Thanks A Million campaign: Dianne Brooks became her dad’s carer when times got tough

Spinal surgery left Robert Woodford wheelchair bound but thanks to his daughter’s sacrifices, he is now back on his feet.

Each day during the COVID-19 lockdown, Dianne Brooks visited her elderly father Robert Woodford.

She made sure he took his medication, helped with his meals, did his washing and shopping and settled him into bed each night.

That was on top of her job as an insurance support underwriter and running her own household.

Thanks to Ms Brooks, her father, who had spinal surgery in October 2019 that left him wheelchair bound, has regained his ability to walk short distances unaided.

And for this dedication, her sister Robyn Harding has nominated her in the Thanks A Million campaign.

“She has done an incredible job and our dad would not be where he is without her during lockdown,” Ms Harding said in her nomination. “I am so proud of her and what she has done.”

Dianne Brooks helped her dad, Robert Woodford, who had spinal surgery and couldn't walk, every day through lockdown. Picture: Rob Leeson

Ms Brooks’ own time in lockdown was stressful. Her husband was stuck in South Australia where he was working in the mines, unable to return home from March to June during the first lockdown and from June to November 20 in the second.

Despite this, Ms Brooks was her dad’s main carer, dropping into his home before and after work since he came out of rehab in February last year. Initially she shared the role in shifts with her four siblings, but when lockdown was announced, she was the only one who could attend in order to reduce the risk of infecting their father.

“(During lockdown) I would prepare Dad’s dinner, then settle him in bed and come home to cook for my son,” she said of her 84-year-old father. “I’d drop in and out throughout the day, predominantly when he had to take his medication, and I helped him with his movement, getting out of his wheelchair and use his walker when he could.

“He is now walking short distances with just a walking stick, which is great because it gives him more independence.”

Now that lockdown is over, Ms Brooks continues helping her dad, this time with the help of her siblings. “We have always been a very close family,” she said.

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au