Disability Services enabling Pacific wellbeing
Vaka Tautua responded to 4,947 disability-related enquiries across Aotearoa in 2021. The organisation also distributed 973 personal protection equipment (PPE) packages and more than 150 wellbeing packages to 623 Pacific disabled people and their families as part of its national COVID-19 outreach service.
Fred and Luisa Isa’ako
Fred Savaiki Isa’ako in Wellington was one of the people Vaka Tautua was able to support.
When Wellington Disability Information Advisory Services Acting Team Leader, Ianeta Clarke, first met Fred in November 2020, pain had kept him bedridden for some time. Heart attacks had left him with ongoing medical issues, with only his wife, Luisa, and his children to care for him.
Ianeta saw Fred and his family needed urgent support. She referred them to a Needs Assessment Service Centre so an assessment of their needs could be done. Fred soon received a hospital bed for use in his home and in-home support services to aid his recovery.
Vaka Tautua continued to support Fred and his family with information and advice, PPE packages and wellbeing packs during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Fred’s health has improved significantly as a result. He is no longer confined to bed, and is living a full and active life, attending community events with his family.
Fred’s wife Luisa said, “We are so grateful to Vaka Tautua for helping our family. Their team supported my husband Fred from the time he was unwell, through his recovery and beyond. We trust Vaka Tautua and know we can call on their services if we need help with disability or health issues.”
Vaka Tautua wishes Fred, Luisa and their family well.
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services.