New care provider launches groundbreaking disability services for visitors to FNQ
Out There Travel Care
With the economic contribution of accessible tourism predicted to be 25 percent of the total tourism market by 2025, and accessibility being identified by the World Tourism Organisation as a game changer for destination recovery, Out There Travel Care is proud to launch a range of new care services for the Cairns visitor market.
Out There Travel Care’s team of qualified travel carers provide care and support services specifically tailored to visitors with mobility challenges and health concerns, and designed to make the region’s iconic tourism experiences more accessible and enjoyable:
Tour Companion offers care support on a selection of tours and activities from Cairns to Port Douglas. A qualified carer will join the travel party for a day on the reef, in the rainforest or in and around the region.
Respite Care provides destination-specific care services tailored to the individual and designed not only to allow the primary carer a day off to relax and explore the region, but also to create a memorable day in the tropics full of the individual’s interests and passions.
Personal Care provides professional support for daily personal care needs or emergency care after a holiday incident at any time of the day or night in the comfort of the traveller’s accommodation.
Sharon Salvestrin, Business Development Manager said the business has been modelled on robust data from a Demand Study in 2017 with BDA Research, Melbourne.
"The study showed that 1.3 million Australians require care or assistance for day to day activities representing 6.2% of the Australian population and 855,000 Australians serve as primary carers," Ms Salvestrin said.
"Our research also showed that 5.1% of all domestic travellers to Tropical North Queensland, totalling 71,000 domestic travellers annually require regular care and support during their every day lives. These 71,000 tourists that visit Cairns each year with a disability or elderly and yet there has never been this service available for visitors to get out there and experience all we have to offer.”
And, Salvestrin says, the local industry has embraced the idea.
“Over the past 2 months I have been working with local Tours Desks, accommodation providers, tours and attractions to engage them as Preferred Partners of Out There Travel Care… and the support couldn't have been more positive, it’s quite overwhelming and everyone is open arms to work with us,” she said.
About Out There Travel Care
Out There Travel Care staff are qualified with a minimum of Certificate III in individual support, CPR and First Aid certificates. Just as important is knowing your carer is passionate about the work they do and that they believe people deserve to live well, irrespective of ability.
For the past ten years KF (one of his many nicknames) has been CEO of a highly successful Cairns-based Home Care business. The start of Out There Travel Care is testament to Kevin’s love for his wife, Maureen. A highly awarded nurse with years of experience working in aged care, Maureen wanted more for the elderly people of Cairns. Maureen Fields is a registered nurse with 30 years’ experience; 15 of which were spent working in, and managing aged care facilities. She is passionate about the welfare of the elderly and committed to improving the standards of aged care in Australia.
As well as founding and overseeing a local community Home Care Company, Maureen is a clinical nurse (and nurse advisor) who supports the clinical management of aged care facilities, ensuring they meet the standards set by government. In 2015 Maureen was honoured with the title of Cairns Business Women of the Year. The Board consists of some of the Far North’s most experienced business minds with Rob Giason as Chair supported by Maureen Fields, Sue Boisen, Russell Beer, Graham Caldwell and David Inches to advise the new operation through the start-up and growth phases.
For more information, including a full list of accessible tourist operations in Port Douglas and Cairns, head to Out There Travel Care Services website.
Visit the Out There Travel Care Facebook page and keep an eye out for the 12 Days of Xmas give away with twelve gift vouchers for Care and tours up for grabs.
Gift vouchers are also available as the perfect gift to give someone you love. Ideal for the elderly with mobility challenges and people with a disability we are here to Get you Out There to live your best life.
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