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Welcome to myTamarin Narratives - our user story series spotlighting some of our users and their experience with myTamarin support.
This week we are introducing you to Damien (name has been changed for privacy purposes) who had access to myTamarin Elder Care support through his employer.
Damien’s 83 year old mum had been living with him (and his partner and 2 children) for 2 years but with her Parkinson’s deteriorating it was looking likely that she was going to need more specialised care. The balancing act of caring for his mum and his children, as well as working his full time job was really starting to take its toll so he reached out to myTamarin Elder Care support as he had received an email about the new partnership through his employer.
myTamarin: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Damien. Can you tell us about your situation before you started using myTamarin's virtual elder care support?
Damien: Of course. Before I started using myTamarin, I was really struggling to balance my work and personal life while taking care of my 83-year-old mother. It was a constant juggling act for me and my partner – managing my mum's daily needs, appointments, and medications, while trying to meet my work responsibilities and also being a father to my 2 children. The stress was overwhelming, and I felt like I was burning out.
myTamarin: That sounds incredibly challenging. How did you come to know about myTamarin's virtual elder care support?
Damien: We actually got an email about the new partnership across all myTamarin life stage support and my eye was immediately drawn to the virtual elder care support. I knew immediately that it was important to speak to someone who could help, as google didn’t seem to be getting me very far!
myTamarin: What was your experience like after you started using myTamarin's services?
Damien: It was a game-changer for me. The first consultation I had with the elder care expert was a huge relief. She not only provided me with emotional support and understanding but also helped me navigate the complex world of elder care. She explained the available government funding options from local authorities that I wasn't aware of, which was a big help in managing the financial aspect of my mother's care (I had no idea just how expensive elder care was!) I was also sent post-consultation notes which I really appreciated as there was a lot to take in.
myTamarin: That sounds like a significant step forward. How did the expert assist you in finding the right nursing home for your mother?
Damien: She was instrumental in guiding me through the entire process of finding a suitable nursing home for my mum. She helped me understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and provided insights that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. She even helped me narrow down the options based on my mum's specific needs and preferences.
myTamarin: Can you share any specific ways myTamarin's support positively impacted your life?
Damien: Absolutely. Not only did myTamarin's expert support alleviate a significant amount of stress and anxiety, but it also saved me a tremendous amount of time. I no longer had to spend countless hours researching elder care options or financial assistance. With the expert's guidance, I felt more confident in the decisions I was making for my mother's well-being.
myTamarin: And how have things improved for you since using myTamarin's services?
Damien: I can honestly say that my work-life balance has improved significantly. I'm able to focus on my job without constantly worrying about my mother's care. I have a clearer understanding of the available resources and how to access them, which has lightened the load immensely. Additionally, my relationship with my mother has improved as well, as I'm now able to spend quality time with her without feeling overwhelmed.
myTamarin: That's wonderful to hear, Damien. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience with myTamarin's virtual elder care support?
Damien: I just want to express my gratitude for this service. It's not just about the practical assistance – the emotional support and understanding I received were equally important. The myTamarin expert became a partner in this journey, and I wouldn't have been able to navigate it all without her. I am grateful for my company for providing us access to this sort of service.
If you want to find out more about myTamarin support and how we can help your employees across fertility and family forming, pregnancy loss, early parenthood, childcare, menopause, and elder care please book in a call with us today to find out more!
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