Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) is a leading not-for-profit provider of health and wellness services in East Gippsland, providing more than 2,000 older people, their families and carers with quality in-home and community based services.
“GLCH has been delivering quality health and wellbeing services for over 42 years and we provide a suite of services for seniors that are designed to enable a happy, healthy lifestyle at home and in the community,” said Sue Medson OAM, chief executive officer at GLCH.
A major provider of Home Care Packages, GLCH provides flexible packages of in-home care and support services to people who need assistance to stay living at home. Chris Tipa, executive manager of aged and disability services, says his team have noticed that people who have received a letter from the Australian Government about home care packages have been delaying in choosing a services provider. “It is important that people contact our home care package team or another service provider to secure services before My Aged Care reassign their offer to someone else,” Mr Tipa explained. “Our team are available to guide people through the new My Aged Care process and highlight the types of services we offer including domestic assistance, nursing, personal care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and assistance with meal preparation, transport, shopping and social outings.”
Staying socially connected on a regular basis is vital for the wellbeing of our ageing community members. GLCH offers a variety low cost social groups and activities each week that provide physical, intellectual, emotional, social stimulation to participants and respite and support for carers. New groups, like Monday on the Move and Blokes BBQ are taking seniors out to explore and reacquaint themselves with our beautiful local area. “Participants are having a great time out and about – visiting local landmarks, barbequing or sampling afternoon tea at cafes; and have even featured on our Facebook page,” Ms Medson said.
Medical and services covering a range of health conditions and care needs are available from GLCH’s Lakes Entrance, Metung, Bruthen and Nowa Nowa sites; and in the home. Dementia nurse practitioner, Amanda Crombie provides a specialist nursing service that helps East Gippsland GP’s and their patients with dementia diagnoses and links them to locals resources if required. “Not all changes in memory and thinking are signs of dementia,” explained Ms Crombie. “However, if you’re worried about yourself or someone close to you, we offer a free in-home assessment to explore changes and address any issues.”
A comprehensive suite of allied health services and therapies are also available to help seniors maximise independence and remain active and healthy. GLCH offers flexible services including physiotherapy, podiatry, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, personal trainers and a range of fitness groups that aim to improve mobility, manage chronic illness and pain and improve fitness.
“The professional team at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health are available to support people as they age to remain happy, healthy and valued,” Ms Medson said. “We’re ready to assist people with their enquiries regarding our services for seniors, call us today or visit www.glch.org.au for further details.”
