The vital role of a Social Worker in aged care.
“Many people think that aged care is only delivered once a resident is living at HBH, but we believe it needs to start much earlier than that,” says Juliette Tuckey, CEO of HBH Group. “Deciding when to move into a more supported living situation is a life-changing decision. In some cases, the decision is made for you; for example, if you’re hospitalised following a fall or illness which means you can no longer cope at home.”
“For the person involved and their family, this time can be extremely stressful. Beyond the emotional challenges, various administrative processes within the health system must be navigated before someone comes into care,” she continues. “At HBH, we recognise that this is a time when care and advice are essential, and that’s where our Social Worker, Jenny Moore, steps in.”
As HBH’s Social Worker for the past 23 years, Jenny is the first point of contact for prospective residents or families enquiring about living at HBH. She aims to provide a warm, welcoming and compassionate service.
“Many people have little idea where to start or what is involved,” explains Jenny. “Families are often dealing with a very difficult situation, and I try to listen and support them to make the right decisions.”
“Once the level of care has been assessed (rest home or hospital), Jenny spends time taking the resident and their family through the next steps: explaining how financial subsidies work, helping with paperwork and any medical information required, answering any questions – and importantly, giving them a guided tour of their new home. “I find it very rewarding to assist residents and their families at this time,” says Jenny. “Especially when I see how happy our residents are once they’ve made the move.”
Here to help, here to care
A key aspect of Jenny’s role is providing ongoing support for residents once they have moved into HBH. “We have a saying at HBH – ‘our residents don’t live in our workplace; we work in their home’. So an important part of what I do once they’ve been admitted is to help them settle into their new home and to make sure they know that I’m here to help. If they feel a bit overwhelmed or worried, we’ll sit down with a cup of tea and chat—it can make all the difference in those early days.”
As a faith-based, charitable organisation that embraces the Eden Alternative philosophy of care, a dedicated social worker is just one part of HBH’s commitment to providing excellent, holistic care. Residents have access to an in-house gym, physiologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, as well as a range of social activities to help them keep active, meet people and learn new skills.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to work in a job that I love, and to make a difference in the lives of others,” reflects Jenny. “HBH really goes the extra mile to ensure our residents live full, active and purposeful lives and it’s a privilege to be a part of that.”