Kate’s Story
“Being able to shower on my own… there are no words to describe that freedom.”
Just 4 years ago, Kate was working as an Assistant Nurse when she lost all feeling in her left side, later suffering a 5-hour seizure. A diagnosis of FND soon followed, along with it, a raft of new symptoms – intense brain fog, limited mobility and essential tremors.
The simple task of showering once relaxing, now presented a minefield of hazards for Kate. Uneven flooring, shower over bath configuration, and lack of space for a walker or wheelchair made showering almost impossible.
“ [To shower] I had to sit on a bath board without a back on it. I needed lots of physical assistance from husband to shower. I had slipped a couple of times. It just became such a risk. If I had a seizure, and I went backwards… God knows what would have happened. I would have hit my head on the taps. It was becoming quite high risk.”
“If I was having a bad day, it was probably safer not to shower.”
Kate’s newfound need for support left her feeling isolated and exhausted.
“The bathroom was my biggest hurdle. I felt defeated by everything. I thought, ‘What’s the point?”
Funding items that can’t and won’t be funded elsewhere
Through her work with FND Australia, Kate was able to connect with Youngcare, and apply for a grant to improve the safety and accessibility in her bathroom.
“When I found out I was successful I couldn’t stop crying. I just appreciate it so much.”
Since the renovation, Kate can now shower independently without fear of injuring herself, or burdening her biggest supporter, husband Wayne.
The shower and vanity are easily accessible, with additional features such as grab rails for added safety. Kate can use a shower chair with ease and maneuver her walking aides to support her mobility.
“This modification has given me back something priceless: dignity, safety, and a sense of control over my daily life.”
A heartfelt thank you
So grateful for the support of Youngcare donors, Kate penned a special letter:
Dear Youngcare Team and Supporters,
I cannot express how much this grant has meant to me and my family. Living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) has changed every part of my life, and even the simplest tasks – like having a shower – became extremely challenging and unsafe.
Thanks to your generosity and the At Home Care Grant, I now have a safe, accessible bathroom where I can shower independently and reduce the burden on my husband, Wayne, who has been my biggest support.
To every person and business who donates to Youngcare – thank you. Your kindness has transformed my home, my confidence, and my quality of life. Please know that your support makes a very real difference for people like me and families like mine.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kate