Deaf Connect has now officially launched Ageing Well services in Victoria!

To celebrate, we held an event on Thursday, 10 October 2024. It was a fantastic opportunity to come together with the Victorian Deaf community, and also provided a chance for Deaf seniors to meet Deaf Connect staff. Seniors in Victoria now have access to Ageing Well’s Home Care Packages, which are delivered in Auslan to respect their cultural identity and maintain their independence and wellbeing at home. Check out our video recap in the 76th Edition of the Tap here.

A number of Deaf Connect Executive Team Members and Ageing Well staff were thrilled to attend the launch. This included Deaf Connect CEO, Brett Casey,  Chief Services Officer, Brent Phillips, General Manager for Ageing Well,  Dr Leena Vuorinen, and Ageing Well Victoria Support Planner, Simon Andersson.  Our team celebrated with members of the community and representatives including the Victoria Service Division—Ageing and Aged Care Group, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

“…Consolidating support services under one home care provider simplifies care access in Deaf seniors’ daily lives.

The program offers a tailored package of services for a wide range of needs, from personal care, daily activities, and social connections, to home safety and maintenance. This is particularly relevant to Deaf seniors who expect their care needs to change over time.

The major driver for Ageing Well is to provide access to Home Care that celebrates Deaf identity and values our client’s autonomy. The Home Care Program is provided directly in Auslan with an understanding of Deaf culture, providing compassionate care and empowering clients to feel valued and understood.” 

– Dr Leena Vuorinen, General Manager | Ageing Well

Deaf Connect’s Ageing Well service is currently offered in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and now Victoria. With 5 support planners and 50 permanent and casual support workers, the Ageing Well team is excited to provide Home Care Package services to Victorians for the first time.  

Specific supports are client-led, but can include: 

• Assistance with household chores, laundry, and shopping 
• Arranging transportation for social outings, shopping, and appointments 
• Providing support with personal care tasks 
• Facilitating social connections such as outings and local community engagement 

For any information enquiries related to Ageing Well services in Victoria, please contact the Victoria Ageing Well Support Planner, Simon Andersson at [email protected].  

For other general Ageing Well enquiries, visit our website at: https://deafconnect.org.au/services/ageing-well