Home care packaged comfort

BALLARAT Health Services home care packages from have been on the rise, with more resources than ever.

The government funded pathway for ageing or disabled people provides services, care and equipment, with leftover funds rolling into the next year of care.

“It’s a two-way conversation,” Case Manager Ms Sandie Adaway said. “It benefits us both, because you develop a relationship with your client, and you realise the importance of your client’s goals, and you want them to achieve that”.

Ms Adaway visits Rhonda Collins’ home every couple of weeks to have a chat over a cup of tea to discuss any needs or changes with Ms Collin’s package.

“I have an absolute fear of going into an aged care facility. The only way they’ll get me into one is if I have dementia and I don’t know what’s happening. I will not go into one willingly while I have my faculties,” said Ms Collins.

Ms Adaway said depression is a significant issue in the elderly, so the increase in service providers making home care packages possible is good news.

“Now we know that people also need assistance to go to appointments, with all sorts of equipment, going shopping, and with outings too.”

Home care packages are available in levels one to four from Ballarat Health Services to cater to a client’s individual situations, with constant consultation to ensure needs are being met.  This plan also helps people keep their autonomy.

“It means my independence,” Ms Collins said. “People are much better to be staying in their own home, and they can have all the services that they need. I have a hospital bed, I have the equipment I need to stay at home.

“If you go into aged care, it is not personalised. They’re underfunded, understaffed, you are a number, you are not cared for properly.”

Ms Adaway said lots of elderly people think they don’t have the power to decide where they live and many have been “elated” when they found out about home care packages.