Stories & Achievements: Mark L’s Story
Mark L’s story: a wife’s perspective
Written by Mark’s wife, Tracey.
In January 2011 my husband Mark suffered a severe stroke, hospitalising him for 5 months. He now requires 24/7 care and is undergoing rehabilitation to hopefully return some function to his right side & his cognitive ability. In July 2011 I was very fortunate and grateful to receive assistance from Headstart ABI Services. This has been in the form of a CSW (Simon) coming of a Monday to accompany Mark on outings. They can be anything from a trip to the beach to enjoy the sunshine to the local club where Mark is able to watch reruns on the Fox for the rugby league that he is passionate about.
At first Mark was a little hesitate to participate in these outings but when I explained to him that it allowed me to do some of the things I needed to do in the day he would go. Now when Monday comes he is outside waiting for Simon he loves the interaction that he is able to get and I can get on with what I need to in the day without a second thought to whether Mark is OK.
I am sure that without the assistance we have received through Headstart we wouldn’t be functioning as well as a family together.”
“My dad goes out with a Headstart staff member and this means I have some time with mum and that Dad has something to enjoy.
- Marks’ daughter Samantha”
