Pay Invoice
Feedback
Locations
Search
An Unbreakable Bond: Leonie & Lydia’s story
This National Carers Week, we celebrate Leonie, whose unwavering love,...
Jemma McGlasson
Jemma, a much-loved Rocky Bay respite customer, sadly passed away earlier this year. Today would have been her 25th birthday.
Jemma’s mum, Heather, described her as a fun-loving person, who was “cheeky and sassy”.
“She loved everyone and she loved her cuddles and laughter. Wherever Jemma went, she met people who will have the best memories of her.”
A typical week included spending time with friends at one of her favourite places, Sassy Ability, described as ‘activities and programs for people with challenges’. Activities include karaoke, live music and bingo.
This is how the team described the fun and energy Jemma brought to Sassy Ability:
“Jem was always on the dance floor either fast asleep or dancing the wheels off her chair (quite literally!) to any song by PINK! She was cheeky, loud, excitable and got her point across when needed! Jemma had a BRILLIANT sense of STYLE, she was never short of a bag or three and accessories galore!”
Aside from having a great time on the dance floor, Heather said Jemma would often head out for lunch with support workers and help around the house. Weekends were spent with family, whether watching her dad in the shed, her siblings ride motorbikes or attending social events together.
The story continues...
Behind those treasured moments was the reality of providing around-the-clock care.
“Jemma relied on me to do everything,” Heather said. “I couldn’t do anything on my own. From gardening, office work, or watching TV, finding time for myself was impossible and became draining – mentally and physically.”
Understandably, when the idea of respite was first raised, Heather found the idea confronting.
“Because I was Jemma’s full-time carer for 24 years, I was worried about her having overnight stays,” said Heather. “Jemma was very sick as a baby so I co-slept with her, that lasted for 24 years despite trying to break the habit. All this impacted on my thoughts of not being able to cope with Jemma being elsewhere. She was very routine-orientated with everything. From clothing to bed routine to what she eats – everything was based around what Jemma wanted or needed. She was also non-verbal, so she would put it across in ways only immediate family could understand, we got to read what she wanted.”
Despite those concerns, Heather says Rocky Bay helped both her and Jemma feel comfortable from the very beginning.
“From the moment we walked in, the Rocky Bay staff and management made Jemma and I feel very comfortable,” she said. “Positive voices, smiles and communication made us feel very welcome.”
How we helped
As Jemma settled into respite, open communication and a collaborative care approach between everyone involved played an important role. This included Jemma’s therapist from outside of Rocky Bay, Jemma’s family, Rocky Bay and Jemma herself.
“We spoke a lot about what Jemma was struggling with and what could be done to make her comfortable for herself and staff,” Heather said. “Rocky Bay were very happy to have Jemma’s therapist come along with their staff to work on strategies for Jemma’s stay to be happy and enjoyable.”
It wasn’t long before Jemma began enjoying everything respite had to offer. Heather highlighted one of the reasons it was so effective.
“Looking back, respite care meant Jemma could be Jemma, an individual person without mum always there,” Heather said. “It gave her time out from the day-to-day routine of home, the opportunity to meet new people and learn that other people could care for her, not just mum.”
Jemma’s favourite activities included socialising, dancing, music, shopping, people-watching, lunch dates with friends, catching up with family and swimming. She kept busy!
Respite for the whole family
While respite gave Jemma new experiences and friendships, the regular breaks allowed Heather to focus on other important relationships and reconnect with her own identity.
“With Jemma being at support a weekend a month, I was able to focus on my other children and husband,” said Heather, “without them having to fight for my attention. We could sit down and have a conversation.
“It meant I could be myself and not just a full-time carer. Also, the small breaks made me miss Jemma, and I looked forward to picking her up. The enjoyment of picking her up and the smile she gave was the best to see and it made me love her more dearly. Having that little break away from each other, we were both able to reset.”
A message for other families
Heather understands why some families may be hesitant to explore respite care.
“Personally, I struggled with making the decision for Jemma to do overnight stays,” she said. “You just want to protect your child and with Jemma being non-verbal, she wouldn’t be able to tell me verbally about her stay, what she did, what she ate, and if she was happy. But once Jemma was there, yes, it was a struggle for us all, but it didn’t take long for Jemma to settle in and feel comfortable and at home.”
Thank you, Heather for helping us celebrate Jemma. She is and always will be greatly missed. And thank you for taking the time to share your respite experience, we hope it helps other families who may be needing a little extra support in their daily lives.
To find out about Rocky Bay respite options, read more here: NDIS Short Term Accommodation | Respite Perth | Rocky Bay
A few words
“I would like families that are struggling to not feel like they are alone. Ask for help. Respite allows people like Jemma to grow with new people and experiences. It also allows parents to be themselves.”
- Heather, Jemma's Mum
More stories
Living life her way: Helen’s story
This World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re celebrating Helen whose infectious...
6-Year-Old Rhiannon And Her Need For Speed!
For Rhiannon, keeping up with her friends in the playground...
contact us