Sonia's story

 

Meet Sonia

Sonia lives with her four children in a village in the Central West region of NSW. She and her three older children provide full-time care for her youngest son, Darcy. Sonia's husband drives long-haul trucks, so he is away often.

At two months old, Darcy was experiencing airway problems that affected his ability to thrive. His condition required surgery, which unfortunately led to pneumonia, respiratory illness and more surgeries. As a result, Darcy faces challenges with his dexterity and fine motor skills. He also has limited vision and a language delay.

Sonia, with the support of her children, helps Darcy daily with eating, bathing and dressing. They also help him attend therapy appointments and provide emotional and medical support.

A few years after Darcy’s birth, Sonia was in a head-on car accident that has left her needing two knee replacements and a hip replacement. She suffers from chronic pain and finds it hard to fit in visits to the pain specialist.

A community of care for the family

Through Carer Gateway, Sonia connected with her care community. She makes time to regularly meet in Orange, NSW with other mums in similar situations for social visits and workshops together.

'The people you meet and the community you create is one of the best things about being a carer,” says Sonia. “The people I’ve gathered on this journey are friends for life and we have life-long connections.'

'The folks at Carer Gateway reach out to help regularly and, where they can help, they really give it 150%.'

Over the past few years, Sonia has watched the growth of Carer Gateway.

Through Carer Gateway, two of her children were supported to go to camp during school holidays. And now, as they help Sonia manage Darcy’s daily care, they’re recognised as Young Carers through Carer Gateway.  The kids have a Carer Gateway peer support worker who helps them access tutoring and facilitates the purchase of school supplies. They’ve also received support through the Young Carer Bursary Program, which helps them with their school tuition.

'Carer Gateway reached out and offered help from the beginning,' says Sonia. 'I didn’t have time for myself. I was managing chronic pain, but I had to keep soldiering on and keep going. I have to be a mum. Carer Gateway services are helping us to get our balance back and make it easier for the whole family.'

Paying it forward

Sonia had to do a lot of self-advocating in the beginning.

Getting therapy for Darcy in their rural area was the biggest barrier in the first few years of his life. Now, with Carer Gateway and her established support system, Sonia enjoys being able to help and support parents who are new to providing extra care.

'There was no pathway. I had to build the path myself as I walked it. It didn’t exist before.'

'I want to pay if forward to younger mums who may be having experiences like mine,' says Sonia. 'It’s not easy, it’s hard work. They need to know that if a door gets shut, you have to just knock on the next one.'