Jean and Douglas Dickinson have managed to keep their independence thanks to a range of support systems. 74600 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By XAVIER SMERDON
A HOPPERS Crossing couple that have been married for 65 years are proving that independence is the most important thing.
Douglas and Jean Dickinson were always active and social until older age started getting the best of them.
Six months ago at the age of 87, Jean was rushed to the Werribee Mercy Hospital with serious breathing problems due to chronic lung disease.
Soon after Jean arrived home she made her husband a glass of milo and went to bed. She woke to hear him groaning and when she went into the kitchen she found he had fallen over and broken his hip.
Douglas spent over a month in hospital undergoing rehabilitation.
A 12 week after-care program was arranged for Douglas, with visits by his case manager, a physiotherapist, and an occupational therapist, who prescribed safety fittings in the home which were installed by Wyndham Council’s maintenance workers.
“During this time I was also visited regularly by a nurse from the Mercy Hospital pulmonary care program to make regular checks on my lungs,” Jean said.
“Neither of us is now medically fit to drive, so we have sold our car, but the council sends a driver once a week to take me shopping. My husband now has a medical alert button, so I feel it safe to leave him for an hour or two.”
The couple said they were amazed by all the support they had received from the community, especially their neighbours.
“We’re just so impressed that there has been so many things coming from all directions,” Douglas said.
