Yoel and Asmeret’s Story – At Home Care Grants | Youngcare
Asmeret, a single mother of three boys – two with disabilities – says she was blessed to receive the lifeline that is a Youngcare At Home Care Grant.
When Asmeret found out she was pregnant with twins, she knew life would become very busy, already having a toddler who kept her on her toes! She could never have predicted what was to come in the following months and years.
“I have an older son, when he was only 9 months old, I fell pregnant again!”
Two beautiful baby boys hurried into the world at only 28 weeks’ gestation, Asmeret, her husband and oldest son were thrilled to meet them. It wasn’t long before the twins began to show signs of slower development, and Asmeret was given the news that Yoel has Cerebral Palsy and later, that Yosam has Autism.
The family of five supported each other and were determined not to let the boys’ conditions stop them from enjoying their lives. For 18 months Asmeret and her husband lived in chaotic bliss, enjoying the wild ride that is raising three boys under three! And then the unthinkable happened – Asmeret’s husband tragically passed away.
“After only 18 months with our twins, I became a widow.”
Overcome with grief, Asmeret was now faced with the challenge of caring for her boys all on her own – a feat that becomes overwhelming when your children have high care needs. Asmeret’s family lived overseas, and prior to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) external supports were mostly beyond her financial reach, so Asmeret became the boys’ sole carer.
“You just have to do it as a Mum, it was hard, but I didn’t feel it back then. Now, I am older, I feel it.”
Now 22 years old, Yoel and Yosam still live at home and require Asmeret’s full-time care, but thankfully she can now access the NDIS and receives support. Yoel has complex physical disabilities and requires support with all his daily activities. While he cannot walk, Yoel is uncomfortable using a wheelchair and so spends most of his time crawling on the floor.
