Why Prakash has a spring in his step

When retired botany professor Prakash joined our Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) program more than a decade ago, he was taking an important step forward in self-care.

Every week Prakash now looks forward to visits from our support staff who provide the domestic assistance needed to keep his home comfortable and safe to live in.

For Prakash, who lives alone, this weekly support service not only makes life much easier but also frees up his time and energy to pursue his passion for gardening.

After migrating from Delhi, India, in 1966 where Prakash obtained a PhD in Botany, he settled with his family in Armidale NSW for 38 years to work as a professor at the University of New England.

An 85-year-old father of 2 sons, and grandfather of 3, Prakash enjoys volunteering his time and knowledge to provide guided walks through Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens once a week.

“I am very grateful to Co.As.It. Community services. Thanks to this support I don’t have to worry about the more difficult household chores and can spend more time focussed on family and volunteering at the beautiful City Botanic Gardens,” said Prakash.

When Prakash is not at the City Botanic Gardens or tending to plants in his backyard he is enjoying a meal together with his Brisbane based son, who is a medical practitioner.

Another favourite pastime for this busy widower is reminiscing about his amazing life.

Through uniting together, and our CHSP team’s dedication to promoting individual independence, our CHSP program achieves positive outcomes for clients like Prakash.