When Julie first mentioned her dream of visiting the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, it sparked more than just a plan – it sparked an allied health team effort.
Julie, a resident at Whiddon Casino, has engaged with UCRH allied health students during their placements since 2023. With their support, she has made remarkable progress in her functional mobility, communication and upper limb function. These improvements have supported her independence in daily activities and helped her re-engage in leisure pursuits that bring joy and meaning.
Through regular person-focused goal setting, students from occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology worked closely with Julie to understand what mattered most to her. This year, that meant one thing: getting back to Grafton to see her family and soak up the purple magic of the Jacaranda Festival.
Julie grew up just outside of Grafton and still has strong ties to the community. With the support of her family, Whiddon staff and a dedicated group of University of Sydney students, her goal became a reality.
The outing happened to take place during this year’s Occupational Therapy week, and was a perfect expression of the theme Occupational Therapy in Action. It showcased the creativity, problem-solving and compassion at the heart of OT practice. Students collaborated to provide tailored interventions that supported Julie’s mobility and transfers for safe car travel and toileting in the community. They also worked on her functional communication so she could chat comfortably with loved ones. A community risk assessment ensured everything was planned and safe.
Julie’s day was filled with joy: wandering through street markets, tasting jacaranda ice-cream, lunching at the pub and saying hello to Jacca Jill in Market Square. Pictured with her daughter and OT students Tony and Lucy, Julie’s smile says it all, and her daughter summed it up beautifully:
“Without all the work you and Lew and all your students do, Mum would not be anywhere near where she is today…”
