Joseph Leslie
My name is Joseph Leslie, but most people call me Joe. I’m 67 years old and worked as a civil engineer for 45 years with various construction companies. I had the opportunity to travel the world, working on major infrastructure projects in countries across Asia and here in Australia, building roads, bridges, wharfs, and industrial buildings. One of my favourite jobs, and the biggest project I ever worked on, was the Airport Link Tunnel.
I’m a proud father to three adult children and a grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren.
In 2018, my life took a significant turn. I had surgery to remove a tumour in my brain, and during that operation, my optic nerves were removed, leaving me blind. I now live in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home, where I receive 24/7 support. Most of the assistance I need helps to keep me safe as I move around.
Starting the Day
Each morning begins with a carer waking me up, providing my medication, and handing me a drink. After using the bathroom, I independently prepare my breakfast in the kitchen and carry it to the table. I enjoy eating while chatting with the carers, and I like to start my day with a bit of brain stimulation. I often do puzzles like Wordle or Connections.
After another round of medication and completing my personal cares, I settle into the lounge with an audiobook or TV show playing in the background. I’ve found this to be a relaxing way to ease into the day.
Getting Out and About
Most days, I have an activity planned. I love getting out of the house, and I always ride up front in the passenger seat with my cane and headphones. Staff describe the street names as we drive, helping me visualise where we are, and sometimes I suggest alternative routes. This keeps my sense of orientation sharp.
My activities include going to the gym, attending parkrun, church, shopping, and swimming. I also participate in orientation and mobility training, which helps me gain more independence with my cane when I’m out in the community. I regularly catch up with friends and family, and every few months I attend theatre plays and a book club. I find these particularly enjoyable, they provide an audio description headset so I can follow what’s happening on stage, which makes the experience even more engaging.
Life with Care to Change
Care to Change has provided me with not just good carers, but a genuinely healthy, safe, and friendly environment to live in. I have a fantastic team of support workers, a great mix of ages, male and female, and I get along well with every one of them. We enjoy a good laugh, and there’s a strong sense of connection and camaraderie in our home.
Since joining Care to Change, my social life has flourished. I have so many opportunities to get out, meet people, and stay connected with my loved ones. I’ve regained confidence in the community, and my calendar is often full, something I’m very grateful for. I’ve even managed to lose weight and keep it off, thanks to a healthier lifestyle and the support of my team.
Most importantly, all of my support workers work hard to keep me safe, and I know they genuinely care about me.
A Message to Others
I’d like others to know that Care to Change has a wide variety of skilled and compassionate support workers. Each of them brings something different to the table, and their caring nature really shines through. Thanks to the support I’ve received, I’ve grown as a person, come out of my shell, and found joy in everyday moments. I love making jokes, and the support workers understand my sense of humour and always join in on the fun.
Life might have changed in ways I didn’t expect, but with the right support and a positive outlook, there’s still so much to enjoy, and I’m living proof of that.
