In celebration of Victorian Seniors Month, Deaf Connect has announced the state launch of its Ageing Well program for Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing Seniors.
As part of the program, a comprehensive Auslan-delivered Home Care Package under the My Aged Care program will now be available for Deaf seniors in Victoria.
In late 2023, Deaf Connect commenced an extensive consultation process with the Victorian Deaf community – through which their interest in the program was made clear.
The expressions of interest for services throughout the process highlighted the demand for Home Care Packages to meet increasing care needs.
Deaf Connect General Manager for Ageing Well, Dr Leena Vuorinen, said that for seniors with growing support requirements, consolidating all services under one Home Care Provider will simplify care access in their daily lives.
“Ageing Well is an approved provider of in-home care for seniors, funded under the Federal
Government’s Home Care Package program,” Dr Vuorinen says.
“The program offers a tailored package of services for a wide range of needs, from personal care, daily activities, and social connections, to home safety and maintenance. This is particularly relevant to Deaf seniors who expect their care needs to change over time.
“The major driver for Ageing Well is to provide access to Home Care that celebrates Deaf identity and values our client’s autonomy. The Home Care Program is provided directly in Auslan with an understanding of Deaf culture, providing compassionate care and empowering clients to feel valued and understood.”
Deaf Connect Chief Services Officer, Brent Phillips said the program fulfils the need for
higher-level care in Victoria, enabling Deaf seniors to maintain their independence and connection to the Deaf community.
“We’ve worked closely with Deaf Victorians to meet their increasing needs and deliver tailored care in their first language. We want to make sure that seniors can stay in their homes for longer,” Mr Phillips says.
“Our commitment is to ensure that every Deaf senior can age with dignity and remain connected to their language, identity, and community. This way, we can promote their independence, nurture their social connections, and ensure they sustain a high quality of life.
“From understanding the available options to undergoing assessment for a support package, Deaf Connect guides community members through government processes that are often not tailored to their access needs.
“Families can be confident that their loved ones are receiving care from a provider that understands their identity, language, and community.”
Deaf Connect’s Ageing Well service is currently offered in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and now Victoria. This program is for Deaf Australians eligible for the My Aged Care Home Care Package, who are 65 years and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples).
A morning tea for the Deaf Community will be held on Thursday 10 October to officially launch the service.
- Date: 10 October 2024
- Time: 10am – 12pm
- Location: Level 3, 20 Otter Street, Melbourne Polytechnic, Collingwood Campus
To register visit Eventbrite.
See what’s on for Victorian Seniors by visiting our Australian Seniors News events calendar here.
