Anglicare service quick on its feet
For more than 20 years, Anglicare has provided specialised support services to Tasmanians who have acquired an injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
Anglicare provides 24-hour care to people living at purpose built facilities in the South, North and North West. It is funded by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB).
‘Lomandra’ in Ulverstone is home to people with complex, future care needs as well as people who are being supported to transition back to independent living.
The Lomandra team swung into action last July to arrange urgent care for an 87-year-old gentleman who lived locally named Rocco.
Rocco had been recovering in hospital from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident four months earlier. The hospital decided to discharge him for his own safety, following a COVID outbreak. It meant Anglicare had 24 hours in which to arrange a place for him to live and the wrap-around supports he needed.
Within that timeframe, Rocco was moved into a spacious, sunny unit at Lomandra. MAIB had arranged the delivery and set up of the equipment that he would need, and a roster of support was in place for the following day.
“It was important that we respond quickly to the situation so that we could set Rocco up for success,” says Service Manager Roxley Anderson.
Rocco’s daughter said she appreciated the thought and care behind Rocco’s arrangements.
Rocco himself was initially very apprehensive:
I had lost my confidence. But it’s been wonderful, the best thing. I’ve gone from better to better.
An experienced traveller and successful small business owner, Rocco loves being around people. He thinks these attributes – combined with the love of his family and support from Anglicare – may have shaped his resilience and openness to this new challenge.
“My ambition is always to move forward,” he says. ”I will miss my unit. Now I will need to retrain my brain to enjoy my home again. I want to spend time in my garden before winter comes.”
Rocco has recently moved home and is making good progress. He will receive personal care and social support from Anglicare as he continues his recovery in the community. He thanked Roxley and the Anglicare team for their support.
More information:
Anglicare’s Acquired Injury Support Services
