Help with medication at home

Walking into the local bank in Innisfail in far north Queensland back in the 1950s, young Italian migrant Umberto was star–struck by the bank teller – a vivacious, dark–haired beauty who was quick to count cash and even quicker to give him a little cheek!

To say it was love at first sight perfectly describes Umberto’s fascination – one he still recalls today at 92. His wife, Lucia, 87, also says, “It was love at first sight when Umberto walked into that bank, he was transferring money to his family back in Italy. Early on, I knew I would love to marry him.”

But in the late 1950s Italian girls did not date, it would have been unimaginable to go out alone with her handsome young man – unless there was a gaggle of appropriate chaperones following closely behind.

Not wishing to have the wind taken out of his sails, Umberto enlisted the enthusiastic support of family and friends – on both sides.

“Our families got to know each other first and that’s how Umberto and I fell in love,” says Lucia.

Umberto and Lucia later married in 1960, raising 3 sons before moving to Brisbane where they have lived for many years. Their 3 grandchildren are the highlight of their senior years.

These days, Umberto has the added responsibility of being the primary carer for Lucia, who lives with dementia.

For Lucia and Umberto, the daily visits from Co.As.It.’s Clinical team are essential to living independently in the comfort of their home and remaining involved in their local community. For Umberto, the assistance he receives is life–changing.

“Our nurses are like family, it brightens our day to hear their voices on our intercom, knowing they’ve arrived to assist us,” Umberto said, “and they always have time for a friendly chat.”

Our nurses visit Umberto and Lucia daily, both morning and night, administering medication and generally monitoring their well–being.

Lucia also receives support from our dedicated care workers for personal care, and she attends our Casa Serena Social Group Activity Centre 3 times a week. Whilst Lucia enjoys socialising with her many friends, playing tombola and getting out and about, her outings are essential respite for Umberto who has his own health challenges.

He has survived prostate cancer and now lives with Parkinson’s disease so living independently would be difficult without a high level of support and clinical care.

Umberto and Lucia’s independent life in their much loved apartment is filled with memories of a joyous lifetime together. This, enhanced by the comforting support they receive from family, friends and our Clinical team means they can continue to live in their favourite place despite both needing daily medication.

It is very satisfying for us too and we just love the hugs they readily give our nurses and workers – an earnest demonstration of what we mean to them!

Interested in our Clinical Services?

If you’d like to learn more about how you can access our Clinical Services, visit our Care and Support Services page, call us on 07 3624 6100 or submit an enquiry and one our team members will be in touch.

Eligibility criteria applies.