When Debbie found herself in a new and challenging chapter, she had to search for strength in places she’d never looked. Her home care team stepped up, empowering Debbie to adapt and continue living safely at home with her dog, Miss Natalie. Here’s her story.
When Debbie Archie first began receiving support through The CareSide, she was living in Western Australia. Two years on, now settled in Tasmania, she says the care she receives has remained consistent, respectful, and reliable—something that has mattered deeply during a difficult transition in her life.
Debbie’s need for support developed gradually. Years of physically demanding work left her with severe back problems, and over time, her mobility declined. Falls became more frequent, and when she did fall, she often couldn’t get up on her own. This led to repeated hospital stays, where social workers eventually told her it was no longer safe to manage without help.
‘I’m still struggling to deal with it,’ Debbie says. ‘I’d been independent my whole life.’
With assistance from hospital and community social workers, Debbie applied for an aged care package and gained approval. She had her choice of providers, but ultimately, The CareSide stood out because she didn’t feel any pressure.
‘They didn’t push me into anything,’ she says. ‘I chose on my own.’
That initial experience set the tone for her entire home care journey. While living in Western Australia, Debbie received support five days a week. Her main support worker, Hilary, became a steady presence—helping with daily tasks, transport to appointments, and getting Debbie out into the community when she could manage it.
More than the tasks themselves, Debbie remembers how the support was delivered.
‘Nothing was ever done without asking me first,’ she says.
Hilary took care to think ahead, making sure Debbie’s home was safe before leaving each day. She secured doors, cleared walkways, and completed fall-prevention measures with diligence. When Debbie had trouble managing appointments due to memory issues following a mini stroke, Hilary stood beside her during phone calls, helping her organise times that worked with her support schedule.
There were also days when physical support took a back seat to emotional care. Adjusting to a loss of independence was deeply challenging, and Debbie experienced periods of low mood.
‘There were some days I was so low that I couldn’t face physio,’ she says. ‘Hilary would ask, “What does Debbie want to do today?”’
And sometimes, she just needed to talk. ‘I spent many hours in tears. But the girls were there for me,’ she remembers.
Support workers helped Debbie navigate everyday changes, like no longer being able to stand at the stove to cook. Instead of taking over, they worked alongside her whenever possible, helping her prepare meals so she could still feel involved and capable.
Debbie says her support workers respected her home, her routines, and the things that mattered to her—including her dog, Miss Natalie.
‘They all loved my little dog,’ she says.
When Debbie decided to move to Tasmania, she was clear about one thing: she didn’t want to change providers. The CareSide supported her through the transition, empowering her to continue with the same organisation and Care Manager.
‘I said, “I don’t want to find another provider—I like the one I’ve got,”’ she recalls.
Now in Devonport, Debbie currently receives support twice a week, with flexibility to increase hours if her needs change. Knowing that help is available when needed gives her a sense of reassurance.
She also describes the switch from Home Care Packages to the Support at Home program as smooth and uncomplicated. ‘I didn’t have any problem,’ she says. ‘There was no faltering, there’s been no change.’
When asked what advice she would give to others considering The CareSide, Debbie encourages people to ask questions and understand their options.
‘Find out what you’re entitled to and how it all works,’ she says.
Looking back, Debbie says the consistent and respectful home care she’s received has made a difficult stage of life more manageable.
‘I would never be where I am now without them,’ she says.
