A proud resident of Unley in Adelaide, South Australia, Christabel is one of Calvary’s newest Home Care clients. Earlier this year, during her hospital stay at Calvary Adelaide Hospital, she learned about Calvary Home Care services and made the decision to transition her current Home Care Package from another provider to a Calvary Home Care Package.

For Christabel, who enjoys crafts and charity work, this transition has been life-changing. She has experienced a gradual functional decline over recent years, with periods of increased care needs linked to pain flare-ups and acute health issues. Having access to seamless support from hospital through to home has given her the reassurance and independence she values most.

“Since coming to Calvary, I feel comforted by the services. It has given me faith back in the health care system,” Christabel said.

Christabel explained that the transparency and continuity of care she has experienced at Calvary is unlike anything she has known before. During her recent stay at Calvary Adelaide Hospital, she was supported not only by hospital staff who provided excellent clinical care, but also by community staff who went the extra mile—personally assisting her by collecting her belongings when she had no family nearby.

“The staff make you feel safe and looked after. The quality of care at both the hospital and at home has been excellent—the best I have experienced,” she said. Her experience with Calvary Home Care has also been overwhelmingly positive. She appreciates that staff arrive on time, communicate clearly, and bring warmth and personality into her home.

“The support staff are wonderful—they always bring a smile, and I enjoy hearing about their different cultures and stories,” Christabel said. Occupational Therapy has played a vital role in Christabel’s journey. Having the same OT, Danielle, support her during her stay at Calvary Adelaide Hospital and then continue seeing her at home through her Home Care Package meant her needs were fully understood without her having to repeat her story.

This new initiative, where Calvary Home Care Adelaide employs OTs to work across both hospital and community settings twice a week, has been a ground breaking service. "Danielle made me feel safe and comfortable. She knew my struggles and was able to support me in both the hospital and at home. That continuity of care is something I have never seen with another provider," Christabel explained.

When asked about her services from Calvary Home Care, Christabel said “I get a call when someone is about to come. I get a call if someone is late, and I’m told what time they are coming. I have never experienced that level of communication before,” “I always sing praises about Calvary. The seamless transition from hospital to home care is an experience like no other. It gives me so much confidence knowing my care needs are in the right hands.”

Living independently at home is an important priority for clients like Christabel. At Calvary Home Care in Adelaide, we provide access to a comprehensive range of community nursing services. These include specialised diabetic care, wound management, medication administration, continence assessment, and palliative care, ensuring consistent support across every stage of life.

Along with Allied Health we are able to support complex client needs avoiding hospital admissions and enabling early discharge. Christabel says she now feels safe, supported, and confident living at home, knowing Calvary can support her. Sukhmandeep Kaur, Christabel’s Case Manager, said her story reflects the heart of Calvary Values and mission.

Danielle, Christabel’s Occupational Therapist, said the opportunity to support clients across both hospital and home makes the difference. “The Connected Care concept allows me to meet clients in hospital, get to know their needs, and then continue that support once they’re home. With Christabel, it meant I understood her challenges from the start and could help her feel safe and confident in her own home. That continuity is what truly makes care meaningful.”

Calvary's Connected Care in South Australia ensures patients like Christabel experience a smooth, supported journey from hospital to home—helping them live safely, independently, and with confidence.