Returning Home With the Help of Salvos Aged Care

“I feel a million percent and really satisfied that I achieved what I did to be able to move home again,” says Lorraine. “I felt supported by everyone the whole way.” Lorraine was residing at Riverview Gardens Aged Care Centre with her late husband who was needing full-time care.  

Following his passing, however, Lorraine was able and eager to move back into the former home they had created together. With the multi-pronged approach and support of The Salvation Army Aged Care team, this dream of Lorraine’s became a reality.  

Salvos Home Care Team Leader, Carmen, initially started the process. “I was approached by the Riverview Gardens Aged Care Centre staff who told me that Lorraine wanted to go home again and needed help to do that,” she says. “After talking to Lorraine about what her needs would be when she returned home, I sat with Lorraine in her room and called My Aged Care to find out what services she would have immediately if she chose to return home, and to request an immediate Aged Care Assessment Team (“ACAT”) for extra services.” From here, Carmen was able to apply for a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (“CHSP”) package to help provide Lorraine with at home services she needed.  

The journey to help transition Lorraine back home, was also joint effort with the Riverview Gardens Retirement Village Coordinator, Alana and Lorraine’s Physiotherapist, Simon.  Alana formed what she describes as an “instant connection” with Lorraine, and following the passing of her husband, provided her with assistance.  

“After the loss of her husband, I would ensure that I would visit Lorraine in my free time and check she was doing ok,” Alana says. “The benefit of the move was being able to give Lorraine some independence.”  

For Simon, Lorraine’s Physiotherapist, his role was instrumental too. “My role was to help her become functionally more independent and safe,” he explains. He also notes the element of personal satisfaction a move such as this would bring Lorraine, stating, “it’s what she wanted more than anything.”  

When reflecting on the process of moving back home, Lorraine noted her own determination. “My husband and I just loved our little house and were determined to live here until the end. Sadly, that wasn’t to be for him, but I was determined. I felt supported and encouraged by all the staff and particularly Simon the Physiotherapist, who encouraged me every step of the way to get my strength back.”