Growing aged care services
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
New office opens in Swan Hill
Uniting AgeWell is set to officially open its new home care office in Swan Hill next week, a reflection of the growth and increasing demand for its services in the region and the organisation’s commitment to supporting older people to live safely and independently at home.
Demand for home care services has continued to increase since Uniting AgeWell commenced delivering Government-funded home care packages to people in the Swan Hill and Kerang region in December 2016, following the successful transition of this service from the Swan Hill Rural City Council. Since then, Uniting AgeWell’s home care services have gone from strength to strength, with its service reach in the region further expanded in June 2024 to include the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), delivering services such as domestic assistance, personal care and Meals on Wheels to the local community.
Today, Uniting AgeWell’s local home care team supports over 435 customers from Swan Hill and Kerang to Manangatang.
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. It is particularly challenging for remote clients who struggle to gain access to in-home services, so we want to make sure we’re in the best position to be responsive to the enquiries coming through.”
The larger office has increased public visibility, room for more staff and the potential to run community information sessions and workshops.
“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.”
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.”