Bairnsdale couple Kaye and Nick Thurbon are encouraging East Gippsland’s senior community to take a proactive approach in accessing home support services.
At 82 and 90 years young, Kaye and Nick receive home care packages through Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH), funded by the Federal Government — support that has helped them maintain their independence and quality of life.
Kaye said however fit someone feels, if they are in their late 70s, she’d recommend they get assessed through My Aged Care, the Federal Government’s gateway to services.
“The main reluctance is, ‘I won’t need it’, and then three days later they fall over
and need a great deal of assistance,” she said.
“If there had been a little less resistance, they may have been able to access those services very quickly and smoothly.”
To be eligible for a home care package, you must be aged 65 years or older or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
Kaye receives a level three home care package and opts to receive support including home nursing visits, access to an osteo, showering support, help with laundry, home cleaning, gardening, access to physiotherapy and help with meals.
“It can help you live independently, and also live as you wish to live,” she said.
“They’ve given us our independence and enriched our lives.”
The first step to accessing support is to register for My Aged Care.
There are different pathways to accessing support to remain living at home like the Commonwealth Home Support Program or home care packages.
“I’m very grateful for the way in which the home care package service is offered.
We have a case manager with whom we can relate and who often anticipates our own needs,” Kaye said.
GLCH executive manager, Penny Cassidy, highlighted the organisation’s 50-year commitment to supporting East Gippsland communities, delivering high-quality, local care provided by local people.
“There are Federal Government reforms happening from July 1 with home care packages changing to Support at Home. We will be with you to transition to and understand the new program,” Penny said.
“I am hoping that with the changes, it will make it a lot quicker for people to get on to the system.”
