Bridging the gap through care at home

Selminaz and Nurettin have been accessing Brotherhood home care package services, through our Sunshine centre, for the past five years. They get help with shopping trips, showering assistance, house cleaning and getting to medical appointments. The service has improved their life in many ways by also supplying equipment such as a walking frame and recliner chairs. Before, they say they were really struggling to live in their home.

With little education and coming from a difficult family situation, life hasn’t been easy for 75-yearold Selminaz. Talking about the past brings up painful memories. Her parents died when she was an infant, and she was raised by her uncle until, in 1957, she was married to Nurettin. Since then, the couple have never been separated. In 1991 they moved to Australia from Turkey. Because of their limited English, their bilingual case manager, Sam, has been a godsend. He also makes sure to connect them with support workers who have Turkish language skills.

Having home support allows Selminaz the opportunity to do things she enjoys. “I’m a very good cook.” Nurettin, who doesn’t look anywhere near his 90 years of age, is very happy with this arrangement. “She cooks, I eat!” Kofte and lamb pilaf are her speciality. She extends a warm invitation for guests to come to dinner.  At the local Turkish seniors’ club, the couple are happy to promote the Brotherhood’s aged care program to their community. Says Selminaz, “I trust them, they provide the best service. Always available, a solid service. I never tell a lie.”

Brotherhood Aged Care is a leading provider of Home Care Packages, with over 20 years of experience. We provide around-the-clock support to assist elderly people to stay at home – in familiar surroundings, and in touch with the people and places they value. Through our advocacy work, we aim to lead systemic change of policy and service models for older low-income people.