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Changing possibilities for ‘in home’ healthcare

Growing demand for better care of Australia’s ageing population has driven Home Support Services (HSS) to expand its service to a national level as it continues to set new benchmarks in the industry.

<p>Virginia Bullock, Home Support Services founder and managing director, says more people are questioning the traditional nursing home pathway and are seeking healthcare options in the home.</p>

Virginia Bullock, Home Support Services founder and managing director, says more people are questioning the traditional nursing home pathway and are seeking healthcare options in the home.

The South Australian in home healthcare services provider, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has reportedly been experiencing double digit growth for the past two years with expectations of further growth as South Australians choose alternative forms of care for themselves or loved ones.

“Our clients are questioning the traditional nursing home pathway and are seeking healthcare options in the home more than the previous generation,” says Virginia Bullock, HSS founder and managing director.

“The demand will only increase and the level of in home healthcare will need to be extremely high to meet the standards consumers are now expecting. The federal government recognises this and is assisting to provide health care in the home,” Ms Bullock adds.

She claims the number of services available in the home has increased significantly over the past few years and will further assist Australians to stay at home longer with the right care.

HSS employs more than 250 people across Australia from registered nurses and personal carers to occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Its services range from assistance with daily living through to complex nursing care, palliative care and rehabilitation after HSS developed Australia’s first 'hospital in the home' program in 1989. HSS now provides in home healthcare and support for more than 8,000 Australians annually.

The organisation continues to set industry benchmarks and is currently developing new services that is expected to dramatically change the possibilities for in home healthcare.

“We are looking to launch a range of new services in the near future that will allow even more people to seek treatment outside of the hospital ward or nursing home,” Ms Bullock says.

“When we started this business the concept of hospital avoidance through nursing in the home was untried. It’s now widely accepted and encouraged. Since we established HSS, I would estimate we’ve assisted more than 200,000 Australians in receiving healthcare in the home.

“That’s the equivalent of 700,000 hospital bed nights we’ve freed up over time in the health system. While the clients benefit from receiving quality healthcare in the comfort of their own home, it also reduces the strain on the health system.”

South Australia remains a core market for HSS, however the larger populations of Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales are providing significant growth.

“We have developed a strong reputation in the provision of aged care programs as well as meeting the needs of private clients,” Ms Bullock says.

“We’re now aiming to capitalise on this expertise, working closely with governments and health providers and continuing to expand our services nationally.”

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