Club Connect
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- Created on Friday, 19 December 2014 14:03
Club Connect Illawarra was officially opened at theAlbion Park Rail location
The service began as the Beryl Lewis Day Care Centre in View Street Lake Illawarra in 1991, and was set up to provide interesting and fun activities for older people, and respite for their carers. This wonderful community service has been operating continuously for the past 23 years.
Club Connect Illawarra provides respite five days per week for approximately 40 clients. Over recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the percentage of clients who have dementia, from 55% in June 2009 to 78% in June 2013. The care needs of clients have also increased. “Some of our clients may consider a transition to residential care in the future and we believe the move to locate Club Connect Illawarra services to the care home makes the transition much easier for our customers” says Ian McClintock Executive Manager Community Services at Warrigal.
The new service model (integration within the residential care home) allows for more one-on-one care and can also deliver on individualised programs to meet the different needs of each participant. This approach is consistent with the governments new initiatives for consumer directed care, and Warrigal’s philosophy of individual consumer choice.
Customers now have a greater opportunity to choose the type of activities they want to participate in. Some examples of these include - shared bus trips, shared entertainment, meals, church services, craft groups, reminiscing, casual interaction between residents and clients, renewal of friendships, access to on-site hairdressing, café, and physiotherapy.
“Ultimately this new approach delivers a service which aligns very well with Warrigal’s philosophy of choice for all our customers. It gives us a great opportunity to encourage older people to be independent, respected, happy and connected. Our Club Connect staff can work with our clients to genuinely create an inspiring community where older people can be themselves.” said Ian.