Melissa was studying and raising her children, Mason and Ayla, when a cardiac arrest on 26 August 2021 caused a severe brain injury.
In the story shared with Vana Care in October 2024, she described a difficult recovery involving memory loss and physical limitations. Returning to family life was important to her.
Building support around Melissa
Vana Care’s founders had known Melissa since they were young. Support workers including Jessamy and Ben became part of the team around her, alongside her partner Blake and the other people involved in her recovery.
Help with daily life gave Melissa support while she worked towards her rehabilitation goals. Time with familiar people, practical assistance and space for family were all part of that picture.
A support worker can help a person follow agreed routines and attend activities or appointments. Clinical treatment and rehabilitation decisions stay with the relevant health professionals.
The milestones she shared
By the time her story was published, Melissa had returned home to Mason and Ayla and regained her driver’s licence. She had also worked through the goals set during her brain rehabilitation.
These were personal milestones involving effort, support and time. They aren’t a prediction of another person’s recovery after brain injury. What matters to someone else may look quite different.
Sharing the importance of CPR
Melissa also spoke about encouraging other people to learn CPR. She wanted families and people around them to feel better prepared to help in an emergency.
“Turn negatives into positives, live each day with heart-bursting gratitude” was how she described her outlook.
Her words reflect her own experience. People adjusting to disability or injury don’t need to feel positive all the time to deserve good support.
Arranging help for your family
If you’re working out support after a major change, it can help to start with the day ahead. Which tasks need help? What routines matter? Who does the person want involved? What instructions does the support team need from treating professionals?
Vana Care accepts enquiries about in-home support, community access and supported independent living. We’ll discuss the request, funding and suitable worker availability before confirming an arrangement.
You can talk to our team even if you’re still putting those questions together. If you’re referring someone else, involve them in deciding what to share and what they want help with.
