, Nola’s own health began to deteriorate. By early 2023, her daughter relocated to Perth and moved in as Nola’s Carer. Simple tasks like walking through the house left her breathless. After suffering three serious falls—one of which left her on the floor for 12 hours before help arrived—Nola was admitted to Royal Perth Hospital.
After four weeks of hospital care and stabilisation, it was clear Nola needed ongoing support to regain her independence. Through My Aged Care, she was referred to Catholic Homes’ Day Therapy Centre in Guildford, a decision that would mark a turning point in her life.
“At first, I was hesitant. I’m not good in social groups,” Nola admitted. “But everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The staff, the group members—they made me feel like I belonged from the very beginning.”
Catholic Homes’ Guildford Day Therapy Centre is subsidised under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), making it accessible and affordable for pensioners like Nola. After attending the group for only about two months, Nola was approached by one of the long-standing members, Freda, who generously offered to gift her a four-wheel walker, an act of kindness that spoke volumes. “It showed me the bond that forms within this group,” Nola shared. “I want Freda to know how much that moment meant to me.”
With support from the centre and her new walker, Nola set two big goals:
- To stop relying on the hospital’s loan equipment, and
- To regain her driver’s licence.
“Sixteen months later, I was driving again,” she said proudly. “I’ve regained so much lost independence. I’m more mobile, more confident, and I’ve lost 30 kilos!”
The program didn’t just improve her physical health. Nola also found friendship, purpose, and a renewed love for life.
“It’s not just exercising and see you later! We have morning tea, do crafts, and many of us stay for lunch. I’ve even started going out for dinner without my walking frame. And I’ve begun using stairs again, for the first time in more than four years!”
Nola credits her remarkable transformation to the dedicated team at Catholic Homes.
“I know my success is a direct result of the amazing, caring staff at the Guildford Day Therapy Centre. They gave me back my independence and my life.”
