In response to the aged care reforms, and the introduction of the Support at Home program, Wintringham strengthened its social work services to ensure clients continue to receive support with the complex issues that affect their wellbeing and independence.
While Wintringham has long provided allied health services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, this year we expanded and refocused our offering to focus solely on social work, extending support to clients receiving Support at Home services. The initiative recognises that many older people face challenges that cannot be addressed through care services alone, including housing insecurity, financial hardship, mental health concerns, family issues and difficulties navigating service systems.
Since January, Wintringham's dedicated team social workers has received more than 170 referrals, reflecting strong demand for specialist support across our services.
Home Support Projects Manager, Tracey Wegner, said the expansion was an important response to changing aged care arrangements.
"As care management services become more targeted under aged care reforms, we recognised the need to strengthen our social work capability to ensure clients continue to receive support with the broader issues affecting their lives," Ms Wegner said.
"In just a few months, our social workers have supported clients experiencing homelessness, elder abuse and financial hardship, assisting with housing applications, advocacy, financial counselling referrals and access to practical supports. The team is helping older people navigate complex circumstances and remain safe, secure and connected to their communities."