Posts by Christine Peet

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  • Access: Paying Family Carers - What was…,

    On a completely different tangent, not at all related to this discussion, I was at a cafe next to my work this week about to be served when someone pushed in ahead of me saying 'i'm in a hurry, I work full time and need to get back to work'. To which I replied 'well, actually, I'm in a hurry too... I also work full time and need to get back to work'. Perceptions...

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Paying Family Carers - What was…,

    I was chatting to my partner about this topic and asked him "if I had no other person to look after my needs, ie no agency, no parent/family member willing/able, and you were my only option, would you want to be paid to look after me?" An emphatic yes. He works full time, as do I and said to me it would hinder his employment. Fair enough I say. My mother on the other hand, never wanted to be paid to look after me. She was a stay at home mum and they were financially able to afford one income. I would have supported her being paid.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Paying Family Carers - What was…,

    Angela - I went down this track when I lived with my family. Agencies are the more secure way to go for me. If a caregiver wants to have a holiday or is sick then at least there is cover.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Paying Family Carers - What was…, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,

    This was very interesting reading (haven't read all of it) but read the comments and can relate to much of it!

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Paying Family Carers - What was…,

    In such cases, the disabled person must have the RIGHT to choose the people who provide the necessary care.

    I had the right to choose which agency I went with, however, not the 'people' that come to me. Luckily for me I have a voice and have for the most part been able to change things if it doesn't work for me. Some don't have that luxury to be able to speak out and it's a real concern.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Paying Family Carers - What was…,

    What was of concern for me (and still is for those living with a disability such as myself) is what happens when those looking after their family members are no longer physically able to (or have passed on) I have spina bifida and am in a wheelchair and am lucky to be living with my partner and get support from a caregiving agency. Prior to this my mother helped me. When I lived at home with my parents we had real fears of what would become of me once they passed away. The caregiving isn't always ideal but I feel secure and happy knowing that I don't always have to rely on mum now. There definitely needs to be more qualified support people employed, and robust training to ensure loved ones are well supported.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Walking Is Overrated,

    Hi Chelle, I have just come across your post and couldn't agree more. I have always said it doesn't bother me that I can't walk. (I have Spina Bifida too) It's what I've grown up knowing. Like yourself I learned to walk when I was young. I can say that one of my proudest moments was walking out of Wilson Home (where I spent several days) on my crutches and cumbersome splints. Through shunt issues I lost the use of my right leg which was 'normal' and I lost the inclination to walk and found it much easier to be in a wheelchair. Especially as I was starting college, where I knew I wouldn't cope on crutches. Life changes and we have to be practical. I've had a fulfilling life, drive, live in my own home with my partner and work fulltime with a supportive workplace.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

  • Access: Your Relationship With Disability,

    I have Spina Bifida - my partner has posted his story here. 4 years ago we moved into our own place. Always thought it would be an inevitability that I'd be living with the help of a caregiver once my parents passed on. Since meeting him i've shared so many wonderful experiences and done things with my life I would never have imagined possible. Everything is possible with determination and support. I have been told that my confidence has grown and I have become stronger for living my own independent life - and I have my partner to thank for this.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report

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