Transition Care Packages helping people recover and regain independence

January 6, 2017 

Seniors in North West Tasmania recovering after a hospital stay will now have more time to do so in the comfort of their own homes through a Uniting AgeWell Transition Care Package (TCP).    

The highly regarded aged care provider was selected by the Tasmanian Health Service as the preferred provider of 19 Transition Care Community Packages, from 1 January 2017.

The packages, to be delivered by Uniting AgeWell’s Latrobe Community Services at Strathdevon, offer short-term, goal-focused therapy and case management for older people in the region who need more time to recover after a hospital stay. 

Manager Integrated Services, Vicki Pollock, said the benefits of TCPs were numerous.

“For some older people, returning home after a hospital stay isn’t always possible,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s necessary to enter a respite facility to aid recovery or to make a rushed decision to move into residential care.

“Knowing people prefer to be in their own home while getting back on their feet or making complex and important decisions about their future, is where a TCP can help.”

TCPs will give seniors in the region the opportunity to be supported by Uniting AgeWell staff to stay at home and recover over a 12 week process.

Clients will be actively involved in their case management, care and therapy and set goals to work towards their recovery.

“We’re very honoured that the Tasmanian Health Service has granted us these transition packages.  We believe we have the staff and services to provide older people with the choice to live where they want, and in the way they want,” Vicki said.

When fully operational, Uniting AgeWell will support up to 76 clients a year.  To contact the program, call (03) 6426 2844.

Uniting AgeWell’s Latrobe Community at Strathdevon already offers independent living units, home care packages, social support, and residential care. It also provides the meals for Meals on Wheels on the north west coast.