At 61, Alexander felt a sudden, alarming pain in his chest that spread to his stomach. Having survived a previous life-threatening condition, he knew this was serious. He was rushed to Waikato Hospital for emergency surgery.
When he woke, doctors told him he had only a nine percent chance of survival. With characteristic humour, Alexander smiled and noted it was a huge improvement over the three percent chance he was given during an aneurysm in 2004.
Returning home brought new challenges. Alexander couldn’t sleep in a regular bed, had to remain upright for days, and faced uncertainty about managing recovery alone. At this critical moment, he turned to Visionwest – an organisation he first connected with over twenty years ago after his initial health scare. Back then, he had no understanding of support services. “It was chaos. I didn’t have a clue,” he recalls.
This time, Alexander knew exactly where to turn. Visionwest responded immediately, arranging a hospital bed, settling him at home, and ensuring he had everything needed for a safe recovery. Their support extended beyond medical needs, recognising the importance of rehabilitation and independence.
Through Individualised Funding, Alexander accessed tailored support. Services were adjusted to suit his health, home, and family circumstances. This flexibility allowed him to focus on healing without worrying about logistics or finances. “That’s one of the greatest things about Visionwest. They understand what you need and help you get there,” he reflects.
Through his Individualised Funding, Visionwest also connected Alexander with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other essential services, removing the stress of navigating the healthcare system. These coordinated efforts helped him regain strength and confidence.
Inspired by his experience, Alexander now advocates for others in similar situations. He shares knowledge about Visionwest, especially with those caring for loved ones or facing health challenges alone. “Some give up their jobs to care for loved ones because they don’t know there’s help available. That’s why I tell people about Visionwest.”
For Alexander, Visionwest and Individualised Funding has been a lifeline. Their compassionate, personalised support helped him recover, regain independence, and rebuild his life with dignity and hope.