22/04/2026
🧡 Carer Stories 🧡
Meet Erika. Erika’s husband, Tony, was supported by Banksia during the final six months of his life in 2024, as he lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Reflecting on that time, Erika says, “Banksia was always there when I needed them,” providing compassionate support that became essential in helping her care for Tony.
“The staff at Banksia supported me in so many ways. They offered me strategies for how to support Tony’s Alzheimer’s when he was getting more frustrated and difficult to manage at home. They helped me navigate My Aged Care. When he moved into aged care, a massage therapist came out and gave him massages and then showed me how I could do that for him. They also stepped in to review his healthcare plan when I felt like I wasn’t being heard at the facility. They really did everything they could to make sure both Tony and I were okay.”
Since Tony’s death, Erika has found meaningful ways to stay connected and give back. She's a member of the Country Women’s Association in South Morang, where she helps create handmade items that are donated to Banksia for clients. She also volunteers with Dementia Australia, offering advocacy and peer support, and makes donations to Banksia on Tony’s anniversaries.
“You were always on the other end of the phone when I needed you. This is my way of giving back.”
Palliative care offered by Banksia is free to the Nillumbik, Banyule and Whittlesea communities. If someone you know is living with a life-limiting illness and you think palliative care could help them live better, for longer, visit our website to learn more or make a referral: https://banksiapalliative.com.au/
