Stepping away from the desk

Karyn Delves talks about moving from executive roles to getting out into the community helping seniors and vulnerable members of our community through the provision of medical alarms.

Karyn Delves returned to Blenheim three years ago to manage the ASB Theatre Marlborough following a long career in the public service in Australia. She had no idea at the time the many ways her world was going to change. Going into a lockdown just a few weeks into her role, Karyn spent the next two years juggling pandemic regulations, balance sheets, human resources and building safety compliance while helping stage many local and touring productions and conferences. She says the demands were high, and so were the rewards. But when a family member’s health took a significant decline, Karyn had to review her priorities and stepped away from the Theatre to care more for her family member.

While dealing with the numerous care services over several months it was evident that her family situation was fairly irregular; where several family members lived near by and could provide round the clock care, ensuring the patient was never left alone. Karyn listened to the professional carers expressing their sadness that many older Marlburians are home alone, or find navigating the multitude of systems and agencies impossible. A seed was planted.

While considering career options Karyn tested her values and identified her goals as 1) flexible enough to put family first, 2) community focused and encouraging connection, 3) serving diverse demographics, 4) something she could be proud of. One path appeared clearly before her. A mentor in Canterbury was constantly regaling Karyn with good news stories of people she had helped through providing medical alarms. The range of people she had served and the excitement about the advances in the technology and funding options was too compelling to resist. Fall detectors that take away the dilemma of “am I being a nuisance asking for help?” (not in her book!), fully mobile alarms that work while people go out and about, living their lives as they choose, and other options too.

Now, Karyn enjoys meeting lots of different people each week to share information about medical alarms and how they can change lives. Sometimes it’s a discussion with someone at home, and sometimes it’s a demonstration to a room full of people. Either way, Karyn says she is happy that people are learning something new at each discussion which gives them more choices as they think about their future or respond to a situation they are living with.

With an aging population and pressure on accommodation, Karyn believes preparation is so important and wants the opportunity to share the simplicity and sophistication of an alarm system (and how funding eligibility works) with anyone who cares for the safety of themselves or a loved one.

Karyn says she doesn’t miss the desk duties and loves being out on the road seeing the beautiful countryside and meeting wonderful folk, all of whom have unique situations and stories to share. Having lost a wonderful storyteller in her life, she relishes meeting new ones.