Reflections 2021 WINTER EDITION
Endless smiles at the ADOPT A BUDDY PROGRAM Meet BISHOP CHARLIE MURRY Farewell to our ANGLICAN CARE AUXILIARY
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Get to know our leaders BISHOP CHARLIE ASSISTANT BISHOP
When he’s not playing blues guitar for fun, Bishop Charlie is one of two Assistant Bishops in the Diocese of Newcastle, supporting the churches and their communities up and down the coast (“east of the highway,” he says proudly). We asked Bishop Charlie a few questions as part of our series to get to know more about the leaders in our organisations. In simple terms, how would you describe your job? My job is about encouragement, planning, working through issues and supporting Priests and their congregations in their mission to help people thrive. Most Sundays I’m in a parish somewhere (parish = group of churches within a geographical area) and joining in services, or talking to a group of church leaders about what is happening for them and what they are doing next. This week I’ll have meetings with different parts of the organisation about things that are going on. In about a week’s time I’ll join Gerard in property to have a site visit of all the churches that make up the parishes of East Lake Macquarie. We’ll go and look at the best way to think about how those sites will serve what those parishes do going forward. What are you most passionate about? The thing that I am most passionate about is the idea that faith communities have something to offer all people. There are people who give their lives as service, such as in residential care, or working with people getting out of jail, and I continue to hope we can be more and more poised all the time to know how to assist each other in both celebrating life and nurturing life together. Everybody is made whole in finding their right place and their way of being who they are, not just by themselves but in relation to other people. That leads people to thrive. That’s what excites me. I get out of bed every day to turn up to try and see what we might do that looks towards human flourishing. What is the highest priority you’re working on at the moment? My highest priority would be looking at how parishes are going to engage with the world around them given all the changes that make up life in our world at the moment. Thinking about how we engage with people’s lives in a way that affirms that God is present in all of it and that we look for where life resonates with the way of Jesus in the world. Much has changed and continues to change with how we find ourselves in the world. I think Covid has brought to the fore that the way people connect and the way community works is really quite different generation-to-generation. So, lots of people have adapted to being connected through social media and through various kinds of platforms. We get grandchildren showing grandmothers how to Facetime on the iPad they’ve just bought, so these tools have become a blessing for people who would’ve resisted using them. Lots of congregations have had more contact just due to live streaming which has sparked imagination in some ways, that’s the positive side effect of the stress and strain of not being quite sure where life is with Covid.
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 and is a not-for-profit organisation. Front cover features participants from the adopt a Grand-Buddy Program.
GET IN TOUCH P 1800 733 553 E accareenquiry@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.
Thank you & Farewell TO OUR ANGLICAN CARE HUNTER AUXILIARY
A beautiful function was hosted by Bishop Peter Stuart on Wednesday, 23 June to farewell the members of our Hunter Auxiliary. This dynamic group of women (and a few good men!) have raised close to $600,000 since their inaugural meeting was held on Friday, 25 January 1957. Over the years funds have been used to assist in the construction of buildings (particularly Pilgrim Lodge and McIntosh Hostel at Booragul as they were originally known) through to air-conditioning and other items that enhanced the lives of residents and consumers. In more recent years, the Auxiliary has raised items for innovative lifestyle & wellbeing programs, including:
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Rene, our Lifestyle Resource Van
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A car for the DART Program
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Brain Trainers
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The Moove and Groove music program which is currently being trialled at Warnervale Gardens, C A Brown Lodge, McIntosh Court, Jesmond Grove and Kilpatrick Court.
A very special part of Anglican Care’s history, our Auxiliary will be truly missed, including the many fabulous functions they have held over the years, and in particular the Annual Art & Craft Fairs. We thank this wonderful group or people for their generosity, time and empathy. They have touched the lives of countless staff, residents, consumers and their families.
Moove & Groove
LIFESTYLE & WELLBEING PROGRAM
An exciting new lifestyle & wellbeing program is currently being trialled at a number of Anglican Care’s residential aged care homes. Called ‘Moove & Groove’, it is a full engagement program with access to extensive audio and video content, together with activities designed to enable the provision of meaningful person-centred experiences for residents. Combining the use of headsets with individualised playlists and activities based on resident interests, it is a tool that assists with spiritual and cultural care, music as therapy, options for those palliating, engaging isolated residents and importantly is scientifically proven to assist in managing dementia behaviours. Outcomes for residents include: • • • • •
Improved mental and physical health Creation of connections with other residents and staff The ability to be a part of a community activity Improved sleep patterns Ability to participate in joyful and fun activities
Equipment that is provided to support the program includes: headsets; silent disco headphones; transmitter; microphone. Our Lifestyle & Wellbeing teams are receiving training via a six week program prior to and during the program rollout. The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network is funding the program at five of Anglican Care’s residential aged care homes (C A Brown Lodge, Jesmond Grove, McIntosh Court, Warnervale Gardens and Kilpatrick Court) for a 16 week period for 20 residents at each home. This will enable staff to assess the program and assist in determining if Anglican Care will introduce the program on an ongoing basis across the organisation. Initial data is quite exciting, showing a positive correlation between using the program and improvement in mental health.
Let's Talk
Supporting Caregivers
Are you one of the 2.65 million Australian voluntary carers looking after a loved one at home? Caring for a family member or close friend who is ageing or ill is one of the most important roles you can play in that relationship — and one of the most complicated. The caregiving can happen suddenly with a disease diagnosis, or start gradually by driving your loved one to get groceries or to see a doctor. While it is often a rewarding experience, it can also feel isolating, overwhelming, exhausting and extremely challenging. Carer burnout and a feeling of inadequacy are all common side effects for many carers. Trying to handle the responsibilities of caregiving can, in some situations, lead to burnout and stress-related health problems. But the good news is you don't need to go it alone. Jacqui Culver, is a Nurse Practitioner specialising in ageing, dementia and palliative care. Jacqui is a passionate advocate about the need to provide support to carers. “The role of a carer can entail many things from just being present, maybe getting a little bit of shopping or doing a little bit of housework, right up to providing high levels of support day and night. In some cases, the carer will give support to their loved one at home until
end-of-life. It's really important that we recognise that there's no training for carers and not everybody is geared to do the full gamut of caring”. Jacqui suggests that those giving care should have open discussions with their loved at the very early stages of giving care. “Carers need to be mindful that there may be some things their loved one is not comfortable with them doing, and would prefer those tasks be done by a Care Worker or Nurse - for example showering or wound management.” Family caregivers find it easy to forget about their own needs, which is why caregivers often experience fatigue, stress and in some cases feelings of isolation, depression and other health problems. Sometimes caregivers feel guilty about taking time to have fun. Where possible, try and give yourself a break. But how you say? Here are our top 5 tips for Caregivers 1. Access services early – learn as much as you can about what is available to your loved one by going to the website www.myagedcare. gov.au and begin your application before the situation becomes unmanageable. Your loved one may be eligible for respite, a Home Care
The dynamic team members working in our Day Therapy Centres have recently developed a new concept to engage seniors living in the community. Taking advantage of the fact that our seniors are becoming increasingly tech savvy, ‘Home of Health’ is a virtual platform designed to provide tips for seniors to stay happy and healthy at home. To date videos of been developed that include cooking demos from our Executive Chef, Aaron Campbell, together with nutrition tips from Dietitians, Nik Adamson and Kate McDermott. Our physios Peter and Joe have also developed a couple of exercise videos to motivate our seniors to keep moving. Watch this space as we will be promoting how to access the videos over the upcoming months.
Package or Commonwealth Home Support. If not, you can pay for many of these professional services privately. 2. Make use of support groups targeting more specific issues ie. Dementia Australia or the new Carer Gateway. 3. Look after your own physical and emotional health and see your GP regularly. You'll need to keep up your energy and stay well to care for others. 4. Don't neglect your own exercise, healthy eating and sleep, and take time for activities you enjoy. Many people receiving care feel better if they know their carers are taking time for rest and enjoyment. It may not be possible to take away all the stress but taking some steps to look after yourself will help. Why not learn more about the Carer Gateway today at www.carergateway. gov.au. It was introduced in June 2020 and is the Federal Government’s new one stop shop for carers. It provides carers with in-person, phone and online services to support unpaid carers. The service is free to access and includes counselling services, respite care support, connecting you to other carers, on-line courses and financial support options.
Let's talk....
Steps to commencing your home care package
Anglican Care’s Homelife home care packages are all about assisting seniors to go on living independently in your own home. To help you understand the process of starting your home care package with Anglican Care, we have outlined the five steps below. It’s important to know that these steps commence once you have undertaken an assessment with My Aged Care and received a letter advising that you are eligible to receive a Home Care Package. STEP 1 - INITIAL CONSULTATION One of our HomeLife Care Consultants will sit down with you to explain how the home care package program works. We will discuss services and supports that are available to assist you to remain at home. We will explain costings, fees and how the available funding can be optimised to best suit your circumstances. This is an important step in us getting to know you (and you getting to know us). It is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and find out about Anglican Care. STEP 2 - AGREEMENT Ät your next meeting, our staff will complete the necessary documentation to get your home care package started. This includes an agreement outlining the conditions of the package of care that is being provided. You will receive a copy of your home care agreement and individualised budget. STEP 3 - INTRODUCTION TO CARE ADVISOR Your ongoing Care Advisor will be personally introduced to you at your home. Your Care Advisor will sit with you and discuss your needs, goals and preferences, and from there develop a care plan that’s as individual as you, taking into account everything that matters most to you.
STEP 4 - SERVICES COMMENCE Now we have gotten to know you, your preference, goals and needs, it’s time to match you with one of our caring and experienced Home Care Employees. Each of our Home Care Employees hold a Certificate lll in Individual Support, First Aid Certificate, and has undergone comprehensive training, reference and national criminal background checks. Our Home Care Employees will be provided with information on how to best support you at home by your Care Advisor. STEP 5 - CARE MANAGEMENT AND REVIEWS Your Care Advisor will conduct regular reviews of your package to ensure we are adapting your package services and supports to your changing needs and educating you along the way. A formal review is completed annually or if your care needs or package level changes.
If you would like further information, why not visit the Anglican Care website and check out our videos with more helpful tips on home care – ‘When do I apply and who can access it?’, ‘What services can I access with Anglican Care?’ and ‘Our top 5 tips for home care seekers’.
Helpful phone numbers and websites My Aged Care
1800 200 422 www.myagedcare.gov.au
Anglican Care
1800 733 553 www.anglicancare.com.au/home-care
Volunteer Update NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE CARE ANDREW WIND Closure of Toronto Nursing Home
In April 2021 a decision was made by Bishop Peter Stuart and the Newcastle Anglican Corporation Board, to cease operations at Toronto Nursing Home effective as at 28 May 2021.
Toronto Nursing Home 'Wave of Appreciation' Our volunteer numbers are slowly increasing since 2020 with an increase in the number of volunteer hours from the last quarter. Volunteer week this year was low key compared to previous years, but it was fantastic to see staff and volunteers participating in our theme of Recognise, Reconnect and Reimagine. We are very grateful to our volunteers for continuing to support our residents during a time that has been very challenging. If any of our readers know anyone who would like to volunteer, please contact Lynne Wills our Volunteer Administrator on (02)4902 2349 or Lynnewills@anglicancare.com.au
Take a listen to Season 4
Let’s Talk Seniors
Join Kylie and special guest co-host Melanie Sergeant as they chat to expert guests about an array of topics related to seniors living happy and healthy lives. Topics covered in Season 4 include: Finding Religion Later in Life; Gut Heath for a Good Life; Dementia – how to approach challenging behaviours; Feet Matter – tips on foot care for seniors; Memoirs, is it time you wrote yours?; Moving through the stages of grief; A beginners guide to accessing aged care services; the importance of keeping hydrated; how to access free legal advice; and renovating in your 60’s and beyond. If you haven't listened to a podcast before, try something new!
Listen via Apple & Google Podcast or our website anglicancare.com.au
The decision was based around the fact that the accommodation provided at Toronto Nursing Home did not meet the standard of accommodation that Anglican Care seeks to provide to our residents. For some years Toronto Nursing Home had been operated as an interim facility, with the intention that it would be shut down eventually. Given the standard of accommodation, it was deemed more appropriate to cease using Toronto Nursing Home now and not have the decision dependent on the building of a new facility. A collaborative approach ensured that the closure ran smoothly, and this included the establishment of a project team with representatives from People Care, Quality & Risk, HR, Property, IT, Hospitality Services, Finance and Marketing & Communications. Delivering excellent ongoing care for our residents was paramount and so time was taken to meet with the residents, their friends and family to discuss the change and ensure their voice was heard and their understanding clear.
Getting to know
OUR RESIDENTS AND CONSUMERS
A LIFE WELL LIVED! MEETING WINSOME LYE FROM CA BROWN RETIREMENT LIVING................................................. Winsome lives in Anglican Care’s C A Brown Retirement Village. She is an active member of the Village, including as President of the Resident Committee. At 85 years of age, Winsome has lived at C A Brown for 15 years. Born in Wollongong, Winsome is the second youngest of six brothers and sisters. She had to leave school at 15 because her mother was a war widow. Commencing at Dave and Penny’s wholesale as an office assistant, Winsome then went to business college and learnt business management. Over the years she’s held quite a few different positions including 24 years at Toronto Workers Club, starting as office manager and working up to Acting Secretary Manager – a rare achievement for a woman at that time! After leaving Toronto Workers Club, she secured a position at Marmong Cove Marina as Office Manager. Not one to stay idle, since retiring, Winsome
has learnt eight levels in Tai Chi, completed a TAFE course in fashion apparel, was a Justice of the Peace for 36 years, and a patron of Toronto Women’s Bowling Club.
vegetables and herbs in the front yard of his house, then washes the produce, puts it in sealed bags and places it on his front fence for anyone to help themselves.
With four children, six grandchildren, seven-and-a-half great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, Winsome has travelled extensively. She is now content with girly weekends away, visiting distant relatives and enjoying the love and company of her ever-increasing family.
Graham has also been involved with Swansea Rugby League Club for many years and is famous for his BBQing skills and willingness to always help out. As a former first grade rugby league player with the Western Suburbs Magpies in the 70s, football is another passion of Graham’s.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT PREVAILS! MEET GRAHAM GEATCHES FROM OUR HOME CARE PACKAGE PROGRAM....................... At 74 years of age, former steel worker, Graham Geatches, commenced receiving a Level 1 Package with Anglican Care earlier in 2021. With a love of volunteering and community service, Graham has become popular in Belmont for his love of gardening. He plants a huge variety of seasonal
As part of his package Graham receives assistance with cleaning, shopping, transport and also attends the Alkira Centre at Booragul for day therapy services twice a week.
MARCH ON! MEET BERT LE MERTON from ANGLICAN CARE............................. Bert moved to Anglican Care in December 2020. He had previously been living independently at home in Western Sydney. An accident in October 2020 requiring a skin graft and a period of rehabilitation in hospital meant that it would be difficult for Bert to continue to live safely at home alone. Bert, together with his two sons, made the decision that he would move into care at the age of 102 and that he would move to the Lake Macquarie area to be closer to one of his sons who is retired and lives at Coal Point. After looking at a variety of homes Bert decided to move to Anglican Care as he liked all of the staff that he met. An amazing gentleman, over the past year, Bert has become quite the celebrity due to his work with the Solider On organisation. A war veteran, Bert served in North Africa and the Pacific with the 2/13th Australian Infantry battalion in World War II. Bert has many vivid memories of his five and a half
years of service for Australia in the AIF, with Bert’s battalion first engaging German troops on 4 April 1941. They entered Tobruk on 10 April 1941. Bert luckily avoided any serious injury during his years of service. After the war, Bert worked as a clerk in the Australian Taxation Office for 41 years. Since August 2020, Bert has raised well over $110,000 and walked over 360km. During March 2021, Bert participated in the ‘March On to Save Lives’ campaign wherein he committed to walking 96km (the length of the Kokoda Trail). Anglican Care, Samaritans and Diocesan staff supported Bert’s fundraising efforts on Friday, 26 March with a mufti day and gold coin donations. One of Bert’s favourite sayings is ‘you need to use it or lose it’ and he believes that his regular walks around the block are the secret to his longevity – motivation for us all to keep moving and support our communities!
Happy Birthday to CA BROWN LODGE
Residents, consumers and staff from C A Brown Lodge and Alkira Centre at Booragul celebrated their 1st birthday/year of operation on 28 April. C A Brown Lodge holds a special place in the hearts of many people and the new and improved home is a credit to everyone that was involved in its development over a 4-5 year period.
BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TREE
What would a party be without cake and a concert and we also loved the involvement of residents and consumers in making personal messages about what C A Brown Lodge and Alkira Centre means to them that were placed on the special ‘Birthday Tree’.
BIRTHDAY CAKE TIME
Adopt a Grand- Buddy Program in action
Connecting Generations
ADOPT A GRAND-BUDDY PROGRAM
A fabulous morning was held on Wednesday, 19 May to launch a new lifestyle & wellbeing program for residents living in Anglican Care’s residential aged care homes and attending our Day Therapy Centres. Connecting Generations: Adopt a Grand Buddy works by linking an early childhood education centre and an aged care home (or day centre) together for regular sessions of approximately 45 minutes to an hour on a regular basis. The Connecting
Generations program has 10-12 sessions scheduled in total, each with a different safety topic as the focus. The sessions also include some physical activity and a craft activity for the participants. The sessions are not too structured so that there is time for relationships to evolve and develop. At each session the children are allocated an elderly "buddy" to partner with for the session so they can engage in conversation and encourage each other. This person may change at each session so everyone gets to know each other over the course of the program. Commencing at Scenic Lodge, the program will roll out to all of Anglican Care’s homes and day centres over the next 12 months. We look forward to the beautiful friendships and interactions the program will bring together with benefits in physical, mental and emotional health, resilience and social isolation for both the children and our seniors.
What’s NEWS? Village with a 'Heart of Gold'!
A big thank you to Residents of C A Brown Retirement Living at Booragul who have for many years been donating goods to the Samaritans Emergency Relief Centre at Toronto. Every fortnight the residents pull together baskets of food, clothing and knitted items that can be accessed by vulnerable people that need a helping hand. So generous and inspiring!
A Very Special Birthday!
Meals Matter
It was lovely to have the team from the Maggie Beer Foundation filming hospitality staff and residents at C A Brown Lodge recently. The Maggie Beer Foundation is well known for their philosophies around a meal cooked with care being one of the very best ways to nurture wellbeing, regardless of age or health restrictions. Sharing Maggie’s ideas and values around food is very important to our Hospitality Teams at Anglican Care so we were extremely honoured to be approached to show case some of our meals being prepared by the team and enjoyed by residents.
Out and About!
Warnervale Gardens residents enjoying Italian Day There was a very special milestone at Kilpatrick Court recently when the magnificent Melva Henry celebrated her 108th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Everyone is obviously very keen to know the secret to Melva’s longevity which she famously credits to the three ‘G’s’ – gardening, golf and grog! Not to mention her marvelous sense of humour, zest for life and appreciation of the simple pleasures such as sunny mornings, long summer days and the smell of rainwater on the earth. Happiest of birthdays Melva from everyone at Anglican Care – you are a truly magnificent woman!
Out and About!
A great day had by our Central Coast Friendship Group planting of the Vege and Flower Gardens that were donated by Freemasons.
Mirrabooka Place Carpet Bowls Champ, Beryl
East Lake Macquarie Dementia Service men showing off their BBQing skills
Bishop Tyrrell Place bus trip to the seaside at Old Bar, Wallabi Point and Saltwater
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Survey Our REFLECTIONS NEWSLETTER - Tell us what you THINK!
Our Reflections Newsletter is a way for us to communicate with our current and prospective Anglican Care community on matters of interest across our organisation. We are currently reviewing Reflections and would love the input of our readers to make it an even better publication! 1. What is your overall satisfaction with the newsletter? Very Satisfied
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2. How often would you like to see Reflections issued? Every second month Quarterly Twice a year 3. How relevant do you find the information in the newsletter? Very relevant Somewhat relevant Not at all relevant 4. Would you like to see included in Reflections stories from other areas within the Anglican Diocese, ie ieSamaritans, Schools, Parishes? Yes Neutral No 5. How would you prefer to receive Reflections? Hard copy Electronically ie email 6. If you would like to receive Reflections via email please list your email address so that we can ensure you receive future editions.
7. Do you have any other comments you would like to make about Reflections and ways we can improve this publication?
Please mail the completed survey to the Marketing Team, Anglican Care, 87 Toronto Road, Booragul. Thank you for participating!