Carers, Community and Family Day at Hopwood Gardens

The health sector is looking to take on new employees with many providers seeking staff in a paid and voluntary and paid capacity working to ensure clients needs are supported in their daily lives.

Echuca Regional Health was one of the many providers in attendance.

ERH provides home care through ‘ERH at home’ and ‘Community Nursing’ programs, which allows non-critical patients to receive medical care in the comfort of their own home.

Kristy Puls and Sarah Corscadden of ERH Population Health Team were also there to provide important information to visitors who need advice regarding health services.

“(The day is about) ensuring the public are aware of the different services available to them,” Ms Corscadden said.

Ms Puls said they had contact with a number of those in attendance.

“We’ve had some positive interactions, engaged with some children, and responded to many inquiries and we are looking to help more of the community in the coming weeks and months,” Ms Puls said.

RIAC access and support outreach co-ordinator Vereena Gleeson spoke to The Riv about the different services that can be provided to people living in the region.

“The purpose of the event is to inform people of the services we provide to the elderly, clients with a disability and their carers. We link clients with specific services and advocate on the clients behalf,” Mrs Gleeson said.

The information session had a total of eight marquees highlighting the different services to ensure people with a disability, the elderly, or people with mental health issues are able to live a life with dignity and respect.

Another of the organisations was Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH), who provide services in Echuca, Shepparton, Rochester and Moama.

VMCH team leader Narelle Woodall spoke of the services they provide to their clients.

“We work in the Campaspe region, including Echuca, Moama, Rochester and Shepparton.

“At home aged-care, short-term restorative care, home care packages and Commonwealth home support funding.”

Community Living and Respite Services was also in attendance, with support co-ordinator Donna McManus speaking about their impact in the Echuca-Moama community.

“We provide services to people in the community with a disability, in-home, community support and accommodation services,” Ms McManus said.

CLRS colleague Melanie Pyle said the day was one that helped inform the community.

“It’s very important for the community to understand what services and support are available,” Ms Pyle said.

Simply Helping was also there to advise visitors on their expansion of services to Echuca.

Jo Hoare described what Simply Helping provides.

“We provide in-home personal and domestic care, respite and transport assistance. We’re also registered as a NDIS provider who provides home care packages,” she said.

Echuca-based Intereach is a not-for profit organisation that assists individuals, families and communities and promotes access for clients. The organisation is also seeking carers to help deliver services to clients.

The family day also featured Carer Gateway, which advocates for carers and provides advice for people wanting to provide help for a loved one or wanting to become a carer.

Peter Cole, a carer from Carer Gateway, spoke of the importance of carers.

“The Carer Gateway ensures that carers have a voice is heard and supported in their role as a carer,” Mr Cole said.

Anyone who is seeking to be a carer, needing assistance with in-home help can make inquiries with the following organisations.

ERH in home — ph 5485 5000 — https://erh.org/departmentservice/hospital-in-the-home

Carer Gateway — 1800 422 737 — https://www.carergateway.gov.au

Intereach — 1300 488 226 — intereach.com.au

Simply Helping — 5795 1635 — https://simplyhelping.com.au

RIAC — 5222 5499 — https://riac.org.au

Uniting Agewell — 8527 5800 — https://unitingagewell.org

VMCH — 1300 698 624 — https://vmch.com.au