Eileen ‘couldn’t do it without Resthaven’s in-home support’
Mrs Eileen Morris has plenty to say about the positive effects of in-home support, and she would know; she has been a client of Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services for 16 years.
Still living independently in her Mount Gambier unit, Eileen first enquired because, ‘I just wanted some cleaning really; mainly the kitchens and bathrooms.’
However, as she explains, ‘Then my health went down rapidly and suddenly – and Resthaven was there.’
‘I started getting help with my shopping, and transport to medical appointments. Then I joined the weekly social group and exercise class.
‘Now, I also get a bit of personal care, along with meal prep. I can’t use my hands properly you see, so staff chop up the food, and put it in containers so I can cook it.’
‘Stacey [Eileen’s regular Home Support Worker] is marvellous. She’s very approachable and understanding; she says little but sees everything, and gets everything done.’
‘Over the years, my needs have increased, and Resthaven have kept up.’
Eileen says, ‘I live on my own in my unit, and my daughters are very, very busy. There’s no way I could be at home without Resthaven’s support.’
As one of the Resthaven’s longest local clients, Eileen was excited to attend the opening of the new Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services office at 13 Penola Road, Mount Gambier, in April.
The new office space is where her exercise class and social group is held, made possible due to the larger space.
‘I do love the exercise class,’ she says. ‘They’re nice simple exercises, you’re not expected to do more than you’re able.’
‘My favourite is hitting balloons with pool noodles, it really encourages your mobility.’
‘At the end of the social group, we always have bingo, and once a month we go on outings.’
‘We’ve been to the Tantanoola Hotel, out on a boat on the Glenn River, watched the Melbourne Cup, and had a scavenger hunt.’
‘So many people don’t realise how much support is out there while you’re living in your own home.’
‘I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to make contact, just have a chat about it. See how comfortable you feel; and you might find that it’s for you.’
‘I’m so grateful to Resthaven. I couldn’t manage without this support.’
Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services opened in 2006 in Naracoorte, with a second office opening in Millicent in 2009. A third outreach office opened on James Street in Mount Gambier in 2019. Due to increased demand, the Mount Gambier team recently moved to a new, larger location at 13 Penola Road.
The team looks forward to continuing to respond to demand in the Limestone Coast for high quality aged care services.
For more information about in-home support services for older people, please click here.