Aside from our other programs, social and practical support in a culturally-sensitive way is provided to clients with life-limiting illnesses living in their homes.
Fixed-term funding was received from DHHS Victorian Department of Health and Human Services in June 2018 and ended in September 2021. The program’s primary goal was to help people with incurable diseases live their lives with maximum completeness and comfort. The program’s philosophy was based on the belief that clients and their families can live more fulfilling lives through the care of others.
More than forty clients have been serviced during this time. The program was personally tailored to the clients in accordance with their needs, health conditions, and current support from other organisations.
For the 2020-21 financial year, services provided include:
- Assistance with healthcare and equipment needs. On average, two clients per month were assisted in purchasing and renting equipment as well as home modification.
- Up to ten clients per month were assisted with daily activities, meal preparation and house maintenance.
- Two clients per month received in-home support with hygiene, feeding and mobility around the house.
- Up to six clients per month received transport to medical appointments
- On average, six carers per month were provided respite.
- Two clients per month received gardening service.
Client care coordination
There is a gap in the industry for people who require home support with palliative care. We had come across a number of disadvantaged clients who needed assistance to remain at home and maintain their quality of life. There is no immediate support for people under 65 whose medical condition has deteriorated quickly. While hospitals offer palliative care, this is limited to pain management and does not include in-home support. Clients face a financial burden paying for medications, equipment and private help to assist with home and personal care needs.
The goal of our program was to improve the quality of life of our clients. The achievement of this goal implied assistance in solving the client’s social and psychological problems alongside the satisfaction of the individual needs. Our program was aimed not only at meeting basic household needs such as cleaning, cooking, purchasing medical equipment or gardening, but also at satisfying the emotional needs of a person. We tried to help clients do what they love and fulfil their dreams where possible. One of these dreams coming true is an exhibition of paintings by the artist and author of many stories, Venera Nurmatova, which will take place in February at Hampton Community Centre.
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