History
In the early 1980’s a number of individuals within the Croatian community in South Australia were concerned about the larger number of elderly people who were isolated in the metropolitan area. They were looking for some information sessions regarding the needs for the elderly. For three years they were attending presentations, information sessions and workshops held in then “District Community Welfare” in Woodville. After some training the idea was born to start some social activities for the Croatian elderly. The Committee was formed and the idea of developing a project for the elderly was publicised within the Croatian community.
In 1984 the group was incorporated under the name of Croatian Care for the Aged Association (CCAA). The objective of CCAA was to provide assistance for the frail aged and people with disabilities and their careers, to maintain a quality of life for as long as possible in their homes. CCAA invited the community to discuss the needs and interests of the Croatian elderly and as a result of that consultation meeting they started planning social activities and functions.
The Croatian Club Adelaide Inc. has accepted and welcomed this project and offered their premises for any social activities organised by CCAA. People started volunteering to assist with social programs and with transport to elderly people from their homes to the Croatian Club where social activities were held. In order to cover the financial cost of services provided, CCAA organised fundraising as there was no government assistance at that time. As the needs were growing in the community CCAA were developing and expanding their services in order to meet those needs. For several years until 2006 the CCAA was supported by the government who provided some financial assistance towards the centre based monthly meals.
In 2006 the CCAA was successful in obtaining a grant from the Department for Families and Communities and was able to employ two workers to assist people of a Croatian background that are frail with functional disabilities and their carers. The CCAA started developing some policies that would give the Association some guide and structure for future to work within. As CCAA acknowledged that volunteers play a vital component in our social and cultural wellbeing, new volunteers were recruited, trained and to date they play an integral role in providing the services to CCAA target groups and contributing towards a socially vibrant community atmosphere. CCAA continues to expand the provision of the services assisting those target groups to maintain a quality of life for as long as possible in their own homes thus preventing premature institutionalisation.
Today CCAA manages one program: Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded by the Commonwealth Government, Department of Health.
Get in touch
We at CCAA know that finding the right information for frail aged and people with disabilities that don't have English as their first language is not easy. Feel free to contact us for a consultation to walk you through your needs and options.