by Sarah | Jul 9, 2023 | Client Journey, Country Home Services, Home Care Packages, Wellbeing
Susan sat in her brand-new electric wheelchair, a smile stretching across her face as she watched her friends stroll alongside her. It was a moment she never thought she would experience again. After six long years, she was finally able to join them for a walk, thanks to the help of Country Home Services.
When Susan’s mobility started deteriorating, her friends would invite her for walks, but she couldn’t keep up with them using her regular wheelchair. It was a daily struggle, and the feeling of exclusion weighed heavily on her. Until now.
Through her Home Care Package, Country Home Services supported Susan to purchase an electric wheelchair, along with a specially designed crane in her car to lift it up effortlessly. The newfound independence brought immense relief and joy to Susan. She was no longer reliant on her friends to attend her weekly swimming sessions. With a simple touch, her electric wheelchair was ready, empowering her to head to the pool on her own. “I am happier today than I have been for a VERY long time,” Susan expressed, her voice filled with gratitude.
A new wheelchair provides more than practical assistance; Susan has a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. No longer does she feel isolated or burdened with worries about her mobility. She said she is, “one of the girls again,” able to accept invitations and participate in activities without hesitation. “It was always a pipe dream that I never expected to happen. But you made it happen!” she told her co-ordinator, Tammy.
Susan couldn’t have been more grateful for her co-ordinator and the exceptional care she has received. “I am so very pleased I picked Country Home Services and doubly lucky that Tammy became my case worker,” Susan remarked with a heartfelt appreciation.
As Susan begins to enjoy activities with her friends again, the kindness and support she feels she received has breathed new life into her world, and she is determined to make the most of it.
by Sarah | Jun 6, 2023 | CHS Community Grants, Community Connections, Country Home Services
Clare Valley Model Engineers
Nestled within the Clare Valley is a remarkable organisation dedicated to the art of model engineering, bringing to life an intricate miniature railway network. The club was founded in 1998 and over the next 15 years, volunteers created a miniature railway network, complete with intricately designed tracks, tunnels, bridges, and stations. The layout showcases different eras and styles of railway architecture, providing visitors with a delightful journey through time.
In November last year, we were proud to assist the club with a grant so that they can build picnic tables for visiting families. It helped to make the park more accessible and their next projects involve adding more pathways to also make it easier for visitors.
This is a club that is also very connected to the community and is always keen to work with the local high school to encourage future engineers. During one school term a group of students helped to build the arched shelter which was very successful.
The club attracts members from various walks of life who share a common love for engineering and craftsmanship. They meet twice a week, and the space provides a supportive network for the members However, you don’t need to be an engineer as they are always open to new volunteers who love trains, gardening, and generally just helping out.
The park is open up to the public for special events and on the 2nd and 4th Sunday monthly when people can experience train rides. Visit https://clarevalleymodelengineers.org/ for more information.
by Sarah | May 8, 2023 | Community Connections, Country Home Services, Wellbeing
Empowering our clients in the IT world
“We’re expected to do more and more things online, but people forget we didn’t grow up with it. It’s a different language and I don’t speak it.”
These words were spoken by Bruce, but his words are echoed by many of our clients. In consultation with our Country Home Services’ client advisory group, we started monthly IT sessions in our Kadina, Clare, and Nuriootpa offices.
These sessions were tailored to whatever clients said they’d like help with at the time. Some clients came with a limited understanding of the internet/technology, and some had more.
Ron’s first goal was learning to send a text message. He found the informal, social, safe learning space helpful, “My voice is heard, and I feel so much more confident now. I like that I can do things for myself, and I’m confident to try things.”
Kris wanted to have more confidence and skill using her smartphone and tablet. Geoff and Jan, both members of CHS’ client advisory group, are passionate advocates for clients learning.
Geoff enthused, “We need to get up to date, and if I go along to the sessions, at least I can share the things I do, and people might be encouraged that they could do it too.” Jan strongly promotes empowering clients, “We’re old,” she said bluntly, “We’re not stupid. We can be taught how to use technology, not just have people do it for us.”
The IT Sessions were a trial and finish up in May. Country Home Services may continue sessions in some locations; however, there are already some excellent free IT sessions run by community centres and libraries. Our client advisory group is reviewing the IT trial and investigating other ways we can keep supporting clients and communities.
If you have thoughts or suggestions, let us know!
by Sarah | Mar 15, 2023 | Client Journey, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Country Home Services, Home Care Packages
Supporting each step of the way
Life can throw unexpected events at us. When that happens, our needs sometimes change. It’s reassuring to know support is available.
When Creina initially joined CHS, she received cleaning support for those tougher jobs around the home through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
However, Creina had a fall and broke her hip. She needed intense rehabilitation involving physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Her Country Home Services coordinator Shona supported Creina to be reassessed by My Aged Care. This meant Creina could access additional resources to help with her rehabilitation process.
“Shona was a gem. She has gone above and beyond to meet my needs. The process was seamless.”
Shona connected Creina with Country Home Services contractor Lissie. Lissie provided transportation and social support. Through her previous work, Lissie had a good understanding of water safety and helped to build Creina’s confidence through her rehabilitation.
As Creina’s needs changed, she moved from a Commonwealth Home Support Program to a Home Care Package. This enabled her to access more services, support, and products.
A battery backup for her electric chair, and Lite n’ Easy meals, have empowered Creina and supported an improvement in her quality of life.
A recent bushfire nearby Creina’s home shut the power off. The battery backup enabled the electric chair to be positioned for comfort and ease of exit if needed. Additionally, it came in handy to power a fan. Creina explained, “Having access to power backup was a godsend as I am terrible in the heat. It was worth its weight in gold that day.”
Creina said it’s also been valuable to have access to subsidised Lite n’ Easy meals through her Home Care Package. Pre-prepared, healthy meals mean Creina is taking care of herself, without putting physical strain on her body.
“The meals are so nice and it’s all so easy. They are very filling and it’s great to not have the stress of cooking.”
We are grateful to be able to support clients like Creina on their journey.
If you would like to know more about how we can support your journey, we’d love to talk with you! You can reach us on 1300 773 202.
by Sarah | Mar 1, 2023 | CHS Community Grants, Community Connections, Country Home Services, Wellbeing
Inclusion and connection through craft
The Avon Art & Craft Guild provides a local social and mental health outlet for the community within the district, and it is these community groups that we are more than happy to support through our CHS Community Grant Program.
The craft club is open each Tuesday 10am to 3pm and whilst open to all ages, the members are aged between 60 and 80 years with some attendees being 90 +.
The quiet rural open space atmosphere provides a safe place for people to attend. It gives people the opportunity to share a conversation, join in activities, or just sit and have a cuppa. Their group enjoys working with wool and they also recycle objects within other types of craft. They often do something special on themed holidays and do a big display at Christmas and invite other community groups to see it.
Whilst the Craft Hall is a community-owned hall, there are no other amenities available in Avon, so they very much appreciated the assistance of our grant program.
The grant has gone towards the purchase of chairs with arms to support those members with Parkinsons, high-rise toilet seats, and grab rails for both ladies and men’s toilets, and also at entry points of both toilets and craft hall.
These small changes alone, make such a big difference to their members, providing a more comfortable and safer space.
We admire the work these small groups do, as in many cases their dedication and thoughtfulness keep their community thriving.
If you are part of a volunteer group in our country communities, then please take a look at our CHS Community Grant Program as we would love to help support you.
