Stepping away from the desk and into service

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

Karyn Delves returned to New Zealand three years ago to manage the ASB Theatre Marlborough following many years overseas. She had no idea the many ways her world was to change. Going into a lockdown just weeks into her role, Karyn spent the next two years juggling pandemic regulations, balance sheets, human resources and building safety compliance while helping stage productions and conferences, when allowed. 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 help care for her family member.

While dealing with the numerous care services over several months it was evident that her family situation was irregular; where several family members lived nearby and could provide constant care, ensuring the patient was never left alone. Karyn listened to the professional carers expressing their sadness that many older people are home alone or find navigating the multitude of systems and agencies impossible. A seed was planted. While considering career options Karyn identified her priorities as 1) flexible enough to put family first, 2) community focused and connected, 3) serving diverse demographics, 4) something to be proud of. One path appeared clearly before her. A mentor in Canterbury was regaling Karyn with stories of people she had helped through providing medical alarms. The range of people she had served and 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?” 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, revealing options 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 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.

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