A Department of Veterans Affairs client with ongoing health issues, Don has experienced the full range of care services available through Calvary, from hospital care, to mental health support to now providing him a home as a senior-rental agreement and providing additional support with home care.

Calvary’s commitment to delivering connected care brings together all health and care services in Launceston to ensure a patient, client and resident’s needs can be met holistically, physically and emotionally.

Calvary General Manager Aged and Home Care Launceston, Cara Banfield, says Calvary doesn’t just look at a person’s condition in isolation.

“We consider the whole person, building a system of care that works together, seamlessly,” Ms Banfield said.

Don's connected care journey

Don’s journey has been one through all four streams of health care delivered by Calvary in Launceston, culminating with him moving into one of the units at the Cosgrove Cottage’s retirement village last month.

Village Manager, Danielle Jones, has worked with Don to ensure his needs were met, and said it had been a long journey.

“Every step was intentional, the team had Don’s back the whole time.”

“The connected care approach is very comprehensive,” said Ms Jones.

“Together, the residential care team, mental health services, home care and aged care staff all worked together to come up with a unified care plan, all with the same goal in mind: to set Don up in comfortable housing.”

“So, in real terms, the four services implemented were Calvary St Luke’s Hospital, Calvary Sandhill Residential Aged Care and now Calvary Cosgrove Cottages, as well as Calvary Home Care in Don’s new unit,” she said.

With so many services working towards the one goal, things could have got overwhelming for Don, but Ms Jones sees it differently.

“By using the Calvary connected care approach, we can ensure Don’s plan is flexible and comprehensive, meeting his changing needs as he moves from one stage to the next,” she said.

Calvary's dedication to Don

“As a veteran, we wanted to ensure Don received a service that was well coordinated and compassionate, finding the right housing support while also respecting his autonomy and dignity.

“We weren’t just finding housing for Don, we were creating a bridge to a better quality of life,” Ms Jones said.

A reserved man of few words, Don himself is pleased to be the latest resident at Cosgrove Cottages in Launceston.

“I’m very lucky to be here,” he said.

“I spent 21 days in a nursing home as a ‘waiting place’ to be able to get here – and that was an eye opener!” he said with a smile.

“But it has been worth the wait. I’m very grateful for what I’ve been given and feel this is a new opportunity for me.” he said.

Don has resumed swimming again, and has a love of all sports, including golf, and may even investigate the Men’s Shed activities on site.

Retirement Living with Calvary

Calvary Strategic Operations and Performance – Retirement Living Manager, Mark Eagleston, said Calvary was committed to providing senior rentals for independent living units on a case-by-case basis.

“A number of units at Cosgrove Cottages have been made available to meet the growing need for low-income housing among older Australians, and it reflects Calvary’s mission to fulfill the needs of the communities we serve, like here in Launceston,” Mark said.

“We are proud of the work undertaken by the Cosgrove Cottages team, and the broader group which has supported Don’s care from hospital to home, to make this happen,” he said.

“It is a perfect example of our Great Connected Care strategy being executed.”

As Don settles into his new home, Ms Jones reflected on the very special connected care Don received from Calvary.

“This wasn’t just about providing a roof over his head,” she said.

“It was about providing an environment that supported his mental and physical health, integrating all the various facets of care that will allow him to thrive.”