Home care is getting a massive boost on all fronts in regional Victoria.

Over the last 12 months, Uniting AgeWell’s Home Care services have steadily expanded their regional footprint, reports Meagan Thomas, Director of Regional Victoria Home Care.

“Everything is on track and progressing smoothly,” says the unflappable Meagan, who always see the bigger picture in everything she does.

Here are the changes:

Castlemaine:  Uniting Age Well has leased an office at 275 Barker Street – the main street in Castlemaine, which is set to open in May.  

“We are delighted with the premises,” says Meagan.  “We wanted to be in the main street to give us visibility when it comes to foot traffic, and also to create more of a presence in the community.”  The service will cater for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) clients as well as those with home care packages and the office has capacity for up to 15 staff.  Up until now, the existing clients have been serviced by the Bendigo office, but this move means it will be easier for staff who will be based locally.

“We are definitely increasing our presence in the Mt Alexander Shire,” explains Meagan.  “We are wanting to grow our program across the local areas there as well as the Macedon Ranges.”

Swan Hill:  Once again, a push for high visibility in the main street to create a sense of community is behind the location of the new office at 152-162 Campbell Street, Swan Hill which is scheduled to open on May 13.  Meagan says the move from the smaller Rutherford Street office to the spacious new premiseswill not only comfortably accommodate existing staff but allow for further growth and provide space to run onsite services.  

A large number of CHSP clients will be transitioning from the Swan Hill Rural City Council to Uniting AgeWell, which has been chosen as the preferred aged care provider to take on these services from June 1.

“There is a sense of pride that the footprint of our services is expanding due to our excellent reputation and the quality of services we provide to older people,” says Meagan.  “We have a proud reputation to live up to, but I have never been more confident that we are able to deliver on this – and more!  And it’s thanks in no small measure to our dedicated caring staff.”

Meagan also paid tribute to Finance Project Officer Andy Burns for all of his hard work with all these projects.  “He has committed an incredible amount of time to get these locations fit for purpose and looking amazing,” says Meagan.  “His achievement is incredible.”

Elsewhere in regional Victoria:  

• The office space in Bendigo expanded towards the middle of last year, with the adjacent building leased to better accommodate the service.

• The new office space in Mildura is proving very beneficial, not only for staff but for clients.

In January, temporary office space was arranged in the Ballarat Business Centre to support home care services in the Grampians region.

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