From a life of providing support as a social worker in aged care to now accepting support herself, Jill Vidgen's journey has been one of resilience and adjustment. Jill retired early in 2016 from her career due to health issues, joking, "No one needs a tired and cranky social worker!" After moving from Caloundra to Gympie, things took a turn in 2020 when, at 70, Jill started having trouble with her vision. Watching tennis one day, she humorously recalls, “Why is Ash Barty playing doubles by herself?” Assuming it was due to tiredness, Jill carried on until driving down town one day made her realise something was wrong.
Weeks later, after a visit to the hospital and numerous tests, Jill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The news came as a shock. Having worked with people with MS, she struggled to accept it, thinking, “That can’t be right.” With few symptoms beyond vision issues and restless legs, she was in denial for six months and she reluctantly began the process of applying for aged care assessment pushed by family and friends.
It was not until a care assessor empathised with Jill, acknowledging how devastating the diagnosis must have been, that it finally hit her—“yes, it was horrific.” Despite being in denial and repeatedly telling herself, "I will be okay," Jill knew deep down the serious health challenges that MS could bring. With her aged care package and allied health assistance in place, she came to terms that these resources did assist her to live a more comfortable life.
Coming to terms with needing support was tough. “As a social worker, I’ve seen people go through this, and now I understand how hard it is to accept help,” she admits. This marked the start of her journey with Just Better Care. Jill speaks highly of the organisation, saying, "They respect me, my choices, and who I am—a proud Gubbi Gubbi woman and a lesbian. I’m not going to change for anyone, and they don’t expect me to."
Jill emphasises the importance of personal recommendations when choosing a care provider, adding with a laugh, “Otherwise, it’s like you’re floating in the sea like a jellyfish—you don’t know who to pick! Go with the one that doesn’t bite.”
Now a client with Just Better Care for two years, Jill values the independence they help her maintain in her own home—a place she never imagined she would need support to stay in.
