“He understands everything we’re saying, but he’s pretty non-verbal – he can say certain words. He can get a bit of anxiety so for him knowing there’s people around him that he knows helps a lot.
“Then for the nurses and doctors, if they come in and ask Jade a question, he tries to answer but we can relay what he’s trying to say.
“We’re not here as a hindrance – we’re here to help; we’re here to help Jade and we’re here to help the staff.”
Simone said Jade’s latest stay in Ward 5E had been the smoothest yet, with Jade feeling more comfortable than ever.
“It was nice to come back and everyone recognising him, saying ‘hi Jade, how are you?’” she said.
“It’s a family friendly place for him, with all the old faces and it give us a bit of comfort.”
As for any advice for those who have a loved one they care for and are due a stay at hospital, Simone did not hesitate in recommending getting in touch with the NSLHD Carer Support Service.
“It’s a godsend service – it really is,” Simone said.
“Get in touch with Carer Support, ask questions because some people might not know what to bring or what to do.”
Carer Support are available Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm and can be phoned on 02 9462 9488 or via email at NSLHD-Carers@health.nsw.gov.au