Offering care - as and when it’s needed

Kensington resident Lorraine Hodson receives services from RAAFA Connect, the in-home support division of RAAFA, every day. Lorraine, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease earlier this year, receives personal care every morning which includes assistance with showering, and also receives a visit from two carers every evening, except for weekend nights.

As a DVA card holder, Lorraine - just like any other eligible West Australians - is entitled to a range of support services, including domestic assistance, social support, in-home respite and personal care funded through various government subsidises including the Department of Veterans Affairs

“All of the staff from RAAFA Connect are good people and very caring,” says Lorraine. “They are extremely conscientious, and they are always here when they say they’re going to be, give or take 10 minutes. “We are incredibly happy with the service, and are very grateful as I don’t think there’s anything more we could ask for.”

Nurse Manager at RAAFA Connect, Lorraine Sloan, says the focus for RAAFA’s in-home support division is to provide West Australians with the assistance they need in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, whilst helping people in a way that supports them the most. “Our team of carers and support workers are here to help people, and that often includes increasing services as the need arises,” says Lorraine. “With illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease, that can often mean more equipment and support is needed as time goes by, and so our focus is on providing the right level of care, at the right time, whatever that may be.”

RAAFA Connect nurses and support staff work together to improve a person’s ability to stay at home. They do this by listening carefully to the needs required and designing a personalised service that specifically suits an individual’s needs and budget.

For more information, RAAFA Connect can be contacted on 9288 8470 or via connect@raafawa.org.au