Deaf Connect commences Ageing Well Services in Victoria to address the increasing needs of Deaf Seniors.

After extensive community consultation, Deaf Connect is pleased to announce the Victorian launch of its Ageing Well program for Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing seniors. A comprehensive Auslan-delivered Home Care Package under the My Aged Care program will now be available for Deaf seniors in Victoria

In late 2023, Deaf Connect commenced an extensive consultation process with the Victorian Deaf community and received numerous Expressions of Interest. This highlighted the demand for Home Care Packages to meet increasing care needs.

Deaf Connect General Manager for Ageing Well, Dr. Leena Vuorinen, stated that for seniors with growing support requirements, consolidating all services under one Home Care Provider will improve access and simplify their daily lives.

“Ageing Well is an approved provider of in-home care for seniors, funded under the Federal Government’s Home Care Package program,” Dr. Vuorinen says.

“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

Chief Services Officer, Brent Phillips, stated that the program fulfils the need for higher-level care in Victoria, enabling Deaf seniors to maintain their independence and contribution to the Deaf community.

“We’ve worked closely with Deaf Victorians to meet their increasing needs and deliver tailored care in their first language. We want to make sure that seniors can stay in their homes for longer,” Mr Phillips says.

“Our commitment is to ensure that every Deaf senior can age with dignity and remain connected to their language, identity, and community. This way, we can promote their independence, nurture their social connections, and ensure they sustain a high quality of life.”

“From understanding the available options to undergoing assessment for a support package, Deaf Connect guides community members through government processes that are often not tailored to their access needs.”

“Families can be confident that their loved ones are receiving care from a provider that understands their identity, language, and community.”

–  Brent Phillips, Chief Services Officer | Deaf Connect

Deaf Connect’s Ageing Well service is currently offered in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, and now Victoria. This program is for Deaf Australians eligible for the My Aged Care Home Care Package program, who are 65 years and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples).

A local event for the Deaf Community will be held on Thursday 19 September to officially launch the service – more information will be available soon.