Stories & Achievements: Tom’s Story

Tom’s story: a cowboy at heart

“I got my fish tank a few weeks ago,” says Tom, who’s wry sense of humour shines through. ”I had a cat but it kept on running away although he used to come back.  He comes and goes.”

Tom’s working life started off at a local glassworks. “I was a blower for a couple of years from age 15.  I was a young boy of 17 when I had my accident.  I was speeding and drove into a pole. They thought I was going to die, but here I am.  Unfortunately I couldn’t do my job anymore after my accident.”

“I don’t have a good memory”, shares Tom. “I managed on my own for many years but now I’m glad I’ve got Headstart. I used to go to Rec group but these days I mainly go out shopping or for something to eat.  I never forget to buy ice cream.  I go with my support workers to appointments or we visit Lambton Park.  I need help daily with my medications, including insulin for my diabetes. 

Joseph has been supporting Tom for two years. “We’re helping him now with the Sara Stedy so that he can move about safely.  It helps a lot. Tom had some falls in the house some years back.” 

A Sara Stedy enables a single caregiver to assist patients or residents perform sit to stand transfers throughout the day.

“We help Tom to get up out of bed, shower, dress, have breakfast and take medication and then he goes out in the wheelchair,” says Joe.

“Every Wednesday I go out for cake and coffee,” shares Tom. “ I enjoy going to play poker machines once a week too.” 

Tom gets regular frozen meals delivered for convenience. “We bought a small oven a few months ago,” says Joe, “It’s good for Tom to have something besides frozen meals all the time. We make pizza and other things for a bit of variety.” 

“Tom has exercises pinned on the wall and we do those every day. We do regular standing and others kinds of exercise to strengthen his legs.”

Sports that Tom enjoys watching are NRL (a Knights fan) and cricket. 

“I like reading cowboy books and watching cowboy moves.  Anything with cowboys.  I order books from the library and they drop them off in bags every two weeks.”   With Tom being such a regular reader of westerns and war novels the library staff know which books he likes and so he doesn’t even have to pick them himself anymore. 

Tom never married. “I’ve got three sisters. One in Queensland and the others are nearby.  I’d still like to get married though!” shares Tom.  “One day I’d also like to go visit my nephew Steven in Tasmania.”

Tom is his happy to own his home and his goal is to maintain his independence for as long as possible.