May 30, 2025
Stories
My Story with Abled Care and Nursing Services
I used to think asking for help meant giving up. That independence meant doing everything on my own—even when it became harder, slower, and more exhausting.
But then one morning, I sat on the edge of my bed for nearly half an hour, just staring at my shoes. My hands were stiff. My energy was low. And the idea of making breakfast felt like climbing a mountain.
That’s when it hit me: I didn’t have to keep struggling in silence.
I just didn’t know where to start.
Finding a Service That Listens
I’d heard of Abled Care and Nursing Services through a friend who’d found support through their SIL program in Gosford. I assumed it would be all paperwork, assessments, and being told what I should do.
Instead, I got something very different.
The first question they asked me wasn’t about my diagnosis, my limitations, or my goals. It was simply:
“What does living independently mean to you?”
No pressure. No checklist. Just someone willing to listen.
That moment alone gave me hope.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Soon after, I met Aiden—an occupational therapist who worked with me one-on-one. He didn’t bombard me with equipment or routines. He started with questions:
"What tasks feel the most frustrating?"
"Where do you wish you felt safer or stronger?"
We started small: re-arranging my kitchen so I could reach things without strain, adding a few grab rails, and finding better lighting for the hallway. Things I hadn’t realised were quietly making life harder.
It didn’t feel like someone stepping in to take over. It felt like someone stepping with me.
The Power of Genuine Connection
When I first heard I’d be matched with a NDIS support worker, I braced myself. I worried about losing my privacy or being treated like a task list.
Then I met Leila.
She wasn’t there to hover or instruct. Some days she helped me plan meals or drove me to the chemist. Other times, we just made a cup of tea and chatted about everything and nothing.
Leila remembered my birthday. She asked how my art projects were going. She made things feel normal—and somehow, that meant everything.
Discovering a New Kind of Independence in Gosford
As my confidence grew, I started to explore new possibilities. That’s when I visited Abled Care’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) home in Gosford.
I didn’t know what to expect—maybe something too clinical or structured. But instead, I found a warm, welcoming space where people like me were living on their own terms.
The community there felt empowering. Everyone had a story, and everyone was moving forward—sometimes slowly, sometimes sideways, but always together.
Even just knowing that place existed gave me a sense of possibility I hadn’t felt in years.
Why I’m Glad I Reached Out
Looking back, I think the hardest step was admitting I needed help.
But what I’ve learned is that real support doesn’t take away your independence—it gives it back to you.
Abled Care and Nursing Services didn’t try to fix me. They walked beside me. They listened. They supported my choices. And through that, I’ve discovered a new kind of strength—one that comes from connection, courage, and community.
So if you’re where I was—tired, unsure, but still holding on—I just want to say this:
“You don’t have to do it alone. And when you’re ready, Abled Care and Nursing Services will be there, just like they were for me.”
