BCR Restorative Care Pathways: Helping Kerrie Stay Independent at Home

Step into Kerrie Claremont’s home and you’re immediately surrounded by art. Paintings, sculptures and carefully chosen pieces speak of a life rich with colour, travel and creativity. For decades, Kerrie and her husband Richard have shared their love of teaching and art with students across Australia and abroad. Even now, Kerrie continues to run art classes from her own living room in Shell Cove. But behind the canvases and creative energy is also a story of resilience, one where BCR’s Short Term Restorative Care program, soon to be known as Restorative Care Pathways, has played a vital role.

A Teacher, Artist, Traveller

“I was always on the go,” Kerrie recalls. “Up at 6am for walks along the foreshore, teaching workshops, travelling overseas. We had four overseas trips in 2019 alone - teaching and exploring. I loved it.”

Teaching was always Kerrie’s passion, from her first post at Sanctuary Point Public School through to high school and TAFE. Even in retirement, she couldn’t put it aside. “I’ve still got a group who come to my house for art workshops. I teach whatever they want - drawing, painting. I can’t do ceramics anymore, but I can still share what I love.”

Richard is an accomplished and respected artist in his own right. Together they have run workshops and classes, sharing both their talents and their zest for life. Their Shell Cove home, full of light and art, reflects that spirit.

Facing a New Challenge

That fast-paced lifestyle shifted when Kerrie began tripping during her walks. “At first I blamed my shoes or the path. MS was the last thing on my mind,” she said. Eventually, after 18 months of tests, Kerrie was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

“It was such a shock. I’d always been active - I didn’t expect this.” As her condition progressed, mobility became harder. Pain, fatigue and unexpected symptoms made everyday tasks overwhelming. “I knew I’d need support to stay safe at home,” Kerrie says.

Support Through STRC

When an aged care assessor recommended the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program - now transitioning to Restorative Care Pathways - Kerrie reached out to local providers. “Two couldn’t fit me in but BCR could. This is my second time on the program, and it’s been very helpful to me.”

With the help of BCR’s STRC Case Manager, Skye Holman, Kerrie discovered what she truly needed. “I didn’t know how any of this worked. Sometimes the things I thought I needed weren’t covered, but other things I didn’t think I needed - like rails and ramps - were recommended. And yes, I really did need them.”

Now, her home has been fitted with a stair lift, rails, ramps, a shower chair and a walker. “I’ve even got rails down the back steps so I can hang out the washing, before that it just wasn’t possible. It’s made such a difference.”

Staying Home, Staying Herself

For Kerrie, the STRC program is about more than equipment. It’s about living the life she and Richard have built. “I’ve been here 12 years. I know my neighbours, I know my community. I don’t want to go into care, I want to stay here. These programs are designed to keep people like me out of hospital, but they also give us dignity and independence. I really appreciate that it’s there. It makes such a difference.”

And she has nothing but praise for her Case Manager: “Skye has been great - very kind and gentle. She’s unflappable and patient when I don’t understand. It’s taken me nearly two years to get my head around how things work, but she’s guided me through it.”

Looking Ahead

Even as she adapts to life with MS, Kerrie’s passion for teaching and art remains. With her walker, scooter and Richard by her side, she continues to welcome people into her Shell Cove home to create, learn and connect.

“I still love sharing art, seeing what people can create, and helping them grow in confidence. That hasn’t changed,” she said.

For Kerrie, BCR’s Restorative Care Pathways has meant more than just staying out of hospital, it’s meant continuing to live a life rich with creativity, community and independence in the home she loves.