With the right minimal support you can keep doing what you love

Barry was always fit and healthy, loved life in the outdoors, especially the surf, but now in his 80’s he’s come up against some obstacles…in his words, two dodgy knees.  After three knee replacements Barry has restricted motion and can’t straighten his knees so he’s had to give up surfing and running, two things that were a big part of his life.  These naughty knees also keep him from being able to do some household chores. He can’t climb a ladder or bend down to clean anymore.  And neither is his adored wife, who had a stroke six years ago. 

A friend suggested Barry contact My Aged Care to see if there was any assistance they could offer for some basic household chores, like cleaning the bathroom which had become difficult. Other than his knees, Barry is quite able-bodied and wanted to stay around his home, therefore only asked for minimal support. 

“We manage everything else around the house, it’s just we can’t kneel down anymore,” says Barry.  

On behalf of My Aged Care, an Aspire4Life Home Support Assessor met with Barry and agreed that some basic support would suit him and his wife perfectly.  A support plan was put in place and services were recommended.  Now they have a cleaner 1.5 hours each week to get into those low places that couldn’t be reached by the couple.  

His wife Cherrie, who has a passion for flora and fauna, also receives support once a month to keep her beloved garden looking neat and tidy.   

“This is perfect,” says Barry.  “We don’t need anymore than that. It’s wonderful really.” 

Having these minimal supports in place gives Barry and Cherrie peace of mind that their home is clean and presentable and allows them to continue doing the things they love. For Cherre that’s volunteering once a week at Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, which she’s been doing for ten years.  While Barry likes to walk along the beach to check out the surf he used to spend so much time in.  

Hanging loose with his bro

Back in the day, Barry and his brother would visit the Gold Coast beaches often.  His brother built surfboards and they would travel up here together to sell them to the locals.  A long Malibu was Barry’s board of choice, and he fondly recalls those good times. 

“We spent all our time surfing and I was pretty good at.” 

“Things have changed a bit since then.  Some of the boards even have motors on them so they don’t have to paddle out through the waves.” 

He’s a country music radio legend and has the trophy to prove it!

But surfing wasn’t all Barry was good at.  While his profession for 50 years was as an electrician, his passion was, and still is, country music and community radio.  

Barry has always loved country music and has attended numerous Tamworth Country Music Festivals.  On one occasion, the radio outside broadcast caught his eye.  He thought “that looks fun” and enquired how one would become involved.  So, he volunteered, went off to do a workshop, and 35 years later he’s still rocking out with his own weekly show.  Barry records the show at home in his personal studio and sends it to the station in Sydney.  They in turn broadcast it all over the world. His one-hour show takes many hours to prepare each week, but Barry wouldn’t change a thing.  He loves it. If you’re interested in tuning in – Rnb.org.au, 11am every Saturday.  

Barry’s a living legend and he even has the trophy to prove it. It’s the Tamworth Country Music Award trophy for 30years continuous service. That’s definitely a legendary effort.  Barry’s also travelled around the world for his music and has numerous other awards to show his longevity in the industry. 

Health issues won’t stop Barry from doing what he enjoys

Barry has just come through Prostate cancer and radiation treatment and has been given the ‘all clear’.   

He does unfortunately now have lymphedema cellulitis and has visits three times a week from a nurse as part of his Home Care Package to put on his glamourous long socks for him.  

Barry doesn’t let ailments get in the way of living his life to the fullest

Barry and Cherrie love a good cruise, generally up to Port Douglas these days.  Nothing too far from home. They travel with a group of friends, all in their 80s. He says cruises are great holidays because you get lots of physical help if you need it getting on and off as well as during the cruise.  They also do a weekly club lunch with friends and have visited Tangalooma five times in the last two years with the same bunch.  Sun and sea are two things Barry can’t be without. 

Volunteering to help others live their best lives

Barry is on the Aspire4Life Client Advisory Committee where he gets to listen, learn, share his opinions and have input into best practice for clients.  

“I like listening to their stories. I like learning about what’s on offer to seniors. I always find it informative. And I like the social aspect with nice people,” says Barry.   

Barry has and continues to live a full and entertaining life with minimal support through My Aged Care.