Free program could improve your health
COVID-19 has made many things more difficult, but health support with Feros Care isn’t one of them.
Regardless of your goals – whether you’re looking to manage your health from home, improve your confidence, get more active, improve your health knowledge, or simply become more social – those of us at Feros Care are here to support you.
We’re a not-for-profit organisation supporting people to live healthier, better-connected, fulfilled lives through aged care services. Our Staying Healthy Living Well program is free to access and perfect for those looking for more help in becoming healthier in every sense of the word.
“We’ve all got to look after our health in the best way possible, and everyone wants to stay in their own home as long as possible,” says SJ Roberts, a Registered Nurse in our Community Services team. “We take a very holistic view of understanding and accepting that there are many ways to treat a client, and we want everyone to utilize what’s on offer to them to keep them comfortable and happy.”
See how you can benefit from the program in three key ways:
1. Discover the health benefits
You will be provided with easy-to-use technology, including a tablet, internet connection, devices to measure blood pressure and other vital signs. Don’t worry, you’ll also receive training to use this technology; this enables you to feel more in-control of your health while you also become more confident with the techy side of things.
Your results will be privately and securely transmitted to your dedicated Telehealth Nurse. The results will be discussed at your 1:1 health coaching sessions, along with your health education and goals; but if anything abnormal arises, your GP is alerted.
This might also give peace of mind to your family, knowing that vital signs are being monitored daily; and the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is reduced as you’re receiving high quality health support all from the comfort of your own home.
Previous clients that have participated in Staying Healthy Living Well have experienced better weight management, improved mood, improved confidence in managing their health among many other positive things.
One of these clients was 82-year-old Dorothy, who shared an added benefit was getting to know so much more about technology. “It’s funny, I would say that I am more confident in using the technology because I got to use it every day!” she said. “But I loved the 1:1 coaching sessions because it was my chance to ask questions. People were so helpful and patient with me.”
2. Join a community and access group health sessions
We know 2020 hasn’t been the most social year for most people, especially socially isolated seniors. Thankfully, through this program, you’ll have access to group health literacy sessions to meet other supportive participants and learn more about managing your health.
You’ll also have unlimited access to Feros Care’s Virtual Social Centre (VSC) [link: https://www.feroscare.com.au/virtual-social-centre/aged-care], a vibrant online community featuring everything from book clubs, arts and crafts, language classes and so much more.
“It turned out to be very inspirational for me. I’m a bit on the lazy side and I will put off going for a walk, you know. I think it gave me a structure to work around and I had a daily routine,” Dorothy confirmed. “When I start to feel off, I now know why, and I have the remedies.”
3. Reap the holistic rewards!
It’s not just about gaining a better understanding of your health conditions. You might also:
- Learn more about the lifestyle factors that may affect your overall health and wellbeing
- Feel more confident in managing your health conditions, with the support of your GP and health care professionals
- Become more confident with technology
- Discover a whole new world of social connection.
“There are a lot of people who would benefit from this program,” Dorothy confirms. “It’s just showing yourself how to better look after yourself and that makes such a huge difference, doesn’t it.”
Interested? Find out more about eligibility:
To be eligible for the Staying Healthy Living Well Program, it’s pretty simple; you must be 65 years or over (or 50 years for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander peoples) , and live in Central, Eastern or Southern Sydney, and have one or more of the following:
- A desire to improve your health
- An existing health conditions
- A newly-diagnosed condition
- Recently been in hospital
- You’re a carer who would benefit from support to look after your own health
And yes! The program really is FREE. This program is funded by the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN). Telehealth services and all equipment required for health monitoring, including internet connection, are provided to you at no cost.