Keedon Peachey was told that it was a “big deal” to move into his grandparents’ home and become his nan, Linda’s, carer. But it felt completely natural for the 19-year-old, who has been raised with caring in his blood.
“I’ve always cared for her and watched mum care for her and learned from that. It wasn’t different, it felt normal,” says the Wiradjuri/Malygnapa man from Penrith, NSW.
Initially, Keedon moved in as a support to his grandfather after he was diagnosed with cancer last year, but Linda’s Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) meant she required more consistent support around the home. FSHD affects Linda’s muscles, leaving her with very little strength in her legs, arms and face, and respiratory weakness.
Ever a strong force in the family, the 70-year-old Malynapa elder - he laughs as he calls her the “honcho, or boss” - tries to stay as independent as she can, but relies on her grandson for almost all household help.
Leaving his job as a custom framer to assist throughout the day, Keedon does her grocery shopping, washing up, housework and transfers her in and out of the wheelchair that she uses, alone, to maintain the independence that she so loves. While she naps in the afternoon, he cooks - he makes a mean beef stew - and, in the evenings, he helps her to bed and locks the house up.
19-year-old Keedon Peachey said it felt natural to move into his grandmother Linda's home to care for her. Source: SBS
He is the middle son of five siblings and is a naturally attentive person, and his Aboriginal roots and deep connections to tradition have, in their own way, helped shape his path towards becoming a carer.
“As a family and in our culture we always try to stick to where our family is from and stick together,” he explains.
“It’s brought up in us that taking care of elders, and respecting them, is one of the most important things in our culture.”
That multi-generational living and nurturing outlook is a precious part of his cultural and family identity, and one that he knows is not always the norm. “You don’t see everyone doing what we really grew up knowing and doing, I guess."
Linda has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, which impacts her lungs. She needs constant help around her home. Source: SBS
Alongside caring for his nan, he makes a little room for socialising, or “occasional young adult stuff”, but much of his attention besides that for his family goes towards art and music.
He plays the didgeridoo - he and his brothers taught themselves how to master the instrument - and his artistic stepfather introduced him to painting.
“I do Aboriginal art, that’s something I’ve felt connected to and when I do it I can tell my story through it. You kind of zone out for hours and you don’t even realise.”
It’s a healthy change from a role that is not without its challenges. And, while his unpaid work sets him apart from many of his peers, he is in fact one of . They, like all carers, are supported by , a free program designed to improve the lives of all carers.
“I didn’t really think that there were a lot of people like me, around my age, doing what I do,” he says. “I’m new to Carer Gateway and it’s cool to see and read that there are a lot more people just like me.”
The support of the Australian Government initiative is wide-ranging and varies from connecting young carers in person or via online forums, linking carers to coaching services or finding a counsellor who understands the importance of carer mental health.
19-year-old Keedon Peachey cares for his grandmother, Linda, at her home in Penrith. Source: SBS
“Because, when you’re here all the time, you see nan and pop at their worst and at their best. Sometimes it can be a bit draining, and sometimes it’s really good,” says Keedon. “It would help to share that with others.”
He hopes to follow his mother into community service work and his dream is to one day move into a role in Aboriginal mentoring, supporting young people and celebrating his culture. But, for now, he is happy to stay with his grandparents for as long as he is a help to them and his family.
“I guess I’m just going to care until they don’t need my care anymore. It doesn’t feel like a job, it just feels like the right thing to do.”
If you look after a loved one, Carer Gateway is a free support service, especially for you. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or go to to find out what we can do for you. Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
