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Something’s not right

Winter solstice

DimitySenior Contributor21 June 2023, 10:40 pm AEST

Winter solstice

Longest night of the year and the darkness and coldness have really hit. Things seem really bleak. I've been struggling for a long time and was pacing myself to this point but can't see beyond it. I'm safe but despairing. I'm trapped in a vortex of family dysfunction from earliest years and emotional pain, received and (mea culpa) inflicted. I can't help my closest sibling - all others are estranged - and I don't seem able to extricate myself from personal difficulties and dilemmas that at present ďefine me - I have no connections or other identity. I've lost faith in my mh team.

I guess the sun will rise tomorrow, and I'll keep taking one day at a time, but I can't envision a future, my future.

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In response to: Winter solstice

NatureLoverSenior Contributor22 Dec 2024, 11:25 am AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

So pleased you'll be getting ongoing help with housework and home maintenance, @Dimity . When will it start, do you know? Before your surgery, hopefully...

Also glad you can see some glimmers.

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

DimitySenior Contributor24 Dec 2024, 10:56 pm AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

I don't yet know the details of the Council help @NatureLover . I expect they'll be in touch in the new year. One of my former helpers may be available too. I haven't contacted the gardening one yet.

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

NatureLoverSenior Contributor25 Dec 2024, 8:39 am AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

I'm interested to hear the details of the Council help, once you know it @Dimity .

Also hoping your gardening helper can help, now or after your surgery.

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

DimitySenior Contributor10 Jan 2025, 11:22 pm AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

@NatureLover from the MyAgedCare assessment I'll have help with cleaning, the option of shopping instead of cleaning from time to time, and basic home maintenance all administered by Council. Already I'm being booked in for gutter cleaning and smoke alarm maintenance. I'll have to look for my paperwork as I think I was being referred for physiotherapy and social support as well.

I feel a bit lost at the moment but hopefully things will fall into place.

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

NatureLoverSenior Contributor11 Jan 2025, 11:09 am AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

Sorry you feel lost, @Dimity 😥

But I'm delighted to hear of all that help available! After so long wanting the help. You deserve it, with all the things you have to battle.

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

DimitySenior Contributor11 Jan 2025, 10:00 pm AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

@NatureLover I'm planning on also getting some extra help privately for a few weeks to tide me over.

Have you looked into NDIS at all?

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

NatureLoverSenior Contributor12 Jan 2025, 7:40 am AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

Wow, I'm glad you'll have a lot of help, @Dimity .

I haven't looked at the NDIS for myself, no. Have you?

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

DimitySenior Contributor12 Jan 2025, 9:50 am AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

@NatureLover older people can't apply for NDIS. I might have had a brief window of opportunity between NDIS becoming available in my area (its implementation was piecemeal in the early stages) and aging out of the scheme but I guess my self efficacy wasn't sufficient to apply. Maybe I was held back by the very condition I needed help for (psychosocial disability) . But Vision Australia said I needed funding for help with my eyesight too.

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

NatureLoverSenior Contributor12 Jan 2025, 4:09 pm AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

@Dimity it's crazy how older people can't apply for the NDIS 😥

In response to: Re: Winter solstice

DimitySenior Contributor13 Jan 2025, 11:03 pm AEDT

Re: Winter solstice

I just figured out my 6 week convalescence will take me to the autumn equinox.

I've committed to occasional private help for that time as well as hoping for regular fortnightly home care. A family member has also offered help with watering at first.

3 weeks to straighten the house and garden beforehand. I'm frustrated I'm not working harder.

@NatureLover

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