Horizon Community Services is a registered NDIS service provider and, in Logan, a Home Care Package Provider for older Australians registered to My Aged Care.
Managing director Elser Cartabio began HCS with his wife to deliver My Aged Care services to older Australians in Logan.
Both registered nurses from the Philippines, a country which culturally prioritises the care of older generations, Mr Cartabio noticed gaps in the aged care sector.
“Here in Australia, there is a lack of quality of care, especially in the community, and when we were working in aged care facilities, because of understaffing,” he said.
“I said, you know, if you want change, you better start from yourself.
“We’re building a foundation now of giving quality service to the community, so that, you know, future Australians as well can benefit not only this generation.”
Horizon delivers in-home care, respite care, supported independent living, community nursing services, and senior community engagement programs under the Home Care Package.
“We support older Australians by giving them the right information, providing or connecting them to the right people as well, we do that for free,” Mr Cartabio said.
“We have an upcoming morning tea on 7 July, which will focus on how to help seniors access My Aged Care.”
Horizon operates with an individualized approach to care to ensure a good quality of care is delivered.
“When we meet and greet the client, we take notes on their preferences, what kind of foods they like, which grocery stores they usually go to, or ask them about GP appointments they need to attend.”
“We put this information into a support plan and discuss the information with them.”
“The first step will be guiding them, giving them the information. Because, in our experience, people are still unsure whether they need My Age Care funding.”
Mr Cartabio said he advised older Australians unsure if they qualify for the scheme to apply and access the funding later.
“You can apply for that funding already get assessed, and then later on, in the future, at least when you need it, you’ll have access to that funding straight away.”
Australians 65 years or older, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 50 years or older, are eligible to register with My Aged Care.
