Resthaven community client rediscovers love of craft
A stitch in time: Lesley and Lynette
Resthaven Northern Community Services client, Lynette, is rediscovering her love of craft and regaining cognitive capacity, thanks to the support of Home Support Worker, Lesley Lamb.
Manager, Karen Hammond, says, ‘Lynette lives with Alzheimer’s disease. She is supported by her husband, Allan, and has terrific family support from their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.’
‘However, as Lynette’s health declined, she began to become upset whenever Allan was out of her sight.’
‘Allan was happy to provide a caring role for Lynette, but the family could see this was taking a toll on him.’
‘Allan stopped doing some of the things he liked, such as tending the horses, spending time outside, or just doing the shopping.’
‘Lynette was also becoming upset with her own decline. She could no longer remember how to knit, sew or do the crafty activities that she had enjoyed her whole life.’
‘Lynette asked the family to remove her knitting, craft work and sewing machine and table from the home, as it was a constant reminder of what she could no longer do.’
‘Through her Home Care Package, Lynette was able to access some respite support which the family thought may be beneficial for both Lynette and Allan, and Home Support Worker, Lesley, was matched with Lynette.’
‘From there, a wonderful partnership ensued.’
‘At their first meeting, Lesley spoke with Lynette about her crafts, and expressed a desire to learn how to knit.’
‘After a couple more visits, and a few more hints from Lesley, Lynette finally offered to show Lesley how to knit.’
‘Lynette had not been able to knit for more than a year, and here she was, teaching Lesley the skill!’
‘She gets right into it, explaining how to cast on, and how each stitch is made.’
‘Each and every visit now involves Lynette checking over Lesley’s knitting, and correcting any mistakes.’
‘The family and Lesley both report that Lynette has her “spark” back.’
‘Lynette’s son, Gavin, praised Resthaven, saying how great it is to see Lynette knitting again, something she has not been able to do for so long.’
‘Lynette and Allan both look forward to Lesley’s visits, and Lesley enjoys learning new skills too.’
‘Lesley reports that, next, Lynette would like to teach her how to sew!’
Resthaven Northern Community Services, at 16 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth, supports older people to live independently in their own homes with a range of wellness, group, therapy, and social programs. Phone 8259 5600 to find out more.
Learn more about Resthaven Northern Community Services
Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.