Switching on to a GOOD THING!
A day out at the movies and the chance to dress up and socialise is something that most of us take for granted. Spare a thought however for those who, due to age, health or lack of opportunity miss out on life’s simple pleasures.
Hunter locals Sandra (who has mild dementia so hasn’t been going out often) and Maureen (who recently handed in her drivers license) both felt they were missing out on life. Fortunately, once they became Southern Cross Care Home Care customers, a new world opened for them. Southern Cross Care assist people to access the Australian Government’s home care packages and to live better in their own home. Understanding that home care needs are as individual as the individuals requiring support, they offer a wide range of quality home care and support services that can be tailored to suit individuals and their budgets.
Helping clients achieve their goals is what Teresa and Lea from Southern Cross Care’s Home Care team love most about their work. When Sandra and Maureen wanted to get out of the house more and do the things they love they decided on a movie day.
“It was an opportunity to get dressed up and feel special, and we followed it with lunch at the Club. It was a great success; now both are eager to do it again,” said Lea.
“We have clients who might need a helping hand getting to appointments, or to social outings with friends or just a trip to the shops with a companion to assist, whatever is important to them we try to make it happen. We help clients set goals and then achieve them. It’s the best job ever,” she added.
According to Teresa, having social support and someone to look out for you is a special part of Home Care.
“While we provide all sorts of services including housekeeping, personal care and nursing we know our clients love having a reliable, friendly face to chat with and share the good times also. Often a day out is exactly that,” she said.
Pictured above: Teresa and Sandra. Pictured top: Maureen and Lea.
At Southern Cross Care, the staff recognise and understand that no two people are the same and neither are their circumstances, day to day needs, health, wellbeing or aspirations. That's why they offer a broad range of services, which can be tailored to suit individual needs.
If you feel your Home Care provider is not switched on to you and what you want out of life, then it might be time to think about changing to another provider. Perhaps your provider is unreliable, or you feel you are missing out on the services and quality of support you need.
“We get lots of referrals via our clients. Once their friends find out what they are up to, they too want to discover the Southern Cross Care difference’, says Teresa.
Luckily, you can switch to a new Home Care Provider in four easy steps:
1. Shop around Research providers in your area who can offer you what you need both now and in the future. Call those on your shortlist to get the information you need to make your decision, including when they could start your services. The right provider will take the time to talk with you, so you get what you need.
2. Contact My Aged Care Once you’ve chosen a new provider, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Tell them about your decision to move and ask them to re-activate your referral code. Make sure you keep a copy of the code handy, your new provider will need it to start your services.
3. Notify your current provider You can do this over email or the phone, however, it is worthwhile to have it in writing. You will need to agree on an end date, based on when your new services will begin.
4. Start your new services Once your new provider has received your referral code and the end date from your previous provider you’re good to go. Your new Service Advisor will discuss your Home Care Agreement and a new care plan. We take the time to assist anyone wanting to switch to us and coordinate your new services to begin the same day your old agreement ends. Simply sit back, relax, and benefit from your new services.
Not all Home Care providers are created equal. For more information about Southern Cross Care visit www.sccliving.org.au
