A sudden collapse at home left Maida with a spinal cord injury and initial paralysis. For someone who had spent her life working outdoors, the change was devastating — physically and emotionally.
When she began using Driving Miss Daisy, Maida needed full assistance getting into and out of the car and help ensuring her path was clear at home. Our team learned the little details that made a big difference, like moving parcels left by couriers that blocked the ramp to her front door.
One unforgettable day, an appointment took Maida to a building accessible only by a steep set of thirty external concrete steps. Since her accident, she had needed to use a walker and hadn’t climbed more than two steps at a time — but she was determined to try.
Dave from our Hibiscus Coast team stood behind her on every step as she made her way to the top, before he went back down to carry up Maida’s walker.
Once there, Maida asked for a photo to send to her family, beaming with pride.
Over many months, we’ve watched Maida’s mobility improve. She can now get in and out of the car with minimal assistance, and has regained a sense of confidence in daily life. Our consistent, safe, and supportive service has given her the stability to focus on rehabilitation and face new challenges head-on. She feels she can ask us for small things that she would not ask of a stranger and this all assists in helping her to regain a sense of normality.
Maida’s determination is remarkable, and it’s been a privilege to be part of her recovery journey.
