The kitchen was always Perth aged care client Natalie’s happy place. But when severe arthritis, a legacy from her professional skiing days, made standing impossible, Natalie spent five long years unable to cook on her own. With a dash of honest partnership and a large scoop of support, Kathy found Natalie a solution that lead to sweet success.
Natalie’s love for food and cooking started when she travelled extensively through Europe as a child. She took found joy in exploring rich different culinary traditions and took cooking classes across the continent. Cooking was her passion and brought her joy and connection.
The constant pain of arthritis made it impossible for Natalie to stand for more than a couple of minutes. Walking was a challenge and moving independently around her home became nearly impossible. For five years, her kitchen remained silent while she depended heavily on her husband, Michael for everyday tasks.
Despite her frustration, Natalie never gave up on trying to regain her independence. She even used a wheeled office chair to move around her kitchen, but it was unstable and unsafe.
Her real breakthrough came when she was referred to occupational therapist Kathy Niles, who built a strong, honest partnership with her. “Kathy said, ‘Fine is not good enough. She encouraged me to be completely honest, and I was even about the hardest parts, like needing help with showering,” Natalie said.
Kathy said it is important for clients to know there are always multiple options.
“Nothing is set in stone, we can trial different solutions until we discover the right fit. And if something doesn’t work, that’s not a failure or a burden, it is part of the process and it just brings us one step closer to the solution that truly supports their life and independence,” Kathy said.
Together they trialled the Velo Tango chair, which Natalie could move independently using her feet.
“For the first time in years, I could cook what I wanted and get in and out of my chair safely. It felt like getting part of myself back,” Natalie said.
Michael noticed the change in Natalie straight away.
“Natalie’s happiness is everything. Knowing I can leave her at home, and she can move around safely has lifted us both. She is like a different person now,” Michael said.
Natalie recently she went shopping for the first time in three years with her new power wheelchair she calls ‘Broom Broom’.
To thank Kathy for her support in reclaiming her independence, Natalie baked some traditional Polish cakes.
“It’s good to see Natalie achieve her goals and become more independent in her kitchen. Helping someone return to daily activities is about identifying solutions that work for them. With appropriate support, our clients can improve their quality of life,” Kathy said.
