Gippsland seniors now have more choice for home support

Wednesday 1 February 2017

Paynesville residents Ruth and Ross Wilson are able to live independently at home and maintain their health and wellbeing with the support of a Home Care Package from Uniting AgeWell. 

The senior services provider, which assists the Wilsons once a week with gardening and cleaning so Ruth can care for her husband, who has Parkinson’s, is officially opening its Gippsland Community Services office on Tuesday, February 7 in Bairnsdale. 

Ruth, who has her own health issues, said since the aged care provider took over an additional 25 Level 2 Home Care Packages (HCPs) from UnitingCare Gippsland last September, their service had remained ‘brilliant’.

“Not only do they assist me in looking after Ross, they also cover the cost of his physiotherapy and accommodation in Melbourne during hospital visits,” she said.

“I cannot speak highly enough of them.  They always have our best interests at heart giving me support so I can look after my husband at home.”

The Level 2 packages complement the Level 3 and 4 packages the organisation already offers in the region. 

The move means Gippsland residents can now receive care and support from one of Victoria’s largest not-for-profit aged care organisations, which provides home care, social support, allied health and therapy services, residential care and independent living.

Uniting AgeWell Board Chair, Reverend Allan Thompson, a former Uniting Church Minister in Bairnsdale from 1971 to 1978, said the organisation was delighted to be providing home care to Gippsland’s warm and friendly residents.

“For most people, ageing well includes a desire to remain in their own homes,” he said. 

“Uniting AgeWell Home Care Packages can go a long way to assist seniors to remain at home through the provision of physical and social support measures.

“This is an exciting time for Uniting AgeWell and we look forward to increasing our services to the people of Gippsland.”

Uniting AgeWell Gippsland Community Services is located at 49 McCulloch Street, Bairnsdale. 

Media are invited to attend the event. 
Tuesday, February 7, 12.30pm
Uniting AgeWell Gippsland Community Services 
49 McCulloch Street, Bairnsdale