Long-standing community health provider Macedon Ranges Health has extended its Home and Community Care services to ensure that the local community receives the care it needs.
Bernice Mathers, the newly appointed co-ordinator, says this is an important additional offering, given the challenging environment so many in the community currently face.
“Designed to keep us safe and improve our wellbeing, these health and community care services – often delivered direct to a person’s home – have never been so important,” Ms Mathers says.
“While we’ve been providing a range of health care services for many years, it’s wonderful to work with the Department of Health and Human Services to extend our offering under the government’s Home and Community Program for Younger People (HACCPYP).”
This government-funded program is designed to support people under the age of 65 to access valuable subsidised health and care services – from allied health, in-home nursing and support with household tasks and cleaning through to home safety and meal delivery.
Ms Mathers says that the latest increase in funds under the program means the community health provider is a now a one-stop-shop for many of the community’s health and care needs.
“If you are under 65 years of age and living in the Macedon Ranges shire, you may be eligible to a wide range of wellbeing and health supports through this program at a significantly reduced cost,” she said.
“The fact is many people in their 30s, 40s and 50s are experiencing mental or chronic illness, or recovering from an injury, or even recouping at home from surgery.
“It’s at those times when we most need support and care to stay healthy and safe. Access to meal delivery, personal care support or in-home nurse visits, can make all the difference to a person and their family’s life.”
Ms Mathers says that “soldiering on” can often increase the risk of a person encountering an acute health issue that requires higher care or clinical support.
“Seeking support is particularly important in the current climate, given how challenging it can be to receive the care we would otherwise rely on from our family and friends.
“I hope these services bring people the support and care they need to lighten the load during this period and ensure they remain safe and independent at home wherever possible.”
To book an appointment at Macedon Ranges Health or find out about eligibility for subsidies, call Macedon Ranges Health on 5428 0300 or visit www.mrh.org.au/HACC-PYP
