National Carers Week (12-18 October) is a time to celebrate the profound impact carers have on families and communities across Australia. Jeanette Baumann, who cares for her 21-year-old nephew Jesse and his siblings is one of more than 3 million carers in the country. Caring for family members is no small task but supporting a loved one with disability while managing your own health challenges and disability is an act of great resilience.
Originally from Inverell, Jeanette has faced significant health struggles, including a stroke, a heart attack that left her with only 20% heart capacity, and kidney issues. Despite these challenges, Jeanette’s commitment to Jesse, who lives with cerebral palsy, has never wavered.
Watch Jeanette and Jesse’s Story above
When Jeanette and Jesse moved to Dubbo, they both found the support they needed through Social Futures and the NDIS, which has helped them navigate their challenges and thrive.
“On the good days I’m fine, but on the bad days, I really need help,” Jeanette said. “My husband passed away two years ago, my daughter lives here in Dubbo, so we decided to move here.
“We hooked up with Social Futures, and got connected to the NDIS, and it’s been great ever since. We’re very happy.”
Through her own NDIS plan, Jeanette has been able to access support with cleaning and gardening tasks which she can no longer manage on her own
“I live in a nice street where everyone has tidy gardens, and of course I don’t want to let the neighbourhood down because I’m not able to mow the lawn,” Jeanette said. “So, I get help with that, which is great. But it’s Jesse who really needs daily support. That’s what we were looking for, and he has received it.”
Jeanette says she and her husband taught Jesse life skills but there were limits to what they could do before they had support.
“We did as much we could with him,” she said. “We took him on holidays and picnics and things. But as we were getting up in age, there were things we just couldn’t do, and Jesse needed support every day to live a normal life, which we couldn’t give. That’s where the NDIS has been crucial.”
Jesse’s main NDIS goals have been to find employment and to get fit at the gym, especially strengthening his lower body which is impacted by his disability. His dream came true when the two goals were combined and he found work at the gym.
“It was only two hours a day, but that was good for Jesse. It was paid work, and he loved it,” Jeanette said.
While that job has since ended, Jesse is eager to find new opportunities. “They loved Jesse, and he thrived on that bit of work he got. He can’t wait to get the next job,” Jeanette said.
In addition to work, Jesse has embraced a fitness routine. He attends the gym with help from support worker Daniel, who assists Jesse to safely attend and use the gym. Daniel’s support is funded through Jesse’s NDIS plan’s core supports.
“Jesse goes to the gym three afternoons a week, and he’s as fit as a fiddle,” Jeanette said. “His support worker, Daniel, not only helps Jesse with physical exercises tailored to his needs but also keeps him accountable for his nutrition and overall health. Daniel messages him every day asking what he’s eaten and what his weight is, so he’s staying on top of his health and nutrition.”
Since moving to Dubbo and connecting with Social Futures, Jesse has made remarkable progress, particularly in his social and physical development.
As the carer of a young person, Jeanette says it’s a relief to know Jesse has the support he needs.
“Jesse doesn’t need to be staying home all day on his own doing nothing. He is a young man. Now, he goes out nearly every day. He is connected into his community, which is exactly what he needs,” Jeanette said.
“He’s come ahead leaps and bounds since we’ve been here in Dubbo. One of Jesse’s support workers taught him to go into his favourite store, EB Games, and buy something on his own, then find his way back to the car. These things other people take for granted are massive for Jesse.”
Jesse’s support worker even taught him how to change a tyre.
“He went that extra mile to see what Jesse was capable of and Jesse’s confidence really grew with that support.”
“There are a lot of people out there who have ailments, and I don’t think they realise that they can tap into support,” Jeanette said. “You only have to ask. You’re guided all the way through.”
The not-for-profit organisation Social Futures is an NDIS partner delivering local area coordination services in regional NSW.
If you would like to find out how the NDIS can support you, you can speak to one of our local area coordinators by calling our LAC Hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm). You can also email [email protected]
