Growing aged care services
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
New office opens in Castlemaine
Uniting AgeWell is set to officially open its new home care office in Castlemaine next week, a reflection of the growth and increasing demand for its services in the Loddon Mallee region and the organisation’s commitment to supporting older people to live safely and independently at home.
From its new location in Castlemaine, Uniting AgeWell is delivering Government-funded home care packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services – including personal care, domestic assistance, gardening and social connection. The Castlemaine-based team are currently supporting 400 clients throughout the Mount Alexander Shire and following the transition of CHSP services from the Central Goldfields Shire earlier this year, to those living in Maryborough and surrounds.
Uniting AgeWell Director Regional Victoria Home Care Meagan Thomas says people are recognising they can access services as they get older and may need a little extra help to live safely and independently in their own homes.
“We have seen an increase in the demand for home care services along with those wanting support to get out and about to do the things they’ve always done. Referrals have continued to flow through from the broader community across the region. We want to make sure we’re in the best position to be responsive to the enquiries coming through and the new office in Castlemaine will help us achieve just that.”
Local residents Ian Braybrook and Mazza Bennet are very active in the community. They continue to broadcast on Radio 88FM Castlemaine from a studio at home. Following knee replacement surgery, Mazza realised she could access help at home through a government-funded Home Care Package. The couple have assistance to manage their garden and ensure their home is safe as Mazza navigates mobility issues.
They continue to live busy lives but having additional support means they can get on with the things they enjoy. Mazza appreciates the service she receives from her Care Advisor David Wojtowyez.
“David is amazing, I just have to get on the blower to him and he makes himself available. I tell him the problem, and he comes up with a solution. I’m planning on a second knee replacement soon, and I will be working with him to see how I can get help to make the shower safer before the surgery.”
Meagan says the new office is central and lends itself to capacity building for the team of Care Advisors to build relationships with other services in the area, ensuring clients have the best access to what they need.
“For us to grow and be able to offer the best service, we need the space for more staff and to be in a location that is easy for people to find. This is a positive step forward in our commitment to the region,” she explains.
Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly says the organisation is proudly committed to providing high quality, tailored home care services in the region and maintaining a local focus.
“There is no doubt there are challenges for older people living in rural and remote localities as they age, particularly around the accessibility and availability of aged care services. We’ve made it a priority to grow our services in those areas. We want to ensure that people across the Loddon Mallee receive the support and care they need to continue living independently and ageing well at home. It’s a key motivator for us and the right thing to do.”