Service expansion to help elderly retain independence

ABOUT 30 people will gain employment with Catholic Care of the Aged in Lismore thanks to a $1.38 million federal government grant.

SERVICE BOOST: Member for Page Kevin Hogan joined Catholic Care of the Aged Lismore staff to congratulate them on a federal grant to expand services. Picture: Luke Mortimer

ABOUT 30 people will gain employment with Catholic Care of the Aged in Lismore thanks to a $1.38 million federal government grant.

The aged care provider will now be able to expand services across the North Coast as a result of the government's investment in the national Home and Community Care program.

Respite co-ordinator Jodi Scott worked hard to prepare a submission for the grant.

"I think one of the good things we do here is lots of needs analysis, so we identify where there's an unmet need or gap in community services," she said.

"We had a small bucket of money under the HACC program for centre-based day respite for frail older people, but there was a big need for supporting people in their own homes for domestic assistance and personal care. We also had a little bucket of money for social support.

"So it was about expanding that and being able to offer the full continuum of care for someone to remain in their home independently as long as they can."

Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan, who pushed for the grant's approval, was on hand to congratulate the aged care provider's staff and volunteers.

"What I can sell is the organisation that's applied and this organisation is obviously a very easy one to sell," he said.

"They have a good name in the community and they provide a good service in the community now already.

"And as Jodi said, this whole application was to fill a gap that needed to be filled for our community.

"Here, statistically, we're older than the rest of the country."

Catholic Care of the Aged Lismore chief executive Geoff Costello said the grant would ensure the continuation of services enabling elderly people to retain their independence.

Other groups funded in the Page electorate include Living Australia ($340,700), Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust ($210,500), Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre ($207,700), Southern Cross Care ($111,300) and Baptist Community Service ($116,000).