The Wellness Approach (July 2011)
Southcare embraces the Wellness philosophy in the delivery of its Home and Community Care (HACC) services. The Wellness Approach is a way of supporting people to stay in control of their own lives by looking at their abilities and assisting them to maintain and strengthen those through activities; such as supporting a client who wishes to reconnect with a friend or social activity they used to pursue or providing physical activities which enables clients to maintain their ability to manage everyday tasks independently around their home this can be done through gentle exercises or participating in modified games such as golf and bowls.
At Southcare's New Horizon Day Centre, members of the team have recently been working with CommunityWest to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with clients in a wellness way. The program at the centre endeavours to create opportunities for our clients to participate in activities which they have an interest in and which may give purpose to their lives, no matter what their age and ability. An example of the impact this training has had on the staff was reflected in some of the comments - “I will not assume that the clients cannot do things for themselves, in future, I will ask first” and “I will make use of the opportunity to spend one on one time with clients to sit and listen to what it is that they truly want to do”.
Southcare provides other basic support services to some older people, people with a disability and their carers to assist them to continue living independently at home. This includes:
· assistance with everyday household tasks
· assistance to enhance nutrition, function, strength, independence and safety
· assistance to support independence in personal care activities such as showering and dressing
· assistance to keep up with essential activities such as shopping, banking and maintaining social contacts
If you want further information about HACC at Southcare please contact our office. We also welcome enquiries from volunteers who are keen to assist New Horizons in adopting the Wellness philosophy. Contact Phone: 9450 6233 or email enquiries@southcare.org.au
