Support for independence

At seventy-nine years old, Olivia is living with several physical ailments, including peripheral neuropathy. Caused by damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral neuropathy can result in a wide range of challenging symptoms from burning and stabbing pain to loss of coordination and balance, to problems with mobility.

In addition, Olivia also suffers from continence issues. All of which contribute to, and are compounded by, her depression and agoraphobia. These conditions make even the most basic everyday tasks a significant challenge.

Living in social isolation, with no local support and her nearest relative several hours away, Olivia’s mental and physical health was at risk of continuing to decline. She clearly needed intensive support, but she was unable to access services without significant help.

Happily, Olivia was referred to Advanced care finder for support.

Catherine, one of our Case Coordinators met with Olivia in her home to discuss her circumstances. They worked together to develop a case plan that reflected Olivia’s goals and needs.

Over the following months, Catherine supported Olivia to reach her goals by organising aged care services in her home and attending GP appointments with her. By joining Olivia at her GP appointments, Catherine was able to help her discuss the health issues that she’d been previously unable to bring up.

This led to referrals to specialist clinics to address continence and mobility concerns, and treatment to assist with sleeping and depression. Catherine also supported Olivia in exploring housing options closer to her family and assisted her in making an application for the Victorian Housing Register.

With Catherine’s support, Olivia has been able to improve many aspects of her life that would have continued to deteriorate without help.

With the Advanced care finder team’s assistance, Olivia has maintained her health and social supports, and reports feeling far less isolated. Her symptoms of depression and insomnia had improved, and Olivia had an enthusiastic focus on working toward relocating to be closer to her family.

Should this happen, Catherine will assist Olivia to connect and engage with supports in her new community.

Advanced care finder supports people to access aged care services or other supports in their local community so that they can thrive.

*At CatholicCare Victoria, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. Names and images have been changed to protect clients’ privacy.