Pre- and post-operative care with a detour to see the sights of Brisbane might seem unusual, but that’s exactly what occurred when Mercy Community stepped in to help an elderly Rockhampton man in need.
Mercy Community is currently supporting Mr Lu, 81, to live independently in his own home with a home care package tailored to meet his specific needs.
However, with no family available to provide the help he needed for surgery in Brisbane, the Rockhampton team quickly swung into action to link Mr Lu up with Mercy Community’s Brisbane service, assigning his case to community care worker Frances Roberts.
As Mr Lu is Cantonese and has limited spoken English, Ms Roberts downloaded a translation app to be able to communicate with him at the airport and to support him during his surgery.
Mercy Community’s Stacey Hudson, State Manager Aged Care Community Services, said: “Frances really provided exceptional care for Mr Lu. She studied his care plan beforehand and made sure she knew everything about his needs before he arrived.”
“She met him at the airport and stayed with him the whole time. There were hiccups with his paperwork, so she helped him to complete the six documents needed to gain permission for him to fly home, communicating with the hospital, doctors, and the airlines.
“Mr Lu’s visit was supposed to be for two nights only, but it ended up being four nights and Frances stayed with him the whole way through the operation, helping and translating for him while making sure he was comfortable and safe.
“They even had time to go to Mt Coot-Tha to look at the view and had lunch. Mr Lu was very excited about his full tour of the city as he’d never been to Brisbane before.
“This is what makes being a support carer with Mercy Community’s home care service so rewarding, you can really make a difference to the lives of vulnerable elderly people like Mr Lu who, unfortunately, did not have any family to assist him at this time.”
Though their paths have now diverged, Mr Lu’s adventure to the city proves that in even the most unusual circumstances, compassionate care and kindness are key to making great connections.
The primary benefits of staying at home longer as people age is the preservation of independence and autonomy, Mrs Hudson said.
“Our home care services can empower seniors to maintain control over their lives, as they are able to make choices about their daily routines, schedules, and preferred activities.
“Research has shown that being in a familiar and comfortable environment can enhance recovery times from illnesses and surgeries. And we know that a little help is sometimes all that’s needed to keep you independent in your home and involved in what’s most important to you.
Mercy Community Home Care services include but are not limited to domestic care, health and wellness, personal assistance, social and transport, nursing and clinical care, equipment aids and home modifications. These services can be offered via government funding or on fee for service offering.
Mercy Community presently offers home care services in Brisbane, Moreton Bay region and Rockhampton and services will soon expand to Townsville.
“Home Care provides services tailored to individual needs, wants and goals.”
“We have many seniors who are savouring their independence, improved physical health and meaningful connections through our personalised and compassionate home care services.
If home care is no longer appropriate, Mercy Community also provides residential aged care in Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville.
“We can also assist families to support their parents in their transition to residential aged care facilities, when the time comes.”
“This can often be a difficult time for families, but we are here to provide the support you need at the right time.”
