Keeping our independence: GSHS Home Care Packages

Pictured L:R: Lindsey Friebe – Gippsland Southern Health Service, Malcolm Hall and Audrey Hall.

Local Leongatha residents Malcolm and Audrey Hall have been utilising Gippsland Southern Health Services Home Care Package provisions for just over 12 months and in that time the changes in both of their wellbeing, independence and quality of life is remarkable.

“The support services and care we have received through our home care package with Gippsland Southern Health Service has changed our lives. Without it we would not be sitting in our own home today, I actually don’t know where we would be.”, says Audrey.

Commonwealth Home Care Packages are available to eligible older people who require assistance to keep them living in their own home. Gippsland Southern Health Service is a home care package provider, supporting people to manage their package and access the high quality care and services they require.

Due to multiple health conditions Malcolm has been unwell for much of this life, which has seen wife, Audrey, take on the role of this carer. His illnesses have taken their toll, not only on Malcolm’s health and wellbeing, but on both of their quality of life. Audrey reflected on how “Malcolm became very withdrawn socially and didn’t want any visitors, outside of family at the house. As I wasn’t able to leave him at home alone this was incredibly isolating for the both of us”. Now with the services provided through their package Malcolm is up and mobile and is excited to have guests to their home. The respite care that Malcolm accesses has allowed Audrey to focus on herself a little more enabling her to get out and active, getting a little further on her walk each time.

Gippsland Southern Health Service is in a unique position as a Home Care Package provider giving their clients accesses to variety of service providers all in one location, and as Audrey proudly boosts, “we have just about used all of them; physiotherapy, occupational therapy, diabetes education, district nursing, respite!”

If you have a Commonwealth Home Care Package and would like to find out more about the service offered by Gippsland Southern Health Service please contact our Home Care Package Coordinator on (03) 5654 2757.

If you do not currently have a Commonwealth Government Home Care Package and would like to know more or to find out if you are eligible please call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au