Whitehorse News - June 2022

Protecting the lives of our vulnerable community members

Home Support Workers are the pillars of our community – they work hard to ensure that people of all abilities and ages can live their lives safely and with dignity and freedom.

As with any job that involves caring for others, you have to be prepared for anything – and Lilly Humphrey experienced that firsthand when one of her clients experienced a medical emergency.

Lilly works on Whitehorse’s Home and Community Services team as a Support Worker and has been with Council for over 27 years.

“Each day, I arrive at my clients’ homes with a friendly hello and a smile behind a mask. Knowing that this may be my first time visiting some clients, I make sure that I have introduced myself and taken the time to ask them what is important to them.

I try to make everything as comfortable as possible as I am a stranger in their home.”

“With my regular clients, I usually have a brief chat to see how their fortnight has been. The day goes quickly and is always different.”

When Lilly arrived to one of her client’s homes recently, she quickly realised something wasn’t quite right.

“When I knocked on her door and asked her how she was, her reply was ‘I don’t know’. When I entered the kitchen, she was very disoriented and not her usual cheery self. I knew something was wrong so I rang the ambulance – she was hesitant at first, but I insisted,” she said.

“I then pressed her MePACS personal alarm pendant – the operator came through immediately on the phone and organised for an ambulance to be issued. While we waited, I kept the client calm and reassured her that everything was going to be alright.”

“Needless to say, she was very happy when paramedics arrived and escorted her to the hospital after doing some checks on her.”

The client, who is now well, commended Lilly on her professionalism and care. She insists that Lilly’s quick-thinking saved her life. To this high praise, Lilly is ever-humble.

“I appreciate that the client said that my actions saved her life, but anyone would have acted the same in this situation.”

“I am so glad I was rostered on that day, as it may have turned out differently if she wasn’t receiving a service that day.”

Lilly’s actions remind us to think of ways we can show care and compassion for others.

“We need to take time to listen to our most vulnerable to support them, and continue to provide services that will help them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.”