Meet Janet and Michael, who have been together since 1984.
“Yes, 39 years,” Janet says. The couple welcomed us to their home to talk about their love story and the support they receive at Afea.
Both living with cerebral palsy, Janet and Michael receive regular assistance from their support workers from Afea.
“They help us with showers and breakfast and other meals,” Janet says.
Michael adds: “We have a good relationship with them.”
They also receive support from their Services Manager Jack Mhanna, Care Manager Yesenia Montelvere and Support Coordinator Ivania Choi.
“I support Janet and Michael in different ways,” shares Ivania. “I order consumables for Janet and I organise OT reviews for their equipment. Both Janet and Michael will have a new walker arriving soon and Michael just got his manual wheelchair delivered. This will help them move around better.”
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that can affect a person’s movement, muscle coordination and speech.
But nothing will stop Janet and Michael from having fun and going on dates!
Not even Michael’s aversion from leaving the house. As Janet tells it: “Don’t ask Michael to go out. He’s very happy to stay home in front of the TV or computer, have a beer, and that’s it. I always was the organiser.”
For their 38th anniversary last year, they went to North Ryde Golf Club and enjoyed a dinner of Chinese food, their favourite cuisine.
They love attending live performances and going to the movies. In fact, their first date was at the movies. When we asked what movie it was, Janet and Michael both said they don’t remember it much – they were too focused on each other to pay attention!
When we asked Michael what he loves most about Janet, he replied, “Her relationship with other people. I tend to be shy, but she just goes for it.”
And what does Janet love most about Michael? “His good looks!” she says with a smile.
NDIS Support from Afea
Our amazing support workers will provide you with compassionate care at home and in the community to help you live more independently, achieve your goals and get the most out of life!
In addition to our compassionate Core support services—
- Afea’s Support Coordinators are committed to helping you achieve your goals, develop your skills and access the best services suited to your needs. Reduce the stress and time spent on implementing NDIS plans with the help of our amazing Support Coordinators!
- Our Plan Management team is your financial champion, ensuring your funding is used to its fullest potential.
Contact us now to begin receiving care.
You can also email us via hello@afea.com.au or call 1300 65 11 33.
