“Our clients know that we care, that we are professional, and that we will help them with their health and wellbeing, in their own home” stated Charlene Dallimore, Banksia Community Care Manager, when The Beagle caught up with her recently.
“COVID-19 can be a source of anxiety for older people in the Eurobodalla Shire, but we work with each of our clients to make certain they receive the support and care they prefer, while ensuring that all infection prevention measures are in place”.
This individually tailored care is at the heart of Banksia’s philosophy, and is clearly demonstrated in the way staff interact with clients and residents. Whether Charlene and her dedicated team are helping people in the community with transport to appointments, shopping, cleaning, personal care, dementia care or highly specialised clinical care, they know that it is vital to provide personalised, individual attention.
Above: Charlene Dallimore, Banksia Community Care Manager and client Beryl meet regularly in Beryl’s Mossy Point home to discuss her care and support preferences.
Banksia Villages was established 25 years ago in Broulee, and is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation. Originally consisting of an independent living retirement village and a residential aged care facility, Banksia has also been offering home care services for the past 5 years. Available right across the Eurobodalla Shire, home care services can be provided as part of a fully accredited, government-funded Home Care Package, or on a private basis.
“When COVID-19 first hit Australia, some of our clients were nervous about going to the shops, or even about having our staff visit their home. However, our staff have had specific COVID-19 training and our clients are continuing to have opportunities to socialise, to stay in touch with family, or to have their house kept clean and safe – right throughout the past 6 months” added Charlene.
“All of our team members have had additional infection prevention and control training to stay up to date with the latest government recommendations. We are also delighted to have been able to help clients stay in touch with family, by helping them use video calls and other technologies while social restrictions have limited personal contact”.
Above: Banksia Community Care client Betty with the Lumin device that helps her keep in touch with family and friends. The Lumin device was organised and set up by the Banksia Community Care team, with staff helping Betty learn how to use it.
Banksia Community Care is currently welcoming new clients and acknowledges that the journey to obtaining a Government Funded Home Care Package can be time consuming or complex. Charlene, a Registered Nurse with many years of experience in home care for older people, understands how to work through the process and encourages older locals who are keen to stay in their own home to apply as soon as possible.
“You can obtain more information via www.myagedcare.gov.au or you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Alternatively, you can head to the Banksia website
https://www.banksiavillage.com.au/services/home-care-banksia-community-care/ or if you’d prefer to chat to someone local, call me or my team on 4471 6621, or pop in to our office at 73 Coronation Drive, Broulee“ added Charlene.
Above: Banksia Community Care team member Catherine, with one of Banksia’s fleet of modern vehicles, as she heads off to visit a client in their home
