News

From India to Beaconsfield

How a golden-hearted community adopted its new GP Dr Prashanth Reddy Gangapuram, or Dr Reddy as he is affectionately known, is a true Beaconsfielder. Never mind the fact he is originally from India.  He exudes a warmth and generosity, a golden glow – typical of the people of Beaconsfield.   A small town in regional Tasmania…

A successful script for supporting vulnerable Tasmanians

How a mobile health service is helping people experiencing homelessness access vital medications As the housing crisis worsens, more and more people are forced into housing instability and homelessness. The number of Tasmanians estimated to be homeless in the 2021 Census was 2350, up from 1622 in 2016.   According to Primary Health Tasmania’s needs assessment…

Faces of help

How telling stories through video is giving humanity to those giving and receiving end-of-life care Sharing stories about palliative care, death and bereavement can be a powerful form of healing, connection and learning for many people.  Ulverstone-based support organisation Care Beyond Cure’s ‘Faces of Help’ project is helping local community members through some of the…

Embracing end of life through death cafés

How Tasman Peninsula residents are embracing death literacy through community coffees, crafts, and conversations about end-of-life care As her husband Stan’s life drew to a close five years ago, Tasman Neighbourhood House volunteer Karen Zabiegala embarked on her own journey – to learn everything she could about death, dying and the burial process.  Now she…

‘Care finder’ Heather helps Robin navigate support

How a statewide program is helping vulnerable older people connect with services Robin* first made contact with COTA Tasmania’s care finder service in December 2023.  A range of life challenges, including a period of homelessness, had led to barriers for them in accessing aged care and other support services.  Services received in the past hadn’t…

Virtual services yield real benefits

How one aged care home is increasing access to health services through telehealth An aged care home might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cutting-edge technology in health care. But Snug Village in the state’s south is full of surprises.   Its nursing staff are warm, friendly, and committed to…