More support for Gippsland seniors

Newborough senior Sylvia McGregor says without support from Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) – she would need to move into aged care. 

Sylvia is one of 120 Gippsland seniors who access home care packages (HCPs), carer support and health and wellbeing services from not-for-profit organisation VMCH – which opened its newest office in Moe on August 21.

Sylvia, aged 70, said arthritis in her lower spine, hips and shoulders, emphysema and frequent chest infections made it impossible to complete daily household tasks.  For the last five years, a HCP has helped Sylvia remain living independently at home, covering the cost of a house cleaner, gardener and window cleaner, as well as funding weekly visits to a local social group and items to keep her comfortable at home, like a recliner.

“We’re only on a pension and have no savings, so we could never afford the services on our own,” Sylvia said. “It’s really wonderful – I can’t explain how helpful it is.  I’d have to go to a nursing home without the help as Peter (my husband) couldn’t look after me on his own.”  

VMCH Case Manager Rui Santos said many locals had already popped into the office to enquire about extra support for themselves, or for their parents.

“Having a presence in Moe is great because we are a local base for people to visit and seek support, and we have great knowledge of local services.  People can either come to us when they’ve been assigned a HCP from My Aged Care (Government agency) or we can help guide them through that approval process.”

Allied Health services including occupational therapy and podiatry and carer support are also provided.

The VMCH Community Services Moe office is located at 44B George St.  

Call 1300 650 615 to find out more.