New role builds connections

10 April 2018

10 Apr 2018

VMCH’s Community Services team has extended its reach to support seniors in metro and regional Victoria with the appointment of four new roles.

Since December, Community Development Officers (CDOs) have been busy getting to know service providers and residents in their respective communities (Metro Melb, Western, Northern and South East Victoria) and ensuring local seniors know help is at hand. They will organise local information sessions on aged care and home care packages, form relationships with service providers such as GPs, and try to identify gaps in local support needs.

CDO Fredricka Gonsalves, who previously supported carers as a VMCH Community Engagement Case Manager, said she was excited about the new role.

“I know it may sound cliché but seeing the positive impacts that we make to families, whether it be carers or the individuals who need support living independently at home, is what I love most about my job.”

Fredricka said she hoped to change seniors’ lives for the better through her work as a CDO.

“Speaking from experience, I’ve found many people are unaware of the services available for older people to remain living at home, so I feel educating them and their families is important. We are fortunate at Villa Maria Catholic Homes to offer such a variety of supports to clients and work with them to tailor the services around their needs.”

VMCH Community Services include:

Allied health and therapy
Carer and home support
Lifestyle and respite services
Home Care Packages
Post hospital and nursing support

More news articles in Disability Services

View all

Austin Street farewell marks a new chapter for Paul

New social enterprise cafe in Nunawading

Social enterprises and businesses step-up for people with disability

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Specialist Support Coordinator George helps people navigate NDIS

NDIS Support Coordination helps Theresa pursue her passion

Geoff feels at home at Cre8

Specialist school St Paul’s College the place for Alex

Opening the door to employment for people with disability

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.