Weipa resident and Support@Home client Dennis ‘Des’ Glanville with clinical nurse Jenna McKeon.
A HOME support program for elderly people or those with a disability is providing a new lease on life for residents in Weipa and Napranum.
The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is now running the Weipa Support@Home program to help allow residents to live independently in their own home.
The service, which operates from the Weipa Hospital is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Queensland Community Support Scheme.
Weipa Community Care program coordinator Gemma Shaw said they were able to provide a range of services to clients, including personal care – such as showering and dressing, transport to medical appointments, home nursing and shopping.
She said the team included a Clinical Nurse and two Assistants in Nursing.
“This program is a way to ensure people can be cared for in their own homes rather than at the hospital,” she said.
“Clients can be referred to the program through their doctor or nurse, or they can self-refer.
“The Torres and Cape HHS is passionate about health equity in our remote region and this program is a great example of that.”
Weipa resident Dennis ‘Des’ Glanville, 89, has been using the service for several weeks and said it had already had a significant impact on his life.
“Most of my family has moved away from Weipa so instead of being dependent on friends and other people I can call the support team,” he said.
“If I need to go to the doctor, the clinic or shopping, they’re always there for me.
“It’s fantastic, I’m just full of praise for the staff.”
Residents in both Weipa and Napranum can access the Weipa Support@Home program by calling 4226 3685 or 0455 200 813.
They can also send an email to [email protected].
