Community Care Services
UPA's vision for frail older people is that everyone is able to live with dignity and independence in a place of their choosing. They should be able to select` appropriate and affordable support and care as and when they need it.
Commencing in 1995, UPA's provision of services to the aged started with 30 Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) in the Tweed Shire and grew rapidly into an extensive and varied Community Care program throughout New South Wales. Today UPA currently cares for more than 580 people on Community Care Packages.
Also in the Tweed Shire, in 2002 UPA was successful in obtaining 75 Veterans Home Care places (DVA Home Care) within the community. This program offers respite, personal care and domestic assistance to those who served our country and are in need of support.
For many years, the Murray River District has provided a three day a week Day Club for people with dementia in the community, with 10-12 people able to share in the activities and social gatherings. The Day Club is funded through the Home & Community Care program.
In 1997, the UPA established Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres (CCRC) in the North Coast Region. These centres operate 24 hours a day and organize respite on a short-term plan or emergency basis. The variety of programs target carers who are ageing, young carers, carers of people with dementia, with palliative care needs, are frail and aged or with a physical or mental disability. Over 5,000 carers are assisted each year by the CCRC.
The Commonwealth Carelink programs have also been included and these provide information on Health and Community Services to General Practitioners, other health professionals as well as older people and people with disabilities.
If you need help with care in your home, please refer to the 'Contact Us' page on the website for the UPA District in your area.