Michael’s morning on the Sunshine Coast began much like any other. He fed his cat, reached for a glass of water, and then everything disappeared. He came to on the kitchen floor, his head pressed against the wall. He couldn’t get up. He didn’t know how long he had been there or what had happened. Confusion became fear and the international students boarding at his home found him lying on the floor. “Call the ambulance,” Michael said. The fall had broken his neck, and his life had shifted forever. Paralysis followed, from the neck down. Michelle Benton, Michael’s regular Care Worker, heard what happened when Michael finally returned home.
“I had been cleaning for Michael for around 18 months because he had rheumatoid arthritis. Then he just dropped off my roster. That happens sometimes and we don’t always find out the reason,” Michelle said.
Michael reappeared, this time on a Support at Home package.
“Kathleen, Michael’s Care Partner, rang me and told me what happened. The great news was that Michael was back at home after five months at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and rehabilitation,” Michelle said.
“For a lot of people, this would be catastrophic. But Michael said he views it as another challenge. He just got on with it. He’s determined and resilient with enormous self-belief. When he returned home, he was still the smiley, positive Michael I’d known from last year,” Michelle said.
Michael said his medical team didn’t expect much recovery. Yet, months later, the same specialist expressed surprise at how much mobility Michael had regained.
“Michael can walk,” Michelle said, “but with difficulty. He’s still independent.”
Michael’s wife died three years ago, and his two grown sons are supportive but not nearby.
“My worst concern is being alone, alone with your own thoughts. Need someone to talk to,” Michael said. “I’m concerned about falling again. My brain wants to walk one way, but my feet have other ideas.”
Now, Silverchain employees visit three times a week. “Michelle comes to do cleaning, personal care and take me out.” Michael said. “I like to be practical so last week we went to the optometrist. We got talking to a lady from the Bolivian jungle, and she had coffee with me and Michelle.”
Michael enjoys Michelle’s visits. “She’s very down to earth. So obliging and helpful,” Michael said. “She’s wise. There are things that I say and do, and she gives me another option. She’s a clever woman.”
Michelle says Michael is inspiring.
“Michael is motivated to improve every day. He is grateful for his family support, and ours on the Support at Home package. He knows there are people with his injuries who aren’t able to do what he’s doing, so his progress is exceptional,” Michelle said.
Michael appreciates our Silverchain team. “They’re great, really great people. Professional, kind, caring,” Michael said.
