Wellness approach

 

Wellness is an attitude of mind and a way of working that promotes healthy, sustainable, independent living for all within Silver Chain.

Silver Chain achieves this by:

  • Working in partnership with clients, carers and the community to enhance wellbeing
  • Nurturing staff by engaging mind, body and spirit
  • Embracing a model of care that promotes enjoyment in life and empowers all people.

What is the Wellness Approach?

Home and Community Care (HACC) WA has adopted the concept of a Wellness Approach and in response to this Silver Chain has reshaped the way we deliver our services.

This way of working also expands on the success of our Home Independence Program by using the principles of promoting and maintaining independence to support clients who are eligible for a HACC service. 

  • It is a way of working with clients that supports them stay in control of their own lives and continue to do what they are able
  • It looks at clients abilities not just their disabilities and how they can be supported to improve their physical, emotional and social well being
  • All clients are respected and valued and we recognise that everyone should have the opportunity to be as active as they can and continue to be part of their local community.

What does the Wellness Approach mean for staff and clients?

  • Knowing our clients

All clients are individuals with their own stories to tell. In order to understand fully who they are and what they need to lead fulfilling and active lives, all clients will receive a face to face assessment.

  • Planning in partnership with our clients

We will work alongside our clients, their carers and families to plan what support is required to enable them to maintain their independence and work towards their personal goals.

  • Giving our clients the chance to do things for themselves.

As caring people, we may be tempted to step in and help someone that we think is struggling with a task. The more we do for them, the more reliant they will become on us. We will actively encourage our clients to do as much for themselves as possible. For those people who can’t cope with some tasks we will support them to prevent further decline in their abilities.

The Australian Government is fully committed to these principles and has developed physical activity recommendations specifically for older Australians.

“Older Australians: Should do some form of physical activity – no matter what their age, weight, health problems or abilities; specific examples of physical activity include… moderate fitness activities such as brisk walking, vacuuming.
Strength activities such as carrying groceries, moderate yard work or taking the stairs instead of the lift;” (Minister for Ageing, March 2009).

How Wellness benefits people in our community

  • Encourages regaining or maintaining independence 
  • Promotes positive mental and physical health
  • Clients make their own decisions about their support needs
  • Experience a sense of achievement
  • Potential to remain longer in their own home if that is their preference.

If you have any questions, or would like someone to assess if you are eligible for HACC services,  please call our Contact Centre on 9242 0242.

For more information on this please download the HACC and Community West publication: 'Wellness Approach To Community HomeCare Information Booklet'.