Happy 102nd birthday Helen!

Noosa’s Helen Rhodes describes her visit to Noosa Community Support as a weekly highlight. That was especially true last Tuesday when she celebrated her 102nd birthday at the centre surrounded by friends.

“I’d be lost without it,” the great-grandmother says.

The centre, known for close to 20 years as Noosa Day Respite Centre, and more recently as Noosa Community Care, is changing its name to better reflect the range of services it provides. Coordinator Greg Tucker says the centre’s renowned care and attention lives on with Noosa Community Support (NCS).

Mrs Rhodes enjoyed a drive in a 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe as part of her NCS birthday celebrations.

The former nurse is one of many Noosa residents Noosa Community Support assists weekly with centre-based and in-home support services.

“We provide allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, nutritional advice and podiatry as well as services such as home modification and maintenance through Noosa Home Assist Secure,” Mr Tucker says.

“NCS also provides transport and social support services, and personal care and domestic assistance.”

Mr Tucker said the new name better reflects the organisation’s role supporting older people who need assistance to keep living independently at home, and recent funding changes.

“We are now funded through the federal government’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme, rather than the Home and Community Care Programme – the new name helps alleviate some recent confusion,” Mr Tucker said.

For Mrs Rhodes, though, Noosa Community Support means a game of scrabble and a chat with her friends.

“The volunteers and staff really enjoy looking after our clients and we are always happy to welcome new faces, and enquiries about the services we offer,” Mr Tucker said.

To enquire about Noosa Community Support’s services, phone (07) 5329 6175 or visit www.noosa.qld.gov.au/noosa-community-support

4 August 2015