John Landreth, a Wellington-based actor, was left helpless for three hours when his career failed to turn up for a scheduled shift. Completely dependent on round-the-clock care since a life-altering accident in 2018, he was forced to call an ambulance after being unable to move or reach his phone. This was not an isolated incident but part of a growing issue with home-care services, raising serious concerns about staffing levels and communication failures among providers.

Landreth, now 61, was at a social event when he slipped and hit his neck on a handrail, fracturing his vertebrae and leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He spent seven months in Burwood Hospital before returning home, where he relied on professional caregivers for daily assistance. Despite initial positive experiences with his home-care provider, he noticed a decline in service after a major restructure in 2020. The worst incident came when a carer called in sick, but no replacement was sent, leaving him stuck in an unsafe position for hours. Repeated attempts to reach the provider’s call center resulted in no immediate action. Eventually, he activated his emergency bracelet, and paramedics arrived.Landreth has faced immense health challenges since his accident, including throat cancer, colon cancer, septicemia, pulmonary embolisms, and a heart attack. Despite these hardships, he continues to push forward, even undergoing upcoming surgery to improve his hand mobility.

Beyond his struggles, Landreth is an inspiring figure. A former bar and café owner in Wellington and an actor, he remains engaged with life through activities like Scrabble, Wordle, and investing. He is also a strong advocate for disability rights and better support services.

We are incredibly proud of John Landreth’s resilience, contributions, and unbreakable spirit. His story is a testament to perseverance, and his advocacy sheds light on the urgent need for improvements in home-care support.