Catholic Homes is a Christian based not-for-profit organisation who have been caring for Western Australians as they age for more than 50 years. Their care model ‘Care with Purpose’, is based on Montessori principles. The aim is to encourage people to remain active and busy for as long as possible, whilst continuing to do the things that bring them joy.
Such an innovative and proactive approach to care earned it two Better Practice Awards in 2015 for its care model and the Circle of Men project – a support and social group for men in aged care.
Catholic Homes’ Chief Executive John Fitzgerald, who commenced the role in mid-2017, says he has been extraordinarily impressed by the uptake of the organisation’s core values, joy, love and hospitality and how this is reflected in the quality of care.
Mr Fitzgerald says he approves of the way residents are very much at the centre of the care picture, with staff acting as enablers of living so that each individual can continue to lead a fulfilled life.
“I believe with Catholic Homes, people can age with dignity and purpose,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “I especially like the attitude of the people who work for Catholic Homes and the fact that staff are working here for the right reasons, in that they genuinely care about our residents. It is a remarkable blessing to have this opportunity to lead such a proactive and positive organisation,” he said.
Catholic Homes omeshservices range from Care at Home, Short Term Restorative Care, Comfort Care, Day Therapy services, Pastoral Care, as well as Respite and Private services. For Home Care, funded home care packages are tailored to suit individual needs. Retirement Living and Residential Care is also provided, offering a safe and secure environment.
A purpose built Comfort Care Centre was opened in early 2017 to provide end of life care. Offering home like facilities, the service is unique to Catholic Homes and the only one of its kind in Western Australia. It has been at or near capacity since its opening and has received exceptional feedback from residents and families.
Additionally, a Short Term Restorative Care service, an early intervention programme to help prevent, delay or reverse the need to enter long-term care was launched. This care service provides a range of services for up to eight weeks, depending on the needs of the client.
Catholic Homes believes in supporting people to achieve their potential and is centred on knowledge of the persons past, their current abilities and physical, social and emotional needs.
From page 28 of Issue 10: ‘Social Outreach’ of The Record Magazine