i see
… my husband and I being able to remain independent in our home for longer, with help when we need it.
REGIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE: ANNE’S STORY
UNITING COMMUNITIES IS NOW OFFERING A REGIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE TO HELP PEOPLE IN REGIONAL AREAS GET THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO STAY AT HOME LONGER.
Developed as part of the Federal Government’s My Aged Care reforms introduced in July 2015, the service is focused on older people who have not accessed aged care services in the past, providing them with referrals to Commonwealth Home Support Program services, such as domestic assistance, personal care, social support, nursing and transport.
As an active member of the Port Pirie community, Anne, 76, says that the service has been a blessing for her and her husband Brian.
“I found out about the service through our ladies’ Probus Club,” Anne explains. “I thought, ‘it’s about time I asked for some help.’”
Anne’s husband Brian is 85 and suffers from chronic illness, and Anne has a lung condition to manage. They are both keen to continue living at home for as long as possible, but with a large house and an extensive garden, there are many jobs to do.
“It doesn’t worry me when I’m well and the weather is good, but in bad weather it’s a problem, and I just can’t do as much as I’d like,” Anne says.
“Nathan from Uniting Communities came and did our assessment – he was really very good. I just clicked with him and understood everything he was saying. After the interview, he suggested a local organisation that could help. They turned up and I had absolutely wonderful service.”
“We’ve got an old stone home with 10 foot ceilings,” says Anne. “I was using a stepladder to climb on the kitchen cupboards to clean the fans – it was a bit dangerous!”
“
They came and cleaned all the fans, every window in the house, and all the gutters as well. It was absolutely marvellous.”
After being involved in the community support sector for most of her working life, Anne knows a lot about community care.
“I’ve arranged for Nathan to be the guest speaker at the bi-monthly Men’s Breakfast at our Church, and a number of other places in Port Pirie,” says Anne. “I would highly recommend the program. It’s been wonderful for us.”
14 | Uniting Communities Annual Report 2016
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