Category: Uncategorized

Transport support services support individuals to travel to places they want or need to go to. Restrictions on the travel of seniors can lead to loneliness, which can develop into more serious issues. It might also be the case that seniors need to go to see a doctor or pick up medication and failing to do so could be a major problem. Providers that assist with helping seniors access the community can help them stay connected with the community and prevent the negative effects of loneliness.

At GIHC, our support workers can take clients to doctors appointments, visit family and friends, attend events, go to the pharmacy, go shopping etc. In addition to transport services, we provide companionship & social support, and shopping support so that clients can be accompanied by their support worker and feel at ease at any of these places.

We also have a cab charge card service for clients, so they can have the freedom to travel to any place on their own. We top up individual cab cards for clients and they can simply pay for their trip with that card.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Physiotherapists can help identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems. Perhaps you have fallen recently, are scared of falling, have difficulty walking, not feeling steady, feeling restricted, have pain in muscles/joints, or require rehabilitation. A physiotherapist can help improve wellbeing by reducing painful movement.

A list of activities that physiotherapists can help with:
• Identify and treat various physical ailments
• Designing treatment plans
• implementing therapeutic exercise programs
• utilizing specialist techniques to treat different injuries
• Data collection and analysis
• Report writing
• Interacting with other health professionals such as doctors, therapists, and nurses
• Educate and train patients and carers
• Use the most current industry knowledge and treatments
Gratitude In-Home Care provides Allied health services including Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy.
Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measures need to be put in place, such as non-slip mats in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Dieticians can help with many issues which relate to the food we ingest, or maybe you’re healthy but curious to know what/how you’re eating is right for your health. Here is a list of things dieticians can help with:
• I have High cholesterol.
• I have Digestive issues
• I am always hungry/ I have a lack of appetite
• I often get sick
• I need help with planning meals
• I am tired even with 8+ hours of sleep
• I have difficulty with my weight
• I have a chronic disease. E.g. diabetes, IBS, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, IBD.
• I am unsure what I should be eating
• I have food allergies, gastrointestinal issues.
To find a dietitian, visit dietitians Australia: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/
Visit our blog: http://www.gihc.com.au/blog for more.
For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Your medicines should be reviewed regularly (usually once a year) to check that they are right for you.

When you are first prescribed a medicine, your doctor, pharmacist and/or nurse checks that it is the best medicine for you. However, things can change, for example:
• You might have developed a side effect from the medicine.
• Your health might have changed, such as developing a long-term condition.
• You might have started taking other additional medicines.
• The guidelines for treating your condition might have changed.
• You may be taking a large number of medications (known as “polypharmacy”).
• A medication you are on may be no longer essential for your health day to day.
All of these factors can affect whether a medicine remains the best choice for you.

Falls are Australia’s largest contributor to hospitalised injuries and a leading cause of injury deaths.

• Repair or remove tripping hazards
• Clean up clutter
• Install grab bars and handrails
• Install bright lights
• Stay physically active
• Have your eyes and hearing tested
• Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take
• Get enough sleep.
• Stand up slowly
• Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.
• Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren’t hurt when you fall.

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measures need to be put in place, such as non-slip mats in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

We offer the following services:
• Personal care
• palliative care
• Overnight & 24-hour care
• Respite care
• Medication assistance
• Nursing services
• After hospital care
• Companionship
• Shopping support and meal preparation
• Gardening and home maintenance
• Transport support
• Assistance with household tasks
• Community access
• Allied Health Services

Grief is a natural response to loss. You may experience all kinds of emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and sadness.

The process of grieving a loss is an inevitable part of life, however, there are ways to deal with the pain, come to terms with loss, and eventually, begin to move forward. These are our tips:
1. Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
2. Accept loneliness. However, it’s important not to get too isolated
3. Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
4. Get extra rest. Physical and emotional exhaustion is common. You will need more rest than usual.
5. Set a regular sleep schedule. Make it a goal to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
6. Get up and walk around, preferably outside, at least a little each day.
7. Recognize the difference between grief and depression. Talk to your doctor if you feel it may be depression.
8. Keep structure in your day. Get dressed and eat small, regular meals, even if you are not hungry and not planning on going out.
9. Give yourself time. Accept your feelings and know that grieving is a process.
10. Return to your hobbies. Get back to the activities that bring you joy.

Seek support or professional help If you’re experiencing; persistent intense feelings of sadness and despair, feelings of hollowness, feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of harming yourself.
Seek help lines:
• Lifeline offer 24-hour crisis support – 13 11 14
• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement — bereavement counselling and support services. Call 1800 642 066.
• MensLine Australia — 24 hours, 7 days. Call 1300 78 99 78.
• If you need to know more about grief, and to get advice on what to do next, you can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week

Visit our blog: http://www.gihc.com.au/blog for more.
For information about our services visit our website, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Studies show that pets, in particular dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health.
• Increasing exercise
• Providing companionship.
• Helping you meet new people
• Reducing anxiety.
• Adding structure and routine to your day

Visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au. Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measures need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

After understanding non-verbal communication types and techniques, you will be able to communicate more effectively with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. The use of body language can help reduce the risk of confusion, agitation, and frustration.
It important that we adapt our communication to match the ability of the person with dementia so they understand as much as possible what we’re trying to communicate.

Non-verbal communication types:

1. Facial expressions

2. Body movements and posture

3. Gestures

4. Eye contact

5. Touch

6. Space

7. Voice

Non-verbal communication techniques:

1. Be patient and calm

2. Keep voice, face, and body relaxed and positive

3. Be consistent

4. Make eye contact and respect personal space

5. Use gentle touch to reassure

6. Observe their nonverbal reactions

There are three types of aged care funding models:

• Home Care Packages (HCP): This funding model is designed to meet the needs of any individuals, ranging from low level needs to high levels needs with package levels 1 to 4.

• Self-funded: Seniors have the option to pay for the services they receive entirely from their own pocket. Self-funding is for individuals that are not eligible for a home care package, or they are waiting for their home care package to be made available.

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): This funding model is designed for seniors who have very low-level needs, around 2-4 hours of services requires each fortnight. Recipients of CHSPs may only use this funding on specific allocated services.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

The Federal government has promised that a pay increase for aged care workers is on the cards. They are aware that aged care work is undervalued and that needs to be changed.

This pay rise will help with the workforce shortages by helping to attract more staff and help providers retain quality staff.

This pay rise could increase the minimum wage by $5 an hour, however the federal government has not confirmed how much exactly at this stage.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au