Most older members of the community want to live at home. Period.
They’re in it for the long haul — overgrown weeds, dust bunnies and cooking in the oven be damned!
However, as the Victorian Seniors Festival unfolds, it serves as a timely reminder of the invaluable community resources and support systems available to seniors.
MHA Care, a not-for-profit organisation based in Yarrawonga, offers a comprehensive range of services to over 1000 seniors living in and around Moira Shire.
Their mission is simple: to provide high-quality home and community care services that allow individuals to live independently, safely and comfortably.
“We provide home care packages under the Commonwealth Home Support Program, respite care, personal care, domestic assistance and property maintenance,” MHA Care chief executive Michael Hogan said.
These services cover almost everything from support undertaking activities of your choice in the home to assisted shopping, Meals on Wheels and planned social activities and outings.
In addition to its wide array of services, what sets MHA Care apart is its commitment to the local community.
“We’re a local not-for-profit that has been around for over 20 years,” Mr Hogan said.
“All our board members live in the Moira Shire, and we try to employ workers from the area as well to ensure everything stays local.”
This ethos of locals supporting locals bolsters the local economy and ensures services are tailored to the community’s needs and preferences.
And if seniors are unsure about their needs or hesitant to ask for help, MHA is just a call and a chat away.
“Get in contact with us — ring our office and find out about our services,” Mr Hogan said.
“We work closely with our clients to provide the services they need or are identified as needing.
“And if they’re unsure, we can give them advice and basic direction to ensure they get the best help.”
For those exploring their options, Mr Hogan said callers were not obligated to choose MHA Care.
The organisation is also willing to work with individuals to arrange services through other providers, including for clients with MHA Care-managed home care packages who wish to use another provider.
According to Mr Hogan, now is a good time for people to review their providers and decide what they want to do.
“With the aged care reforms, significant changes are coming, particularly if a new act goes through parliament, which will come into effect at the start of July next year,” he said.
“Again, if anyone is unsure about what they want to do, they can give us a call.”
Consider MHA Care a steadfast ally, ensuring the golden years are lived with dignity, support and a strong sense of community.
MHA Care is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm at 22 Orr St, Yarrawonga.
For more information about MHA Care and its services, call 5742 1111 or visit mhacare.org.au