Improving Aged Care Support from July 1st

The Gladstone Community Linking Agency (GCLA) has recently received additional funding from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to enhance aged care services in the Gladstone Region. This funding aims to address the increasing demand for aged care support in the area. GCLA will utilise the funding to provide a range of services, including CHSP overnight Cottage Respite, Flexible in-home Respite, Day Centre Respite, Nursing, and Allied Health Therapy services in the Fitzroy Aged Care Planning Region in Queensland.

Furthermore, the Department has granted one-time funding for the renovation of the Port Curtis RnR Centre and the implementation of Care at Home Smart Home Assistive Technology Alarms. These investments enable GCLA to expand its aged care services and establish clinical and allied health services. The primary objective is to enable seniors to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for a longer duration.

The overnight Cottage Respite service, funded through the CHSP, is scheduled to launch on July 1. This addition is particularly significant as there is a high demand for this type of respite in the local community. GCLA, as the only true local not-for-profit provider of Disability and Aged Care services in the Gladstone Region since 1977, is committed to supporting carers and ensuring they can continue their caring role for extended periods through planned respite services.

The Port Curtis Respite Centre currently operates from Tuesday to Friday, providing seniors aged 65 and above with a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can participate in social and recreational activities and enjoy delicious meals. Additionally, GCLA offers Home Care Packages to individuals residing in Gladstone, Turkey Beach, Miriam Vale, and Agnes Water.

The allocation of additional funding allows GCLA to expand its Aged Care services, complementing the existing Home Care Packages with the establishment of clinical nursing and allied health services. This holistic approach aims to support seniors in their evolving needs, fostering their well-being, and enabling them to age in place. Jenni, the CEO of GCLA, expressed her enthusiasm for the grant, emphasising how it will facilitate timely access to local clinicians through the rollout of nursing and allied health services.

To further enhance their services, GCLA is actively exploring local sponsorship opportunities to acquire three hybrid vehicles for their upcoming mobile nursing and allied health service, thus ensuring efficient and convenient care delivery.

Mike’s passion for gardening led him to start volunteering at the Port Curtis Centre in the Aged Care Industry after retiring at the age of 60. For over three years, he tended to the gardens at Eden Vale before meeting the previous PC RnR Coordinator, Leonie, about four years ago. Since then, he has added his own brand of love and care to the gardens at Port Curtis, making a positive impact on the community.

When asked about his favourite part of volunteering at Port Curtis, Mike shared that it wasn’t just the gardening that brought him joy. It was also the connections and relationships he formed with the customers and staff. For Mike, volunteering was a way to give back to the community and build meaningful connections with others.

Mike’s humility and kindness shine through in his dedication to volunteering. He takes great pride in what he does and gives his all to the gardens and the people he interacts with. Mike’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, as both the staff and customers appreciate his time and passion. The Gladstone Community Linking Agency (GCLA) recognises how fortunate they are to have someone like Mike giving back to their gardens.

Mike’s story is an inspiring example of the positive impact that volunteering can have on both the volunteer and the community they serve. His selflessness and generosity serve as a reminder of the importance of giving back to our communities. Without the support of volunteers like Mike, many community organisations would struggle to provide the services and programs that make a difference in people’s lives.

In the end, Mike’s story is one of dedication, generosity, and compassion. He has shown that volunteering isn’t just about giving back, but also about receiving joy and fulfillment from making a positive impact on the lives of others. For that, we can all be grateful.