Home is where the heart wants to be with RSL LifeCare

Dorothy Dougherty and husband Bill have made a lifetime of memories bringing up their nine children in Grafton, and, with the help of RSL LifeCare, there will be many more good times in the warmth of their own home.

The couple, who have over 30 grandchildren, more than 50 great grandchildren, and recently welcomed their first great great grandchild, are choosing to remain, ‘ageing in place’, in the sanctity and freedom of familiar surroundings.

RSL LifeCare offers quality home care services for seniors that enable them to live at home confidently with the assistance of support workers who can help with day-to-day tasks as well as health and home nursing support.

They are an approved provider of government-subsidised packages, and also offer a comprehensive and complete range of private home care solutions.

Dorothy has been a client of RSL LifeCare for two and a half years. She receives help with personal hygiene and has access to nursing care and nursing reviews.

Now, Dorothy gets assistance with showering seven days a week.

“I’m glad to see them come because when we started, we only had five days of showers and I was doing the weekend,” Bill said.

“Come Monday, Dot used to say, I’m glad it’s Monday – they are so much better than you.”

These days, the couple looks forward to starting every day with an assisted 8am shower for Dorothy.

Ideally, most older Australians would choose to spend their later years in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar reminders of the life they have built.

Family members and the Australian government also see the benefits of people continuing to live at home throughout the ageing process, rather than moving into residential aged care.

The ability to stay at home can’t be overstated for the Doughertys.

“It just means so much – I don’t want to go into care,” Dorothy said.

“It’s such a help for me, and I look forward to having them do what I need.”

Along with showering, the RSL LifeCare support workers help Dorothy with her personal care, keep an eye on any potential health issues and partner with other health professionals as needed.

The service can assist with additional items such as continence aids, equipment and even prepare meals, which is crucial to keeping Dorothy at home and comfortable.

Knowing they have professional backup with support workers checking on them and personal attention each day gives Bill and Dorothy confidence.

“I’ve noticed the carers are more observant than I am and pick up things that I miss,” Bill said.

“They’re all very supportive and friendly too.”

Over time, friendships develop between clients and the support workers, and Dorothy describes her support worker, Kim, as the couple’s “number one”.

“She’s a real character, I’m very fond of her,” she said.

The couple would definitely recommend RSL LifeCare to other people.

“We’ve had a lot of experience with aged care ourselves with other people and being involved in aged care committees, and we know that home’s much better,” Bill said.

“Our experience has proved and reassured us we are in good care.”

RSL LifeCare has been a trusted presence in aged care since 1911 as one of Australia’s leading not-for-profit care providers, assisting both seniors and veterans.

Their team of committed professionals are always striving for the best outcomes for their clients and families.

Registered nurse and RSL LifeCare support worker, Tara Kiley, has been working with people with cognitive decline and other age-related mental and physical health issues for 20 years.

“We visit lots of clients at their home each day, and it’s always different. It’s nice to get to know them and have lots of variety.

“We’re always prepared for different situations, as care needs do change from person to person,” Tara said.

One of her clients, Louise Hamad, is dealing with cognitive decline and memory issues, but this has not diminished her natural cheeky spark and outgoing personality.

This is in large part due to the consistent, thorough help she receives from RSL LifeCare.

“A nurse comes every day to make sure I’m alive and make sure I take my medication,” Louise said with a wink.

Tara said Louise’s level of care has been adapted several times over the last couple of years to meet her changing needs.

“Louise started out on an eight-week program with us, and that got her used to it,” Tara said.

“It then transitioned into an ongoing care package.

“We realised she needed more help at home to keep her here, so we asked for a clinical re-assessment which resulted in her receiving a higher level of care, due to her declining cognition.”

Along with her daily check-in with a nurse, Louise is helped by the service to do a weekly grocery shop and looks forward to being taken to her art therapy class as well as the Forget Me Nots Choir.

“I do different things, I keep myself busy. I don’t want to go into care, I want to be here at home,” Louise said.

“It’s very important to me as I have a son with a slight disability, and he’s still at home, so I’d rather be here with him.

“I feel comfortable, I’ve got my dog Bowie, and I just like the peace and quiet.

“I would recommend RSL LifeCare to others in my situation. They’re good people,” she said.

This level of consistent, quality care really alleviates the pressure on family members too.

Louise’s sister Deirdre says it gives her peace of mind to see her sister being looked after so well after a life of kindness, giving and devotion as a foster carer.

Deirdre is kept in the loop if any issues arise or there is something she can help with. Having the support and regular updates from the RSL LifeCare team means that when she’s with Louise, it’s truly quality time.

“Basically, they get the schedule for her and then I ring Louise and she puts it in her diary.”

Louise receives daily visits from one of three nurses on rotation.

“She knows the girls are coming, she knows who’s coming, she knows their names.

“I say their names and she says Oh yeah, they’re really nice,” Deirdre said.

“She’s happy.”

The Nurses, Clinical Team and Care Coordinator also liaise with the GP. So if there are any changes in Louise’s medication, they can action the updates and inform Deirdre.

“It’s a good service, they’re all nice and approachable. We wouldn’t change it.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Deirdre said.

Having a dedicated Care Coordinator ensures the individual’s needs are being supported. The RSL LifeCare Coordinator interacts with support workers, clinical teams and other health services to ensure the care is just right for the client and that the standards are being met.

Arranging Home Care with RSL LifeCare is easy. Just give the team a call on 1300 853 146 and they’ll guide you through the process.

You can choose privately funded services, or talk to the team about government-subsidised options too.

The government-subsidised Home Care Packages will be replaced by a new Support at Home program from July 1, 2025. The RSL LifeCare team has all the information you’ll need to know, and you can learn more here: rsllifecare.org.au/home-care