Deb manages each day’s start with Ella’s varying capabilities. From making breakfast to struggling to rise, her mornings are governed by Ella’s unpredictable moods and behaviours.

Deb’s husband Dave, provides crucial flexible support, enabling the family to handle challenging days. Together, they prioritise self-care and navigate the complexities of their caregiving responsibilities.

Strategically planning family trips, Deb aims to create nurturing environments for everyone. Recently, they faced Ella’s sensitivity to loud noises during a girls' night of fireworks, enriching their experiences. Parenting Ella involves handling unpredictable behaviours. Deb's experience equips her to manage these events with necessary calm and fortitude.

Relief came through the National Disability Insurance Scheme and essential therapies. Groups, such as Down Syndrome Queensland, provide Deb with critical resources and a sense of community. The support from these groups enable Deb and Dave to balance work and caregiving, and helps alleviate the financial and emotional strain associated with their roles.

Deb attributes her resilience to her Christian faith, a supportive family, and a strong community network. Her journey is deeply rooted in love and unwavering support from those around her.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the BUPA Foundation (Australia) through their Community Grants Program. To find out more, head to https://www.bupafoundation.org/.