LOCAL LIVING New care service for older residents
Neerim District Health Service is offering a new program designed to support the health of older members of the Baw Baw community, who need either short term care at home or temporary accommodation in an aged care facility.
NDHS Aged Care Nursing Unit Manager Rhonda Skews says the Short-Term Restorative Care program provides a range of services over eight weeks to improve wellbeing, help people stay independent and avoid the need to enter long-term care.
Rhonda Skews says: “Each care package is designed with and agreed to by the person concerned, and may be delivered for a maximum of 8 weeks in a home setting, at Tarago Views Residential Aged Care in Neerim South, or a combination of both, depending on individual needs.”
“The Federal Government has allocated five STRC places at NDHS for West Gippsland elderly residents. All carers are paid directly using the flexible subsidy from the Federal Government, but there are limited spaces available for both home-based care and residential aged care” says Ms Skews.
“Care services can include nursing support, particularly in a residential setting. Other allied health services that may be provided include physiotherapy, speech therapy, podiatry, dietetics, chiropractic services, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, psychology or counselling.“
“Our trained and caring staff are committed to providing quality care for our community members in a comfortable and safe environment at Tarago Views or in their own home” says Ms Skews.
An assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team will let you know if you are eligible to receive Short-Term Restorative Care.
You may be eligible if you are an older person and you: • feel you are slowing down and need help with
everyday tasks; and • want to stay independent, and out of longterm ongoing care arrangements. “If you are receiving veteran services, disability services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme or support at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, you may still be eligible to receive Short-Term Restorative Care” says Ms Skews.
“To see if you are eligible to receive STRC you need to talk to your local GP or be referred to an Aged Care Assessment Team through My Aged Care.”
For further information about the STRC please contact Neerim District Health Service in Main Road, Neerim South, by phone on 5628 1226 or by email: info@neerimhealth.org.au