At 79, Ron Erichsen is determined to stay as fit and independent as possible so he can keep enjoying life at home in beautiful Ballarat. 

With a left knee replacement just weeks away — and plans for further surgery on his right knee and hip in the year ahead — Ron is focused on building strength, staying positive and doing all he can to remain in the home and community he loves. 

“I used to work in demolition and construction, so the idea of replacing worn-out structures with new ones is very familiar,” the Ballarat Probus Club member laughs. 

Behind him is a dedicated local support crew — the Uniting AgeWell Grampians Home Care team, based on Albert Street in Ballarat Central — who understands the importance of practical help close to home. 

A few years ago, after complicated lower back surgery, Ron worked with a Uniting AgeWell-appointed physiotherapist as part of his home care package. The program included hydrotherapy twice a week at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre pool, giving him a safe way to rebuild movement and confidence. 

“The hydrotherapy helped a great deal,” says Ron. “I’ll certainly be back in the pool to help my recovery after my knee replacement.” 

Ron is now waiting to be reassessed by that same physiotherapist, who will design a gym program to help strengthen his legs and knees ahead of surgery. It is reassuring for Ron that his physiotherapist already knows his history, his goals and the challenges he wants to overcome. 

The great-grandfather lives in a unit he treasures and does not want to leave. For Ron, staying at home means staying connected to familiar routines including neighbours and friends.  

Uniting AgeWell makes that possible through Support at Home services, including a personal medical alarm, pre-made meal deliveries and a taxi card for medical appointments. Each service plays a small but important role in helping Ron plan his week, get where he needs to go and feel safe at home. 

That support gives Ron more time to enjoy life — reading, watching television, catching up with friends, visiting family in Melbourne and Geelong and keeping active in the local community whenever he can. 

“The staff are amazing,” says Ron. “They want me to live my way, with the right support.” 

Uniting AgeWell’s Ballarat team is locals supporting locals — community-minded people helping older people across the region stay well and live independently. The team takes the time to understand what matters most to each person, then works with them to put the right supports in place. 

For the second year running, Uniting AgeWell has been voted by consumers as Victoria and Tasmania’s most trusted Home Care brand in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey — recognition that reflects the confidence families place in its people and services. 

Ready to explore support that helps you stay independent at home? Call Uniting AgeWell’s friendly Ballarat team on (03) 5326 0700 today, or come along to an information session on July 9 and 30 for a chat, a cuppa and practical advice on the services available to you.