For Liesel Miller, staying at home means maintaining her independence, spending time with family, and continuing to enjoy the activities that make her happy.
Liesel joined the Commonwealth Home Support Program with Regis Home Care in May 2025. Since then, she has been receiving assistance with showering twice a week, along with three hours of in-home and community respite support each week.
While practical help has been invaluable, it’s the companionship and connection that have made the biggest difference.
“I look forward to having a visitor twice a week,” Liesel says. “I really enjoy going up to the shops in my local community and getting up to some mischief.”
As Liesel is unable to walk long distances and no longer drives, her support worker, Diana, who she calls her “partner in crime” helps her continue enjoying outings and staying connected with her community.
For Liesel, being able to remain at home is incredibly important.
“Staying home means everything to me. I want to keep the freedom and independence to do what I like, when I like,” she says. “I live with my son and daughter-in-law, and being around family means the world to me.”
The relationship she has built with Diana has had a profound impact on her wellbeing.
“I’m on top of the world after a visit,” Liesel says. “My husband and I used to laugh from morning to night, and since his passing I didn’t feel like I was going to belly laugh ever again. That all changed when I met Diana.”
“We have so much fun together. We try hats and perfumes in Myer and people think we’re mad,” Liesel says. “People-watching is one of our favourite pastimes at the shops. I’m so tired, worn out and happy when I get home.”
The support has also brought peace of mind to Liesel’s family.
“My youngest son, who I live with, is getting to know Diana and he’s really comfortable and at ease knowing that I’m receiving the assistance I need and seeing how happy it makes me,” she says.
Looking back, Liesel says accepting support was one of the best decisions she has made and encourages others not to let isolation stand in the way of seeking help.
“I’d tell anyone thinking about home care to go for it because it is life-changing,” she says. “Having that security, especially with showering support, gives me the confidence to stay at home.”
“So many older people isolate themselves, and it’s really not good for them. I would tell them to try it; you won’t look back. It certainly changed my life for the better.”
