Reflections 2018 SPRING EDITION
Plenty of fun had at our WINTER WONDERLAND Award winning STAFF Discover our latest RETIREMENT LIVING NEWS
Our CEO’s message to you Welcome to the Spring issue of our Reflections Newsletter. Spring is a time for renewal, growth and expansion which I think fits nicely with many of the activities currently happening around Anglican Care. Aligning with this theme and that of ‘new beginnings’, it was a pleasure to attend the recent ‘Ceremony to mark the commencement of construction’ of C A Brown at Booragul. It has been interesting to watch the changing landscape as the old building has been demolished. We are certainly looking forward to the construction and ultimate completion of this new building and the ability to provide excellent care and support to seniors from what will be a state-of-the-art development. This occasion also gave our new Chairman, Malcom McDonald, the opportunity to perform his first public function since taking over the reins! And speaking of themes, as you can see from the front cover, our staff love a good theme day and are very dedicated to providing opportunities for fun and laughter for our residents and consumers! The recent Winter Wonderland at Scenic Lodge was an outstanding success, as was our Create a Master Piece function. It was also lovely to be able to provide a bit of timeout for some of our carers and family at our recent luncheon in recognition of the incredible job that they do. Over the past 6 months, we have been working on a project to enhance the experience of our new customers. We want to improve the way we assist our customers to identify and access the best solution to their aged care needs. And we want them to feel well informed, guided and supported throughout this process. Traditionally we have operated separate teams in Residential Care, Community Care and Retirement Living, who are all doing a great job to deliver customer service, but we think we can do it better if we all work together as one team! With the introduction of our Customer Support Team we know we will be able to do just that. I look forward to sharing more information about our new Team in future issues of Reflections. You may notice that this is a bit of a ‘bumper’ issue with the introduction of our new ‘Retirement Living Special’. This will be included in two issues a year and showcases the activities and lifestyle that our Retirement Living residents enjoy – in their own words! And whilst on the subject of Retirement Living, welcome to our newest residents at Northwood, Tenambit. It’s fantastic to see the Village completed and residents enjoying the new Village Centre. It was wonderful to see our staff and organisation being acknowledged in the recent ACSA Awards – real and tangible recognition of the commitment of our staff to our vision of enhancing the lives of the people we are privileged to provide care and support to. We also have two staff members who have been named as finalists in the 2018 Oscar Hospitality Aged Care Awards, Denise Longworth and Jacqui Carr, both in the category of Food Service Assistant of the Year. We wish them the best of luck at the Awards Dinner on 10 September. Lastly, we have very recently launched a new Anglican Care website. Full of valuable information about our different services and how people can access them. The new website is also a great place to visit to check out the latest news and events that are happening within our vibrant community. As we say on the new website ‘every moment matters’ and we remain committed to this principle and to the nurturing and maintaining of relationships with both our new and existing customers.
Colin Osborne, CEO
WHO ARE WE? Anglican Care is dedicated to enhancing the lifestyles of seniors by providing exceptional Residential Aged Care, Retirement Living, and Community and Home Care services to the Newcastle, Central Coast and Mid Coast regions. Anglican Care is the Aged Care Ministry of the Anglican Church of Newcastle. Front cover features our Scenic Lodge staff hosting a Winter Wonderland Day.
GET IN TOUCH P 1800 733 553 E admin@anglicancare.com.au www.anglicancare.com.au Anglican Care Corporate Administration 87 Toronto Rd, Booragul NSW 2284
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK /anglicancarelifestyles
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a career in Aged Care? We employ a huge range of roles across many fields of employment. To find out what jobs are available, go to our Careers page on our website.
WANTING TO VOLUNTEER? We have an extensive volunteer program that is vital to supporting seniors in our community. You too could become a valuable volunteer, discover new friendships and sense of community. To find out more, give our office a call or go to the Volunteer page on our website.
CREATE A MASTER PIECE While art therapy is an established and regular activity throughout all Anglican Care services, the ‘Create A Masterpiece’ function was a first for our organisation. On Thursday 21st June around 60 of our home care and day support program consumers, with varying needs, came together to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art. They were provided with easels, canvases and paint equipment as well as expert tips and advice from Paint Your Town, and the day was a huge success enjoyed by all. Chris Giles, our General Manager of Community Care Services acknowledges that studies conducted all over the world report on the positive effects art therapy can have for health and wellbeing in the elderly. “Art Therapy has many benefits for people in aged care. It can allow the expression of complex thoughts and emotions, help to alleviate anxiety and depression, improve motor skills and
cognitive functioning, and encourage discussion and socialising,” stated Chris. The therapy is particularly of benefit to people with dementia as they can experience a range of physical, cognitive and psychological benefits and can sometimes even unlock a memory or creative side of the person which may have been forgotten in their senior years. “Many people go for years without nurturing their creative side. Others remain creative but give up in old age. Everybody is creative, no matter their skills, age or background. Picking up a paintbrush, making something with your hands, even dancing, playing an instrument or singing, often brings back memories but it can also uncover hidden talents.”
CARER’S FUNCTION Anglican Care recognises the enormous difference that carers make in the lives of our residents and consumers. On 18th July we held a special luncheon to say “thank you” for their important contribution. It was a lovely way to relax and recharge whilst enjoying delicious food, good company, entertainment, guest speakers, lucky
door prizes and gift bags. Their dedication and support is greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Toronto Diggers who funded the function via the Club Grants Program.
MARKING THE COMMENCEMENT OF OUR C A BROWN REDEVELOPMENT Progress continues on the redevelopment of C A Brown. Demolition is close to completion and certainly the landscape at Booragul looks vastly different without the old buildings. A ceremony to mark the commencement of construction of the new C A Brown Residential Aged Care Home was held on 20 August. With close to 80 people in attendance it was an indication of the special place that C A Brown holds in the hearts and memories of many people as one of Anglican Care’s original homes. With construction about to commence we look forward to watching the new building evolve, with completion anticipated in early 2020.
Colin Osborne, Aunty June, Malcolm McDonald & Bishop Peter Stuart
GLOUCESTER ANNOUNCEMENT In exciting news for both Anglican Care and the Gloucester community, we have been successful in obtaining $8m of funding via the Building Better Regions Fund to assist with the construction of a new residential aged care home in Gloucester. A Development Application for the development is currently with Mid Coast Council. Stage one of the project consists of construction of the residential aged care home and is likely to commence in the first quarter of 2019. A second stage featuring retirement living villas and a community centre is expected to follow the completion of stage one.
WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK We actively pursue opportunities for improvement and we value feedback, suggestions, comments and concerns from our residents/ consumers and their families.
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Providing feedback to our customers in a timely manner.
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Utilising information to improve our services.
Feedback can be provided through a variety of different avenues including: completing a feedback form (there are feedback boxes at our residential aged care homes) or providing verbal or written feedback to senior staff or a manager.
We have recently introduced an Expert Internal Review Team to ensure the best resolution is obtained from our customer feedback. This team consists of Senior Anglican Care staff. An Expert Internal Review can be Using suggestions, comments, concerns as an opportunity to learn requested by a customer with unresolved feedback or a Manager. from our customers. If concerns remain unresolved, people are able to contact the General Addressing suggestions, comments, concerns promptly, Manager of their service or provide confidential feedback to Anglican courteously and confidentially. Care’s CEO, Colin Osborne, either in writing or via the feedback form on our website anglicancare.com.au. Monitoring and analyzing customer feedback and addressing
We have developed our customer feedback mechanisms based on the following principles: •
issues through our quality improvement processes.
Respite Care We are offering one week FREE respite when a booking of minimum two weeks is made. special offer at Cedar Wharf Lodge, one of our spacious homes set in the beautiful town of Bulahdelah. This special offer is available for respite between now and 30th September 2018. Whilst staying with us our respite residents are able to enjoy the provision of 24/7 care and meals prepared by our onsite chef, our award winning lifestyle and wellbeing programs and Nurse Practitioner. Carers can relax knowing their loved one is in safe, caring hands.
Call Cedar Wharf Lodge today for more details on (02) 4997 4122. * Conditions apply / ACAT approval required to access respite services in accordance with Government regulations.
award winning
STAFF
It was another fantastic year for Anglican Care at the recent ACSA Aged Care Awards where we were named as finalists in three categories. These awards celebrate excellence in the not-for-profit sector; recognising individuals, teams and companies for their outstanding achievements. Chris Giles, our General Manager of Community Care Services was recognised for her dedication and contribution in the Employee of the Year Category. Our organisation was recognised in the Aged Care Provider of the Year Category for our demonstrated leadership, management, workforce culture, innovation and communication. Last but definitely not least, John Kilpatrick, our former Chairman was acknowledged in the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the betterment of the aged care industry. Congratulations Chris and John for having your hardwork and dedication recognised by the industry.
NORTHWOOD RETIREMENT LIVING SELLING NOW - CHOOSE YOUR VILLA TODAY! During the month of May our BRAND NEW retirement living village Northwood, was open for all to see as we hosted a wonderful Senior’s Day. The day was a huge success with over 90 attendees all eager to hear from our guest speakers, enjoy lunch in the village centre and tours of our display villas. Presentations topics included Balance, Dizziness, Falls & You by Natalie Pulsford, Newcastle’s only Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (Pulsford Physio), Finance Tips: Centrelink & Estate Planning by Julian Payne, Three Pillars Wealth Management and finishing off the day was our very own Chris Giles General Manager, Community Care Services outlining The support available to assist seniors to live independently at home. The brand new two bedroom villas at Northwood include lock up garages, lovely courtyards, spacious open plan living and quality appliances. Plus, they have the benefits of community living including access to our architectually designed village centre which boasts a leafy outlook, BBQ, kitchen, lounge, dining and deck. To find out more about Northwood Retirement Village, call our Customer Support Team on 1800 733 553.
NOW SELLING
What’s NEWS? EVENTS JUST GONE HUNTER & TAREE MEMORY WALK Great pictures of our staff participating in the Hunter and Taree Dementia Australia Memory Walk and Jog.
NEW WEBSITE Take a look at our new website for news & events!
VOLUNTEER UPDATE Thank you to all of our fabulous volunteers who have contributed over 7000 hours in the last 6 months. Your valuable dedication and support helps Anglican Care make every moment matter in the lives of our Residents & Consumers. UPCOMING EVENTS Volunteer Christmas Functions • Newcastle & Central Coast – Friday 23rd November at Club Macquarie • Mid North Coast – Thursday 29th November at Club Old Bar DO YOU HAVE A SKILL OR HOBBY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Anglican Care is always looking for great volunteers to make a difference in the lives of our residents and consumers. Volunteering is fun, fulfilling and gives you the opportunity to make new friends. Give a little, change a lot by getting involved with our wonderful staff and aged care community. Every moment matters! To register your interest, please visit our website www.anglicancare.com.au
UPCOMING EVENTS Hunter Auxiliary Art & Craft Fair 19, 20, 21 October at C A Brown Village, Booragul
SPECIAL THANKS KIND DONATION Thank you to artist, Trena Lowe, for the beautiful artworks she recently donated to Warnervale Gardens. Your paintings are simply fabulous.
This function is not to be missed with high quality art and crafts for sale, together with the famous homemade cakes and jams that our Auxiliary produce. A great way to get in early and buy Christmas gifts for family and friends. Sensational Seniors Concerts This year’s Mid Coast function will be held on 24 October at Club Taree with a great line up of entertainers. Our Hunter function is scheduled for 7 November and will feature a very special guest, Karen Knowles, who is well known from her days with Young Talent Time. Further information will be sent out about our greatly anticipated Sensational Seniors functions closer to the dates. Practice Nurse Education Functions Following the success of our Hunter Function in August, we will be holding further events as follows: 13th September at The Exchange Hotel, Taree & 25th October at Magenta Shores. Both functions commence at 6.30pm. Enquiries to Kylie on (02) 4958 0095. Blast from the Past Festival
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 103 YEARS YOUNG So many fabulous 100+ birthdays celebrated over the last couple of months, including Ada Bird, a resident of Storm Village who enjoyed her 103rd birthday celebrations.
Don’t miss the Anglican Care stand at the upcoming ‘Blast from the Past Festival’ which is being held at Rathmines Park on Sunday, 9 September from 10am to 3pm. Manning Auxiliary Afternoon of Croquet Another fantastic function, this time from our Manning Auxiliary. An afternoon of Croquet at Taree Croquet Club. Sunday, 9th September 2018, 11.00am – 3.00pm. Cost $25.00 per person which includes a light lunch, game of Croquet and refreshments. For bookings contact Margaret Carey on 0448 561 110 or Kerry Wakely on 0402 087 252.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT FREE INSULATION TESTING Free testing for loose-fill asbestos insulation for Newcastle residents If anyone is concerned that their home may contact loose-fill asbestos insulation you can register for testing. Please visit www.loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au or call Service NSW on 1300 784 379.
Retirement Living Special
C A Brown RETIREMENT LIVING Author: Winsome Lye
Demolition work is well underway on the construction of the new residential aged care facility and to see how quickly the heavy machinery has torn the old buildings apart is quite amazing.
As our next news will be Autumn 2019, a little quote for the festive season ahead.
“Christmas, here again, let us raise a loving cup: Peace on Earth, goodwill to men, and make them do the washing up”. (Borrowed from Wendy Cope).
Our social calendar, as usual, has been very enjoyable and varied. In May we had a most delicious morning tea at Maitland Art Gallery followed by lunch at Largs Bushrangers Tavern. Following on we visited Largs Bush School, an early colonial slab hut, built in the 1830’s within the grounds of the public school. The desks seem to have shrunk a bit since our school days as some of us had difficulty sitting in them! A Teacher told us of the history of the school, it was well worth the visit. Our June day trip consisted of a stop at Angel’s Café at Kurri Kurri for morning tea, then on to Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum. Well, that was an unexpected experience, so many historical items on display including old newspapers, magazines (some of which I was never allowed to read as a child, especially “The Pix”). Their history archives cover every town in the Hunter Valley. Reluctantly, we had to leave for our lunch at the historical Hotel Cessnock, very reasonably priced and most enjoyable.
“Not much of the building left now.”
Christmas in July at Buttai Barn was enjoyed by everyone. The best home cooked scones, jam and cream, delicious lunch and the fattest Santa you would ever see and wonderful entertainment. Great day out.
“You never know what you might learn at Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum”
Our Saturday games afternoons have been well attended and in May afternoon teas were held to raise money for the Cancer Council. Many thanks to Erica for arranging it and to all that joined in the fun. During June the wonderful Waratah Men’s Choir entertained us at a special evening happy hour. It’s not often you have the opportunity to hear such beautiful harmonious voices, and of course, a delicious supper.
“Christmas in July at Buttai Barn”
It has been lovely welcoming Joan York into our village community. Joan is very happy in her new home and is already enjoying the many and varied activities available to all of our residents. I noticed that the Wattle trees are blooming early, perhaps that’s a sign that the bitter winter weather will soon be over.
“Enjoying Saturday afternoon games”
Retirement Living Special
Storm
Carey Bay
Rarely do our bus outings occur on rainy days, but rain it did on our last two day trips. None the less, we enjoyed ourselves and were grateful for the much needed rain.
Farming is like a cup-a-soup. Just add water and everything is OK. No water? Not OK. Drought affects every crevice of a community and nowhere is this currently more evident than in Merriwa/ Cassilis on the western edge of the Hunter Valley, where the situation is dire.
RETIREMENT LIVING Author: Kathy Bullock
On 6th June, we enjoyed a delicious morning tea at the Scone Place at Moorland. From there we cancelled our plan to go to Comboyne; the mountains were enshrouded in low cloud and the rain was bucketing down. Our driver, Les, skilfully managed the challenging driving conditions and brought us safely to Wauchope where plan B evolved, namely retail therapy followed by lunch. We welcomed new resident Robyn on this her first outing with us. Again it rained for our 4th July outing, just drizzling rain this time, but our enthusiasm wasn’t dampened. Closer to home this time, we enjoyed a drive around the Old Bar area and later along Bucketts Way to Burrell Creek, coming home via Wingham ... and a plant nursery! While we always enjoy a hearty laugh when the occasion arises, the best that day was over Velma’s lunch order of Roast Duck and Fried Rice. It took ages in coming as we kept an eye on the array of live poultry outside the glass door wondering, is it coming from there? Eventually her meal arrived, a whole baked duck with a separate, enormous bowl of fried rice. While we all laughed (kindly of course) and made remarks, Velma tucked in and declared the meal superbly cooked. Three containers of left overs went home with her. Happy birthday wishes go to Lyn, Una, Velma & Kathy B. A special wish to Kath W on her 86th along with a big thankyou for faithfully organising our bus outings each month. Nancy is in respite care and we wish her a speedy recovery.
RETIREMENT LIVING Author: Mel Davies
As part of the Lions’ nation-wide Need for Feed project local Lions Clubs ‘adopted’ these small communities and conducted a Hay and Hamper drive in late July. Drop-off venues were set up for donations of food and toiletries. Hay was trucked in from Victoria by volunteer drivers some of whom travelled more than 2500km in one weekend. We at Carey Bay Retirement Living heard about the plan from a member of a local Lions Club and were anxious to help. The Library annexe in our Common Room became one of the collection areas and the response from our residents, their families and friends was generous, almost beyond belief. The Library ended up looking like a miniWoollies. Our indomitable get-it-done-don’t-just-talk-aboutit Fay was the driving force behind our end of proceedings and members of the Belmont Lions Club collected our donation and sent it on its way to various depots around Merriwa and Cassilis where hampers were put together and distributed. We hope we may have helped lighten the load and brighten the day for our country cousins just a little. We’ll be ready to do it all again in a heartbeat.