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Honoured for her role as caregiver to ‘toughest guy’
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 • Sophie Rishworth
A 55-YEAR -old Gisborne woman who became a caregiver to a severely disabled young boy 18 months ago has been rewarded nationally for her commitment by IDEA Services.

Wendy Rae has two grown children of her own but says giving love and care to someone else’s child who needed it was something she always wanted to do.

Every morning there is the private reward of a big smile from three-year-old Mister T — nicknamed T because he’s so tough.

“He’s had major operations and doctors who say he’s not going to live, but he has shown them all — he’s the toughest little guy you’ll ever meet.”

Mister T has complex physical needs and high intellectual impairment, and requires around-the-clock care.

Last month came public accolade when Mrs Rae took the highest award at the IDEA Services Family/Whanau Overall Caregiver Values Awards night in Wellington.

Mrs Rae says Mister T has taught her so much, including the value of every moment.

“I have felt very blessed to have this little man from the moment I got him. Everyone is drawn to him — there’s something very special about him.”

In March last year Mrs Rae spent three days learning from health professionals about his high-care needs at Whakatane Hospital, where she had travelled to meet him after being shown a photo.

It was love at first sight, she said.

Up to half a dozen people a week will call in to their home to check on his progress, from physiotherapists and dieticians to home help — so Mrs Rae can pop out and catch up with friends on her own.

IDEA Services family whanau manager Bridget Boot said she knew Mrs Rae would be perfect for the role of caregiver.

It was also important for Mister T’s whanau that he be placed in a Gisborne home so they could still have contact with him, she said.

Mrs Boot gives Mrs Rae full credit for the three-year-old still being here today.

There have been some close calls, she said.

“Wendy understands every squeak, noise and change of colour. She has invested all her time and energy into understanding this young man.

“She epitomises selflessness, giving and celebrates every reward.

“Wendy has called me in tears because he laughed at something.

“And when he cried for the first time too,” adds Mrs Rae.

“Because he couldn’t do those things at the start.”

Within three months of having him home, Mister T was taught to stand.

A disco ball throws coloured circles of light on his walls in his customised bedroom, and the sensory room at Planet Sunshine helps improve his vision and focus too.

Caring for others less fortunate than themselves has been in her family since her grandmother took in children decades ago.

Her sister has been a caregiver for 18 years and Mrs Rae says she helped give her the confidence to take Mister T in straight away.

“She taught me a lot.”

Mrs Rae’s daughter lives in Australia where she works with special needs children. Every 10 weeks she flies home to visit.

“She loves him as her little brother. Apart from having my own children, this has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done.

“Everyone has been so amazing — the staff up at Planet Sunshine, Bridget and Simon at IDEA Services. It’s a huge team effort.”

If you wish to find out more about being a caregiver for IDEA Services Family/Whanau, contact Bridget or Simon at 06 867 2840.
COUNTRY’S TOP CAREGIVER: Wendy Rae was recognised nationally for her caregiver role at an IDEA Services awards ceremony last month. The Gisborne woman has been caring for a three-year-old boy with high physical and intellectual needs for the past 18 months. Picture by Paul Rickard
Comments
Carole O'Connor
04:11 p.m. Thursday, Jul 12, 2012
Mrs Rae's commitment to this little boy is heartfelt, I admire her greatly.
karyn winifred jahnke
08:09 p.m. Friday, Jul 20, 2012
it takes a special heart and aroha like mrs rae to show wot mana wahine is all about,tu meke u,god put u on this planet 4 REason u go gurl
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