“My son Jakob was born at 27 weeks and sadly was diagnosed with a serious neurodevelopmental disability, including major cognitive deficits and motor disability. When Jakob turned 20, I finally had to admit I was no longer coping. Jakob’s behaviour had become quite agitated and sometimes aggressive. Trying to maintain his medication requirements was virtually impossible. I was increasingly having difficulty lifting him, even with aids, and although we had been receiving in home care, I needed to accept this was simply no longer enough. Banksia Care were amazing. From my initial enquiries to completing the paperwork and deciding to move Jakob into full time care, they were incredibly supportive, compassionate and caring. On the day I left Jakob at Banksia Care, I cried and cried. I felt like I had failed as a Mum, and I was deserting Jakob. Deb was my rock. She comforted me that day, made sure I got home safe, and checked in on me by phone and when I went to see Jakob. 4 years on, that guilt is gone. The heartache of my gorgeous son who has faced this battle all his life is still there, but I know he is in the best possible hands at Banksia, and I can see in his eyes he is happy, and he is ok. Best of all, he is safe, loved and being cared for by the best possible people.
