How aged care home helped woman find her independence

A TOOWOOMBA woman who spent two years in a nursing home has been able to re-enter the community, thanks to the help of Lutheran Services.

A TOOWOOMBA woman who spent nearly two years in a nursing home has been able to re-enter the community again, thanks to the help of Lutheran Services.

Janet Cooke, who suffered a fracture in her back two years ago, was expected to remain in care for the rest of her life after she entered Salem Aged Care in South Toowoomba shortly afterwards.

But with the help of Salem Home Care manager Ann Hopper, the 74-year-old now has her health back on track and has transitioned into independent living in Harristown.

Ms Hopper said a personalised home support program helped Ms Cooke exit the nursing home and back into a unit specially designed for elderly residents.

"It's very rare for this to happen, as a person's health typically declines relatively quickly, but Janet had huge determination," she said.

"Mobility was her biggest challenge so our staff helped her with exercises and she worked at it every day."

Ms Hopper said it took a massive effort from the Salem team to get her ready for the move.

"When it was time for Janet to move out, it was a huge community and team effort as we had to sort out everything because she didn't own many items," she said.

"Lutheran Services' maintenance team even helped and brought everything along in a ute and van."

Ms Cooke will now have the same carer visit her three times a week to help her live comfortably and safely.

"Lutheran Services does things differently in that we employ the same worker at the same time each week," Ms Hopper said.

"Our clients depend and rely on what we do and we enjoy building close relationships with them.

"We (help) more than 95 home care support clients in the region, which is up from 50 this time last year, with a distinct increase during the COVID-19 pandemic."

For more information, call Salem Home Care on 4687 4800.

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