Client Robyn shares how her care team helped her to access additional support
Working out the right home care support for your situation can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. Care Manager Kirsty from our Southwest Sydney team recently sat down with client Robyn to chat about her changing care needs and how a Home Care Package can help provide additional support.
Robyn’s path to greater support and independence
‘I moved out of our family home into independent living four years ago. I didn’t expect to be living in my new place on my own – I lost my husband when he was only 74. It feels very safe here for me and my Cavoodle puppy Penny, who means everything to me.
‘I have a very busy social life and love spending time with my two sons and their families. I’m also involved with my local church and go to aquarobics and exercise classes every week.
‘I do get help with house cleaning two hours a week, through my Commonwealth Home Care Support Programme (CHSP) but am starting to find standing for long periods difficult and I don’t drive. So, I could really do with some help cooking meals and shopping. I rely on my walker a lot now.’
‘A lot of my shopping is online, but I like to go to the supermarket to see what’s available on the shelves.’
‘Kirsty has explained to me that a Home Care Package will give me the additional support I need. She’s also helped me understand how the package works with its different levels of support depending on your needs, and apply for the funding. I’m just waiting for approval now. The extra help is going to be a great benefit for me, especially knowing that I can continue to enjoy the privacy and freedom of being in my own home.'
‘On Kirsty’s last visit we also discussed purchasing a recliner chair, so I can stand up and sit down more easily. She’s always such a great help.’
Kirsty’s approach to understand each person's unique needs
‘An essential part of my job is to keep checking on any changes to a client’s situation, determining what care supports they need and what is financially beneficial for their circumstances.
‘We’re providing choice. The client is at the centre of all the decision making – and can adapt our care to suit their needs. No two clients have the same life experience or share the same strengths and challenges. We take this into account, reassessing their situation as required.
‘Robyn’s an incredibly positive person who really enjoys life. She makes sure she does the things that are important for her, such as staying connected to family, friends, and her community, and keeping up her regular exercise routine.
‘The flexibility of a Home Care Package and the range of care and services it provides is the right option for her situation now. And if the time comes when Robyn needs to get additional support - we can help her access that.
‘Robyn loves her new home and having her much loved puppy living with her. With the aid of her walker, she attends regular exercise classes and visits her local café. Having this higher level of support through a Home Care Package will mean Robyn can have someone to take her to do her own grocery shopping, an activity she really misses, instead of relying on online shopping and family support.
‘And with help in meal preparation, Robyn can continue to eat well and cook the food she enjoys, using her favourite recipes.
‘I enjoy my regular visits with Robyn - to find out how she is and if the home care services are still suitable. This will continue, while we wait for the outcome of her application for home care support through My Aged Care.
‘We are all part of the one team, supporting them to stay in their own home - we’re on the journey with them, all the way.'
If you would like more information on the current services you’re receiving or if you would like to review your care plan at any time, please reach out to your Care Manager or call us on 1800 826 166 or email support@hammond.com.au.
Your Support Advisor is here to answer questions or to put you in touch with your local care team. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
