Lyn's journey to independence: strength in every step
With grit, grace and support, Lyn keeps jumping life’s hurdles.
At 72, Lyn from Toowoomba, QLD, knows better than most how to face life’s challenges head-on. Living with fibromyalgia since the age of 37, and later diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyn has spent decades managing daily pain, exhaustion, and the foggy memory that often comes with these conditions.
“I have to live life by treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia,” Lyn explains. “The pain is the worst. And when I’m really tired, I can’t follow conversations or remember things. But when I rest, my memory comes back. So rest is really important.”
For many years, Lyn’s two daughters were by her side, supporting her through some of the toughest times. Now grown and raising families of their own in Tasmania and New Zealand, they remain an emotional lifeline – but living on her own, Lyn began to struggle with the day-to-day.
A painful fall that left her in a moon boot, Lyn's health took another hit when she contracted whooping cough and lost her voice. Weak, tired and struggling to eat, she found herself needing help more than ever. That’s when McLean Care stepped in.
While Lyn waited for her Home Care Package, she was connected with McLean Care’s Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program – a tailored, 8-week program that offers intensive, goal-oriented support for people experiencing a setback in health or function.
Her Wellness and Enablement Case Manager, Chris, worked closely with her to get the right support in place.
“It was my pleasure to partner with Lyn to set and achieve her goals through the STRC program,” Chris said. “This program is designed to help slow or reverse functional decline and ultimately help people remain independent in their own homes. Supporting Lyn has been incredibly rewarding.”
Through the program, Lyn met with Occupational Therapist Auresh, who identified small, practical changes that made a big difference to her daily life.
“Auresh was incredible,” Lyn says. “He helped identify things I needed around the house – things I never would have thought of myself.”
These included a shower chair for safety, a swivel dining chair that’s easier to move, and a new walker. But the biggest game-changer was a new electric recliner chair.
“My old chair was harder to use. I couldn’t manage the lever anymore, and it didn’t support my legs or neck,” Lyn said. “This new one is amazing – it has a massager, a heater and it tilts forward to help me get out. I don’t need that just yet, but it’s good to know I won’t get stuck in my chair.”
When Lyn became too unwell to eat, iAgeHealth Dietitian Phillippa stepped in to create a gentle, nourishing meal plan.
“I lost my appetite completely. I lost weight and felt really tired and weak,” Lyn said. “Philippa helped me find things like rice puddings that were easy to eat but still nourishing.”
Despite the hurdles, Lyn continues to live with determination and purpose. She leads a fibromyalgia support group she joined 33 years ago – serving as president for 28 of those years – and still makes time to visit her grandchildren, even if travel takes a toll.
“A lot of people don’t want to go on holidays when they’re in pain,” she said. “But I tell them, ‘break the trip up – make every stop a mini holiday.’ You’re not going to be pain-free, but emotionally, it’s so worth it.”
“Take photos of places you go and events you attend so that when you’re home resting, you can look at those pictures and say ‘I did that!’”
Lyn’s story is one of quiet strength and resilience – and proof that, with the right support, it’s possible to keep pushing forward, even when life keeps throwing hurdles in your path.
“I’m so grateful for the help I’ve received,” she says. “It’s absolutely amazing. It’s made all the difference.”
Could the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program help you bounce back from illness or injury? With a team of support, we'll help you set goals, regain confidence and stay safely at home.
Call us today on 1300 791 660 to learn more.
