While COVID-19 has changed the way some Home Support services work, more than 1000 people living in Warrnambool are continuing to receive support services from the Warrnambool City Council at a time when many need it the most.
Council provides domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance, meals on wheels, social support and respite to help people to be independent at home and in the community.
Importantly, these services have been maintained throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with extra precautions in place.
All staff have completed online COVID-19 training, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and maintain physical distance wherever possible.
Other practical initiatives, such as pre-packaging Meals on Wheels at the distribution centre rather than at the Meals on Wheels centre to reduce handling, have been implemented.
The Home Support Team has also been conducting welfare checks on all clients in Council's system who have suspended services due to COVID-19 to ensure that they are still being supported.
Barbara Douris and her husband Niko receive Meals on Wheels, home support and shopping assistance.
Community Support Worker Anne Hulands has been with Council for 19 years and as well as helping Barbara and Niko stay independent in their own home, she's a friendly face they can rely on during these tough times.
"It's very good to know that no matter how I'm feeling, Ann will be there on a Tuesday to get me through whatever's bothering me," Barbara said.
"We keep our distance and she wears gloves. She adheres to all of the regulations that if everyone in Victoria followed, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in at the moment.
"Apart from four or five doctor's appointments I haven't left the house for four months since we were told not to.
"Niko used to go to Archie to play bowls and we used to go to exercise class there on a Monday.
"I have a daughter who lives here in Warrnambool and she's a school teacher so she doesn't want to bring any germs into the house.
"She goes and pays bills for us and things and she loves the fact that I can rely on Ann for things at home."
New Home Support clients are always welcome.
