EVA


RESPITE SUPPORT ALLOWS CARERS LIKE EVA TO TAKE A BREAK FROM THEIR CARING DUTIES SO THAT THEY CAN SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES, CONNECT WITH PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY OR SIMPLY REST.


When I got the call about my granddaughter, Chloe, I knew something was wrong.


I’d been ill, so had moved back to New Zealand to reconnect with my family there. I returned to Australia when my daughter Sharon called.


Chloe was six months old and had severe disabilities; Sharon just couldn’t cope anymore and was going to put Chloe into care. I’d set up home in Port Augusta, where I’d lived for years before, so took Chloe home with me that day.


That was the start of my journey. Chloe is now five years old. She has Pallister Killian syndrome, which is a very rare condition, and she can’t sit up or talk. Chloe has severe respiratory problems, and can only communicate through touch and her eyes. She has to be peg fed through a tube in her stomach and there is no one in Port Augusta trained to do this. So getting respite is very hard.


It’s a really big job looking after her. My other grandchildren, Kate and Ellie, who are in Uniting Communities’ Young Carers program, help but Kate is still at school and has often had to stay home to give me a break.


I’m so busy with Chloe that I can’t give the girls much of my time and attention.


Last year, when I was at my lowest point, Uniting Communities sent help. They sent a cook and a cleaner, and provided school supplies for Ellie and Kate, including uniforms, sports clothes and things they needed for school camp. It was wonderful. I don’t think they realise how grateful I am.


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