11 November 2026

How nursing care helped Margaret regain her independence 

For Margaret Long, being able to stay well at home means more than comfort. It means independence, confidence and peace of mind. 

After ongoing swelling in her legs led to painful ulcers, the Gympie Home Care client was facing a difficult time 

“I was worried about my health and the possibility of needing to go back to hospital,” Margaret said. 

Having experienced trauma during a previous hospital admission, the thought of returning made her feel anxious and uncertain about what might happen next. 

That’s when Lutheran Services Registered Nurses Liz and Steph began visiting Margaret at home twice a week. 

Care that came to Margaret 

Working alongside Margaret’s GP, Liz and Steph provided regular wound care, monitored how she was going and supported her as her wounds began to heal. 

For Margaret, having nurses come to her home made a significant difference. 

“Having care at home has been very helpful and reassuring,” she said. 

“Knowing that I had nurses checking on me gave me peace of mind and helped reduce my worry about needing to go to hospital.” 

The regular visits meant changes could be monitored closely while Margaret continued living in the place she felt most comfortable – her own home. 

Over the following five months, her wounds healed. 

But the change was about more than her legs. 

Liz and Steph saw Margaret become happier, more comfortable and increasingly confident as her health improved. 

Getting back to everyday life 

With her wounds healed, Margaret is moving around her home with greater confidence and needs less support than she did before. 

She can get on with more of her everyday life independently. 

“I feel more confident, comfortable and able to manage my daily activities,” Margaret said. 

It is exactly what good nursing care at home can work towards – supporting someone through a health concern while helping them maintain or regain their independence. 

For Margaret, it has also meant feeling safer and more reassured about staying well at home. 

Her message to the nurses who helped her get there is simple. 

“Thank you, Liz and Steph, for all the support, care and kindness you have given me. I really appreciate everything you have done to help me get better and stay well at home.” 

And for anyone wondering whether a little extra support at home might help them, Margaret has some advice. 

“I would tell them that it is very helpful. Having the right support at home can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing and can help you stay out of hospital.” 

Could nursing support at home help you? 

Sometimes a small change in your health is worth checking early. 

Our Registered Nurses can help with things such as wounds and skin concerns, pain, falls, medication concerns and changes in mobility. They can review how you are going and help make sure your care continues to meet your needs. 

And importantly, there is no participant contribution for nursing care under Support at Home. Nursing is a Clinical Support funded by the Australian Government through your available Support at Home funding.