Logie Award winner Paula Duncan is the new face of Trilogy Care with the celebrated actress and advocate passionate about promoting the benefits of home care support and its influence on positive ageing.
Paula, who celebrated her 72nd birthday in September, is much-loved for her television roles – she featured on shows such as The Young Doctors, Cop Shop and Neighbours – plus her contributions to arts, the community and women’s health.
Paula has firsthand experience with the challenges a simple accident can cause after an injury sustained while moving house threatened to curtail her career. The timing could not have been worse as she was filming scenes for Neighbours as Carolyn, a love interest to Harold Bishop.
“We were moving in between shooting and my sideboard with massive mirrors fell on my foot. I smashed my fibula in nine different places and I didn’t walk for 28 weeks. I was told it was almost impossible for me to walk,” Paula shared.
The injury forced Paula to undergo a knee replacement because of the inactivity, which she said resulted in more complications.
“I had a terrible time through COVID-19 because I wasn’t walking or working so life was very difficult. It affected my well-being and my overall health,” she added.
However, while Paula knew she had to find some support, she didn’t know where to start. Like many older Australians, her knowledge of the aged care system was limited and there was no one to help her navigate or understand its complexities.
More recently, when one of her relatives was diagnosed with cancer and also required some help at home, Paula knew they had to find a home care provider who could explain everything with a personal touch.
“That need for help led me to Trilogy Care. I rang them and they were so amazing. They told me what support we could access and how they could help people in a situation like ours,” Paula explained.
“My relative wants to stay at home. He has cancer yet he didn’t know about the services he could access. Without Trilogy Care none of us would know. Because of them, I’ve been able to access a lot of support. I thank them with all my heart.”
Paula’s experience with Trilogy Care quickly led to her jumping on board as their ambassador. She said their values are closely aligned as both want to empower older Australians to live independently.
“I’ve always said that as I get older, I get stronger. I’ve partnered with Trilogy Care because they help people like me enjoy the process of ageing. Home Care Packages let older people get the support they need. Trilogy Care’s self-managed options give you the freedom to take control of your care and empower your life,” she added.
As a current ambassador for Australia Day, WomenCan, the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, the Focus on Ability Film Festival, and NOVA Employment, Paula also praised Trilogy Care’s support for women’s health.
Her sister Carmen, a decorated actress and activist, passed away in 2019 due to gynaecological cancer. Paula expressed her gratitude towards Trilogy Care as they are working together to raise awareness about gynaecological cancer’s impact.
“Trilogy Care is a very big supporter of gynaecological cancer research. Between us, we’re working to find some answers and to spread awareness,” she said.
“Women normally have more on their plate and by the time they get to the doctor or investigate any symptoms, it’s often too late.”
Timely action is key for both Paula and Trilogy Care who want to help more Australians understand the benefits of self-managed Home Care Packages. Paula said her increased knowledge has resulted in positive conversations in the community.
Paula passionately explained to HelloCare how she recommended the home care provider to an 84-year-old neighbour who is living at home on her own after her husband moved into residential aged care.
“I told her about Trilogy Care too and right away she said ‘That would be fabulous for me’,” Paula said.
Simple discussions like this are one way to garner awareness of home care and self-managed care. Meanwhile, Paula’s relatable presence after decades on Australian TV screens will provide more opportunities for education and understanding among all older Australians.
“Give Trilogy Care a call and chat to them. They are here to represent your interests, support you and be your friend.”
If you’re interested in learning more about how Trilogy Care can help you, please call 1300 459 190 or visit trilogycare.com.au.
