When Letitia Mitchell's care needs began to increase in January this year, her husband, Morrie, arranged to have her assessed for home care.
Letitia was approved for CHSP support, and a cleaner began providing help at their home in Townsville, Queensland, but she was not offered personal care despite requiring assistance.
"At one stage my wife hadn't had a shower for over three months," Morrie told The Weekly SOURCE.
The little care they did receive didn't last. After three weeks, the cleaner resigned, and the provider did not offer a replacement. Morrie himself found a new cleaner after searching for months, and the couple now pays for the service out of their own pocket.
Morrie changes his own stoma
Since then, Letitia has suffered a series of falls, and has fractured bones, including in her lower back. She rates her pain 10/10. The couple both recently contracted gastro, which required a stay in hospital. Morrie himself has cancer, which requires him to use a stoma bag, which he replaces himself with help from Letitia.
Morrie has followed up the couple's assessment with My Aged Care several times, seeking a Home Care Package, but at the time of publication, he had received no answers.
Finally, after contacting Coral Wilkinson of See Me Aged Care Navigators, in the last few weeks Letitia has begun receiving help showering twice a week. But the couple would like more help – Coral believes Letitia's needs align with a Level 3 Package.
Following his experience with the aged care system, Morrie is downcast.
"I feel absolutely terrible because I can't go anywhere. I can't do anything because I'm tied down to look after my wife. I've got to do all the meals. I've go to do the washing, the ironing. I've got to help my wife go to the toilet.
"They don't seem to care."
The Mitchell's son and daughter-in-law currently make the 800km round trip from Cairns to Townsville to help their parents once a fortnight.
There are currently nearly 109,000 people waiting for a Home Care Package. Last week's hearing for the Senate Inquiry into Aged Care Service Delivery heard more than 5,000 people died waiting for their correct level of Home Care Package, and 121,000 were waiting to be assessed. The Inquiry reports on 15 September 2025.
