SUCCESS STORY 1:
Empowering Pat to Live Independently
Pat faces severe hearing loss, debilitating anxiety and lives alone. Her situation was further complicated by the absence of close family members nearby, with her daughter facing her own health concerns. Despite being eligible for an approved package after a hospital stay, Pat was unable to access the necessary services for eight long years. Her three hospital admissions during this period saw her being sent home with instructions related to CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) and HCP (Home Care Package) codes, which she found confusing and anxiety-inducing.
Pat’s journey took a positive turn when she was introduced to care finders. One of our care finders assisted Pat in her first meeting with a support worker, ensuring she received the tailored care she needed. This included 4 hours of support each week for shopping assistance, meal preparation, and social outings. Care finders guided Pat through the complexities of the DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) and Services Australia systems, helping her complete the means-tested form for better financial support. Pat was also presented with multiple Home Care Package providers and explained the associated fees, allowing her to make an informed choice that suited her needs.
Pat appreciated having someone to talk to without feeling like a burden or being embarrassed. Care finders provided emotional support by actively listening to her concerns and helping her put things into perspective.
Pat was fortunate to have access to an array of services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including transportation, daily nursing care for insulin management, showering assistance, allied health services, and home modifications. These services were essential in enabling Pat to maintain her independence.
The Home Care Package provided Pat with additional support enhancing her quality of life. With assistance in meal preparation, cooking, companionship, shopping, and accompanied trips to various places, Pat experienced a newfound sense of freedom and happiness. Pat’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of compassionate care and dedicated support of the care finder program.
SUCCESS STORY 2:
Transforming Aged Care Support for John*
John* is a 75-year-old man living alone with no family or community support. He has early-onset Dementia that impacts his daily life. John’s condition had reached a point where he struggled with basic tasks. He frequently misses crucial appointments, neglects laundry, and forgets to take his medication. He even continued to drive without a valid license. His mobile phone, his lifeline to the outside world, was also not working.
Initially, John was reluctant to engage with the care finder program to help him with My Aged Care access, believing he could manage without assistance.
Our approach was to establish trust and rapport. Regular home visits were made by our care finder, and John’s life stories were actively listened to. Accompanying him to medical appointments provided valuable insights into his condition, especially since the initial referral contained limited medical information and omitted mention of his Dementia diagnosis.
Upon consultation with his GP, John was advised to consider residential aged care due to his declining self-care abilities. However, he strongly resisted this option. Instead, our care finder encouraged John to accept care that would enable him to continue living at home.
Because John’s mobile phone didn’t work, he was inaccessible to assessors and doctors. We supported him to replace his mobile, guiding him in selecting a suitable replacement within his budget.
We assisted John in reaching out to a Regional Assessment Service assessor and were present during the Aged Care Assessment Team’s evaluation. In line with his preferences, we actively researched suitable care providers and helped him to complete the necessary paperwork for both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Package.
As a result of our efforts, John began receiving the long-awaited services he required to enhance his quality of life. His environment has become more comfortable, and he now enjoys daily visits from a community nurse for medication management. With the support of Meals on Wheels and domestic assistance, John’s daily living conditions have improved significantly. Importantly, he has developed meaningful social interactions with his care workers, ensuring his overall wellbeing.
SUCCESS STORY 3:
Bridging the Language Barrier for Ling*
Ling is an 85-year-old client living independently with no family support. Her non-English speaking background posed a significant obstacle to accessing the care she deserved.
Ling had been approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) but was unaware of this due to the language barrier. Regrettably, this lack of awareness led to the withdrawal of her HCP.
Ling declined the use of an interpreter service and preferred to communicate in English, albeit with some difficulty, especially over the phone. She greatly preferred face-to-face communication.
Our care finder made a home visit, taking the time to explain the HCP program in simple English. Additionally, our client shared her life story with enthusiasm, discussing overseas trips and sharing cherished photos.
Our assistance enabled Ling to opt back into the HCP. Once assigned, we assisted in shortlisting providers according to her preferences. Ling requested our presence during the provider assessment, during which we explained the provider agreement in plain and easily understandable English.
Today, Ling is content and grateful for her Home Care Package. The package professional cleaning services and ample funds to purchase necessary hygiene products. Through overcoming language barriers and providing tailored support, we have made a meaningful difference in her life.
This service has been made possible by funding from:
