Debbie’s story: Finding her feet again

Debbie enjoyed a busy, independent lifestyle, working full time and going about life with ease. But everything changed when she experienced a fall in March 2024 and sustained serious spinal nerve damage.

After spinal surgery and rehabilitation, Debbie returned home to a very different reality: she now needed support with her daily activities. She was also reliant on a four-wheel walker and, at times, a wheelchair to move around her home and community.

Finding the right support

Debbie’s GP referred her to Sonder’s Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) program. From her first meeting with Care Coordinator Carmen and Outreach Worker April, Debbie knew she had a team who would walk beside her every step of the way.

Carmen still remembers that first meeting vividly.

“The first time I met Debbie, she was dealing with the very confronting and challenging situation of barely being able to walk after her fall. The seriousness of her situation was apparent, with an urgent referral to a spinal specialist and sudden decline in her independence. She needed all the support we could offer.”

The CTG ITC team quickly helped coordinate Debbie’s medical and practical supports. They attended GP and specialist appointments with her, arranged scans and transport, and helped her to access essential equipment.

Debbie says their care made all the difference.

“The support has been amazing. Carmen and April would take me to the hospital and appointments in the wheelchair. Not just that – they’d also visit and call to check in and make sure I was OK.”

Through Carmen and April’s advocacy, Debbie was linked to allied health professionals, including a physiotherapist who visits her at home to help her maintain strength and mobility with her walker.

A team effort

Carmen and April worked closely with Debbie’s healthcare team to make sure nothing fell through the cracks. April was instrumental in supporting Debbie’s application for an Aged Care assessment, which was prioritised and approved within just two weeks. This huge win opened the door to the Home Care Package she needed.

With that package, Debbie began receiving personal and domestic care, along with Meals on Wheels, easing daily pressure and allowing her to focus on recovery.

One of the biggest improvements came from simple but life-changing home modifications.

“Because of Sonder, I have ramps at my doors. It wasn’t safe before and I was too scared to go down the steps on the veranda. Now, I can leave my house, drive my car, go to work, and enjoy my backyard and the sunshine. It’s changed my life so much.”

One of Debbie’s major goals was to return to hydrotherapy to rebuild her strength and independence. With her care package active, she now has the support of an occupational therapist and carer to help her make that happen.

Carmen and April continue to stay in touch: checking in, celebrating milestones, and cheering Debbie on as she rebuilds her life. Their ongoing support has helped her stay safely at home and navigate recovery with confidence.

Returning to work

Debbie’s recent return to her role as a manager at an op shop marked a huge milestone in her recovery journey, a testament to her resilience and determination.

“I hadn’t seen my team in 13 months. On my first day back, I was so elated and emotional. It was so good.”

Reflecting on how far she’s come, Debbie says she’s proud of her progress.

“It’s a little disheartening that I can’t do the things I used to do, but I’ve come a long way from where I was. I went from being someone who could barely walk, to being unable to move after my surgery, to now being back at work three days a week and driving my car again. I feel very lucky.”

Carmen says Debbie’s strength and positivity have inspired everyone involved in her care:

“The CTG Team was often struck by Debbie’s determination to stay positive through her uncertain recovery after surgery – when her ultimate goal to return to work seemed out of reach. Watching her reclaim her independence has been a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t just physical. Debbie has been an inspiration.”

Debbie sums up her gratitude simply:

“For the support, care and compassion that Sonder has given me, I’ll be eternally grateful. I don’t think I’d be as far along as I am if it weren’t for Carmen, April and Mark. My newfound independence, I owe to Sonder — I wouldn’t have it without their care and support.”

Looking to the future, Debbie will continue to work with her GP to support further return to work. She’s also looking forward to watching her daughter get married later in 2025.

About the Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care program

Sonder’s Closing the Gap – Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) program offers free, culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic health conditions such as:

• Kidney disease.
• Heart disease.
• Lung disease.

The program brings together a team of Care Coordinators, Outreach Workers, and Aboriginal Health Project Officers who:

• Help clients understand their condition and build self-management skills.
• Support access to doctors, specialists, and allied health services.
• Provide transport assistance and encouragement to attend appointments.
• Connect clients with ongoing community supports to improve overall wellbeing.

Sonder’s CTG ITC program is available for people living in metropolitan Adelaide, Gawler-Barossa, Yorke Peninsula & Mid-North South Australia.

To get started, make an appointment with your regular GP or Aboriginal Health Worker. Ask them to complete an Aboriginal Health Check and/or a GP Management Plan and make a referral to Sonder.

If you do not have a regular GP, contact us at (08) 8209 0700 or email info@sonder.net.au and we’ll help you to access the service.

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This service is supported by funding from Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network Program.