Double Logie Award-winning actor Paula Duncan the new face of home care provider Trilogy Care
Image courtesy of Trilogy Care.
Paula Duncan, who is perhaps best known in the role of Detective Danni Francis in ‘Cop Shop’ (1977-83), celebrated her 72nd birthday in September.
She is the new face of Brisbane-based home care provider Trilogy Care and is passionate about promoting the benefits of home care support and its influence on positive ageing.
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 TV drama ‘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,” she said.
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 said.
“As an actor, I need to be physical and I need to look good and feel good. The reality is I wasn't able to do that. Through that period of time, I realised that I needed to get some support.”
Lynda Stoner, who played Amanda King, with Paula Duncan (Danni Francis) in Cop Shop.
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 said.
“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 real-life experience with Trilogy Care led to her an ambassador for the company founded by James Whitelaw. She said Trilogy’s 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 said.
“Trilogy Care is the perfect organisation to provide these services – they can organise my transport to appointments and provide medical advice whenever needed. This has allowed me to remain strong and independent, even as I work through my health issues.”
