the way for innovative, sustainable models of care that prioritise dignity, autonomy, and community connection. ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION Melville Cares was founded nearly 40 years ago by June Barton, a former mayor of Melville, who identified a growing need for in-home support for the elderly. “It was a recognition that older people needed more support at home,” Davison explains, reflecting on the organisation’s humble beginnings. Over the years, Melville Cares has evolved to offer a wide range of services that cater to the diverse needs of its clients, from basic domestic assistance to complex end-of-life care. Today, the organisation remains deeply rooted in its original mission: to help people live at home and well.“Our whole purpose is to enable individuals to maintain their independence while receiving the care they need in the comfort of their own homes,” Davison emphasises. This mission has guided Melville Cares through decades of growth and change, allowing it to adapt to the evolving aged care landscape while staying true to its community-centric values. TAILORED TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS Melville Cares provides a comprehensive array of services, largely funded by the federal government, tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. The journey with Melville Cares often begins with essential services such as transport and domestic assistance. However, as clients’ needs become more complex, the care provided by the organisation expands to include medication support, nursing care, and comprehensive case management, ensuring all aspects of a client’s care are covered. “Our nursing team provides clinical services and supports clients living independently at home,” Davison explains.“We have an allied health team that includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers, all working together to promote health and well-being.” One of the organisation’s key focus areas is endof-life planning, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of care. Melville Cares in partnership with Professor Davina Porock at Edith Cowan University is developing an advanced care planning process that goes beyond traditional medical directives to address personal wishes and preferences. “It’s essentially an end-of-life action plan,” Davison notes. “This plan covers everything from medical treatment preferences to personal choices, like who should be present at the end of life or ensuring that pets can stay with their owners.” 51 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 MELVILLE CARES
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