A green thumbs up from Gus

Gus Augustin is blossoming in his local community thanks to the care and support he receives at home from Uniting AgeWell.

Following a stroke in 2012 that left him with aphasia, a language disorder that impairs both the expression and understanding of language including the ability to read and write, Gus began receiving a Home Care Package from Uniting AgeWell Strathdon Community.

The support has enabled him to continue living independently and doing the things that are most important to him – including gardening at a local Community Garden.

Gus’s son, Jacques Augustin, said Uniting AgeWell’s home care support enabled his father to remain independent and connected with the things he loves. 

“Dad is independent enough to live by himself but can also access extra help from Uniting AgeWell when he requires,” he said. 

“His home care staff organise taxis for him to attend appointments and social activities as he requests.” 

Gus has a wide network of friends and also attends Uniting AgeWell’s stroke group and unique Helsinki University Research (HUR) Gym at the Strathdon Community. 

Uniting AgeWell provides home care packages to seniors across metropolitan and regional Victoria and Tasmania, including the Loddon Mallee and Gippsland, to enable them to live and age well at home. 

A client advisor works with clients to identify goals, preferences and interests and develop a plan of care to help optimise life at home and in the community.

Packaged Care Coordinator Ing Tjahjono says research shows that remaining socially connected, active and independent at home is extremely important as people age.

“Uniting AgeWell’s focus is on supporting seniors to experience a sense of wellbeing, choice and independence at all stages of life, and to remain valued members of their communities,” she says.

For more information contact the Uniting AgeWell team on 1300 783 435.