Barbara, our very first Home Care Package (HCP) client, continues to enjoy life in her own home with the support of Afea.
Home Care Package is a form of care support provided through My Aged Care, which assists older people and their families access and navigate government-funded aged care services.
As an HCP recipient, Barbara is able to stay in her own apartment in the city for as long as possible, instead of moving to residential aged care.
“I’ve been living in the city for 22 years,” she shares. “I love to go out, and I can walk anywhere. It’s a really good spot.”
Afea client since 2017
She has been receiving care services from Afea since 2017. She is now 95 years old.
“I just love being with them. They’re all such nice people. They care and they work with you.”
Australians aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) who are eligible can access in-home care under HCP.
For Barbara, who once sustained a fall at home that resulted in a fracture and hospitalisation, the support she receives from Afea means she can go about her day safely and without injury.
She receives five days of in-home care services every week. Her support worker, Margaret, provides personal care, shower assistance, meal preparation assistance and light housekeeping.
“Margaret just cares and wants to make it comfortable for me,” she says. “I’m so glad I could stay at home and I have a carer who looks after me so well.”
Ongoing support from a care team
Barbara also receives ongoing support from the Afea care team that includes Workforce Coordinator Dianne Salazar and Care Manager Subash Ramasamy.
Dianne as Workforce Coordinator handles the schedules and rostering of Barbara’s support workers. As Care Manager, Subash manages her HCP funding and connects her with the supports and services she requires.
“Subash is just lovely, he’s so kind,” Barbara says. “He’s done everything that he could for me, and I’m just so happy.”
According to the latest available statistics (2019-2020), 1.3 million Australians have accessed aged care services. The sector is currently undergoing various reforms, from increasing the pay of aged care workers to enhancing face-to-face services.
“Older Australians deserve to receive services that are responsive and empowers them to make their own choices,” Subash says. “We’re proud to be able to play our part in ensuring Barbara and our other aged care clients receive the care they need at home.”
Barbara’s daily routine
Barbara’s day begins with Margaret’s assistance, after which she watches the news “and whatever’s on there”, followed by her beloved “brain games”.
“I play my brain games just so I’m all right up here,” she says with a laugh, touching her temple. She plays online jigsaw and Words With Friends on her iPad.
She also has a physiologist who designs a simple exercise program that she can do at home every day.
“As long as you keep moving and your brain’s working, that’s the main thing, isn’t it?” she muses.
When asked what her secret is to a long and happy life, Barbara, who at 95 has outlived many loved ones, responds with no hesitation: “Family. Keep together, if you can.”
To learn more about Home Care Packages and Afea, please visit our page or contact 1300 65 11 33.
