The team at FOCUS includes 10 registered nurses who undertake assessments for people to identify the support they need, and then facilitate access to an appropriate service to provide this support.
FOCUS Manager Myree Ahpene said the team primarily complete assessments in people’s homes to get a better understanding of their situation and the assistance they may need.
“Our co-ordinators spend time with people to see how they live day to day, what family and other community support is available to them, and what would help them to continue to live intheir own homes.”
The team then works with a range of other agencies who provide the services that are needed, including access to information, community support groups, home support, and personal care for things such as showering. Short term breaks for carers, including respite and access to day activities, can also be provided as appropriate. The team co-ordinates referral to aged residential care facilities when this is required.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an extra challenge of doing assessments by phone rather than face to face.
“The contact restrictions have meant the team had to adapt their approach to continue to ensure support was put in place, particularly for people with urgent needs.”
Myree said FOCUS provides a vital link to connect people to services that could make a big difference to their quality of life.
