Silverchain’s free care coordination service in South Eastern New South Wales has benefitted over 460 people with chronic health conditions and complex care needs since the service started one year ago.
The service is provided in partnership with COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN and available to people living in the Illawarra and South Eastern region of New South Wales.
Silverchain care teams support people with their health needs from the comfort of their homes for face-to-face visits or through virtual meetings.
This support involves assisting people to attend medical appointments, enrol in appropriate lifestyle and exercise programs, increase their understanding of their condition and ways to manage this and ensure they are accessing the funding and services they are eligible for.
The individualised support not only improves access to health services but also helps to reduce the need to go to hospital.
Silverchain’s Executive Director, New South Wales Carolyn Bell said the community was benefitting from Silverchain’s expertise to help them achieve their health goals.
“Each person has individual health needs that require different supports and services to achieve best health outcomes,” Ms Bell said.
“Our experienced care providers can take the time to listen to each person’s concerns and identify ways to help them achieve their health and wellbeing goals.”
Nowra man Harley Gittoes, 37, was referred to the service last year with heart failure. He said he had been empowered with the resources, knowledge and support to reach his own health and wellbeing goals.
“I was getting a lot of help from Silverchain in advising me on any concerns I had, as well as linking me with organisations where I live on the south coast,” Mr Gittoes said.
“One of the organisations I was put in touch with was a dietitian to make sure I was doing the right thing with my diet for a healthy heart.
“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the service I received, and everyone I have dealt with has been great.”
If you or a loved one live with a chronic health condition and would benefit from additional support at no cost*, and live in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven or South Eastern region of NSW, ask your GP for a referral to the service.
* The care coordination service is provided at no cost, however incidentals and third-party services accessed may have associated costs.