Alexander has always seen himself as independent.
He is the kind of person who gets on with things and works them out as he goes. Even when life throws something serious his way, he keeps moving forward. That mindset was tested again when a sudden pain in his chest sent him to hospital for emergency surgery.
When Alexander woke up, doctors told him he had only a nine percent chance of surviving. Most would be alarmed, but Alexander responded with humour.
“In 2004, I had a three percent chance when I had an aneurysm in my carotid artery. I’ve gained six percent. I’m getting better.”
Surviving the surgery, however, was only the beginning.
Coming home was harder than the hospital
Returning home brought a new set of challenges. Alexander could not lie flat or sleep in a normal bed. He had to remain upright for days. He was recovering alone and unsure how he would manage the practical side of things.
This was not Alexander’s first major health scare. More than twenty years earlier, he had faced a life‑threatening condition and had no understanding of what support was available.
“It was chaos. I didn’t have a clue how the system worked.”
That experience stayed with him. So when he found himself vulnerable again, he knew exactly where to turn.
Alexander knew where to turn.
Knowing where to go matters
Alexander reached out to Visionwest, and help arrived quickly. A hospital bed was arranged. Support was put in place. Practical details were handled so recovery could be the focus, not logistics.
What mattered was not just what was provided, but how it was done.
Support was built around Alexander rather than imposed on him. His health needs, home environment, and family situation were all taken into account. Through individualised funding, services were tailored to fit his circumstances. Adjustments were made as his recovery progressed.
“The services are adjusted to suit you, your family, and your situation.”
That flexibility gave Alexander peace of mind. It also gave him back something he values deeply. Independence.
Understanding the system changes everything
One of the most challenging parts of recovery, Alexander says, is navigating the health and support system when you are already exhausted.
“You don’t know what you don’t know, especially when it comes to the health system.”
Visionwest helped connect him with the right services. Occupational therapists. Physiotherapists. People who knew how to put the right support in place at the right time. Clear explanations helped remove stress when energy was already low.
“They take the stress away. Once you understand how everything works, life becomes a lot easier.”
With that support in place, recovery felt possible.
Independence does not mean doing it alone
Alexander is clear that accepting help did not take away his independence. It protected it.
“If it wasn’t for Visionwest, I’d be a lot worse off. I’ve always been independent, and they helped me stay that way.”
Now, he makes a point of sharing what he has learned. He talks with people who are struggling, especially carers who give up work because they don’t realise help exists.
“I’ve met people who are worse off than me and don’t know what’s available. Some people give up their jobs to care for loved ones because they don’t know there’s support.”
That is why he speaks up.
“That’s why I tell people about Visionwest.”
Giving credit where it’s due
Alexander is quick to acknowledge the people behind the scenes. Staff. Volunteers. Supporters. People who make the work possible but are rarely visible.
“If you’re a supporter, a worker, or a volunteer at Visionwest, you go above and beyond. You help real people who really need it.”
He does not just recommend Visionwest. He absolutely believes in what they do.
For Alexander, support did not replace independence. It strengthened it. And that has made all the difference.
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Read more about our range of services for In-Home Healthcare on our website.
https://visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/