Townsville Businesses Supporting Our Defence Families
Main photo (left to right) Renee Thomas Occupational Therapist, Joanna Murray Director, Tascha Falk Occupational Therapist, Bronwyn Butcher Administration, Dianne Steel Occupational Therapist, Dina Whelan Occupational Therapist
Access Therapy Services 140 Ross River Road, Mundingburra 4779 1886 www.accesstherapyservies.com.au
ACCESS ALL AREAS With Australia’s ageing population at the forefront of many current social and economic conversations, it’s never been more important to make sure older Australians have access to the support and services they need. For the past six years, a local occupational therapy practice has been doing just that; providing high quality, allied health support and services to Townsville’s ageing community. Access Therapy Services Director Joanna Murray said a major component of their practice is developing specialised programs for Townsville’s veteran community. “It is vital for us to be able to support older veterans by assisting with home safety assessments, recommendations for home modifications or equipment to increase independence,” Joanna explained. “Defence is a such a significant part of what makes up the fabric of the Townsville community and we like to show our appreciation by ensuring that present members and veterans receive the best possible care and support.” Through collaborations with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and other community organisations, Joanna and her team are not only able to provide high quality patient care, but
also to guarantee they have access to other local allied health professionals. Joanna is now proud to get the word out about their recently launched Connections Home Support program, helping tackle the problem of social isolation and loneliness in our community. “Feelings of social isolation and loneliness can have a major effect on a person’s physical and mental health, with research showing it has the same health impacts as smoking 15 cigarettes per day!” Joanna explained. “Our program involves weekly phones calls and visits by an occupational therapist to develop goals around reducing social isolation and loneliness. “This program is free of charge for veterans with a Gold or White Card*.” For Joanna and her team at Access Therapy Services, their ethos is simple: to enable and support people to participate in daily activities that give meaning and purpose to their lives. “We have strong connections with our clients who trust our experience and knowledge throughout what can be vulnerable stages of their lives.” *Conditions may apply for White Card holders
April 2016 DUOMagazine
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