ROYAL REHAB » DISABILITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER » ISSUE 1 » NOV 2020
Abilities Matter
Message from CEO & GM
Contents
To our valued clients, family and friends, Welcome to the first issue of our Abilities Matter newsletter. This newsletter is designed to keep you updated on the latest news within Royal Rehab Disability Services. We are delighted to share stories on some of our remarkable clients and residents, features on our talented and passionate staff, and updates from the disability sector. Matt Mackay, Chief Executive Officer
While this year has tested all of us in many ways, we are very proud of the Royal Rehab team which remained deeply committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our clients, staff members and the wider community. We thank you for your support and understanding throughout these times. We hope you all enjoy quality time with your loved ones this holiday season and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Nick Edwards, General Manager Disability Services
Matt Mackay, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Rehab and Nick Edwards, General Manager of Royal Rehab Disability Services
Refurbishment Plans Fast-Tracked During COVID-19 ................... 02 ‘My Space, My Place’ Advertising Campaign Launched in September ............. 03 NDIS & ACIA Audits —We Passed with Flying Colours! ............ 03 Royal Commission Update ......................... 04 Your Say: Paul & Kevin ................ 05 Your Say: Keisha & Crystal ......... 06 Our Experts Say: Meet Jessica & Michelle .................... 07
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Latest News
Refurbishment Plans FastTracked During COVID-19 “It has created a stronger feeling of being ‘home’, which is especially important in times like these. We are also seeing more social interactions between clients in our newlyupdated communal areas.”
Tanja Ivkovic, Accommodation Manager
Can you smell the coffee? From new expresso machines, fresh coats of paint and new garden beds to indoor and outdoor furniture, our supported accommodation homes are shining thanks to recent refurbishments! ‘‘During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Disability Services team took the opportunity to make the most of the time spent indoors by bringing forward plans to refurbish the group homes. We pride ourselves on our beautifully maintained homes and were thrilled to fast-track the latest upgrade due to the restrictions of the pandemic,” said Nick Edwards, General Manager Disability Services. Across our 40 plus homes throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, internal walls are glowing with fresh coats of paint, new gardens were laid, and brand-new furniture delivered including modern couches and dining tables. The refurbishments were warmly welcomed by clients, their families and friends. These updates came at the perfect time for our customers and their families who were delighted at the arrival of delivery trucks and the excitement of decorating their spaces which they were now spending more time in comfort during the COVID-19 restrictions. Resident Ray Weston is among one of many clients who
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expressed their excitement on the refurbishments. When asked about how he feels about the painted walls and new furniture in his Rosemeadow group home, he said...
“I am very happy with the painting of the house. I am loving the new furniture in the house too, especially the recliner chairs and the coffee machine! I thanked the staff who taught me how to make myself a cappuccino.” Accommodation Manager, Tanja Ivkovic, sees first-hand how these changes have positively impacted the homes. “The refurbishments implemented during COVID-19 were warmly welcomed by both the clients, their families, and staff. It has created a stronger feeling of being ‘home’, which is especially important in times like these. We are also seeing more social interactions between clients in our newly-updated communal areas,” said Tanja. For more information on our accommodation vacancies and offerings, please call us on (02) 9808 9600.
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NDIS & ACIA Audits — We Passed with Flying Colours! At Royal Rehab, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding quality service that you and your loved ones trust.
Have you spotted us yet? In September 2020, we launched our first-ever advertising campaign for Royal Rehab Disability Services. The campaign, titled ‘My Space, My Place’, is designed to showcase and highlight both our clients, who are empowered to be independent with choice and control, and our support teams. Our ad campaign can be found on radio, shopping centres, bus stops, and even on your daily commute. If you are lucky, you might catch us on 2Day FM, WSFM or Smooth FM radio in the mornings! With over sixteen
different ad placements across the South-West and Western Sydney regions, you might also spot us at your local shopping centre, bus stop or bus: perhaps Westfield Parramatta or even Campbelltown Mall. Keep your eyes and ears peeled! At Royal Rehab, we do more than just provide supported accommodation. We can help you make the most of your NDIS plan to empower you with choice and control. To learn more, go to www.royalrehab.com.au or contact us on (02) 9808 9600.
“Our ad campaign can be found on radio, shopping centres, bus stops, and even on your daily commute. If you are lucky, you might catch us on 2Day FM, WSFM or Smooth FM radio in the mornings!”
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We are pleased to announce that Royal Rehab has passed the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Practice Standards and the Australian Community Industry Alliance (ACIA) Standards 2020 audits with outstanding results. The NDIS Practice Standards specify the quality standards to be met by registered NDIS providers to provide supports and services to NDIS participants. Our Quality and Risk Manager Kathryn Cutler is very proud of the positive results of this recent accreditation. “Our outstanding results speak for themselves and I’m incredibly proud of the Royal Rehab Disability Services team,” said Kathryn. A special thank you to all our staff, our wonderful clients and their family and friends for offering their time to speak with auditors.
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Where to Get More Information on the Royal Commission Visit the Royal Commission website for more information: www.disability. royalcommission.gov.au For any questions or to lodge a submission, you can call the Royal Commission hotline: 1800 517 199 The hotline is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm AEST. If you are experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or feel unsafe, please seek assistance via 000 or contact Police.
Royal Rehab Support Team
Royal Commission Update At Royal Rehab, we strongly believe in protecting the people we serve and their right to feel safe and valued. We are committed to providing quality care for people with disability. Royal Rehab is fully supportive of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and its important work.
What is the Disability Royal Commission? In April 2019, the Disability Royal Commission was created to provide recommendations on how to prevent and better protect people with
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disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. During the Royal Commission, people with disability can share their experiences. This can be done by writing to the Royal Commission or by speaking to the Royal Commission. This is called making a submission. The Royal Commission is now seeking information about experiences of people with disability during the recent emergencies in Australia, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve safety and wellbeing. The Royal Commission particularly wants to hear from people with disability from First Nations and ethnic communities, women, children, and young people and LGBTQI+ people.
Royal Rehab has established a Support Team to answer any questions you, your next of kin or your support person may have about the Royal Commission. You can contact us on: Email: rcsupportteam@royalrehab. com.au Phone: Please call the Support Team on 0417 666 537. Available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
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Your Say
At Home with Paul and Kevin “Through many shared experiences over the years such as exchanging stories and ideas, Paul and I have learned how to communicate and understand each other well.”
Kevin, Support Worker
Does Paul look familiar? He absolutely loves the camera and has been featured in several campaigns at Royal Rehab over the years! This time we sat down and spent time with one of our favourite ambassadors and his support worker Kevin to get to know the man behind the camera. Paul has resided at a Royal Rehab group home in the NorthWest Sydney region for four years. In 2017, Paul had a brain injury that resulted from a car accident while travelling around New Zealand. This affects his speech and mobility and has led to limited function on the right side of his body. At Royal Rehab, Paul receives assistance with daily living activities including power wheelchair transfers, meal preparations and personal care. Paul is as passionate about being behind the camera as much as he loves being in front of it! He has weekly photography lessons and loves using his camera and his iPad to take photos of the world around him. When he is not outside taking photos, he loves to spend time at home listening to music, painting, watching YouTube and playing board games. Kevin is Paul’s Royal Rehab support worker. He first met Paul
in 2018 and has developed a heart-warming rapport with him ever since. “Through many shared experiences over the years such as exchanging stories and ideas, Paul and I have learned how to communicate and understand each other well,” said Kevin. When asked about their favourite memories with each other, Paul loves to sing songs and let Kevin guess what it is. Kevin’s favourite memory was their recent photoshoot together. It was at this photoshoot where we could clearly see the close bond the two had. Kevin describes Paul as “cheeky, humorous and friendly”, traits that were validated as he smiled, laughed, and posed in front of the camera. “Joining Paul in the photoshoot was so enjoyable as he was in his absolute element. He enjoyed having the camera on him and joked around with everyone involved,” said Kevin. For more information on our disability support and accommodation offerings, please call us on (02) 9808 9600.
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Your Say
At Home with Keisha and Crystal We had the opportunity to sit down and spend some time at home with the effervescent and ever-so-bubbly Keisha and her Royal Rehab support worker, Crystal. Keisha, 25 years old, has resided in a Royal Rehab group home in the North-West Sydney region, over the last two years. She receives 24/7 care due to her condition, a combination of cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Her care includes personal care, assistance with daily tasks like shopping, and recreational support. From the streaks in her hair, to her unicorn plush toy named Shakira, down to her glitter nail polish, you won’t be able to miss one thing — Keisha loves all things pink! This also applies to her room which feature butterfly motifs, flowers and an abundance of stuffed animals. Her room is a clear embodiment of her personality; in her support worker Crystal’s own words, “bubbly and cheerful”. Keisha is like any other twenty-something girl. She loves pop music; namely Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, she bingewatches televisions shows Gossip Girl and Riverdale, and most of all, she loves nothing more than to do her hair, nails and make-up, all with Crystal’s help. She is also a big fan of football and supports the West Tigers! She never misses a game and is known to cheer for her team passionately (and can sometimes be heard down the street!). Crystal is a Royal Rehab support worker who has supported Keisha from the beginning of her Royal Rehab journey. From the moment we entered the home, it was clear that the two had a close bond. Keisha describes Crystal in three words: “pretty, funny, and like a sister!”. When the tables were turned, Crystal describes Keisha as “bubbly, cheerful and compassionate”.
“Keisha puts a smile on my face. Every time I come here; I can’t help but smile.”
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The two have spent many, many days together over the last two years and have developed an outstanding rapport — one of friendship and support. “It’s the fact that we’re so close in age. It has helped me understand what she likes and what she does not like. I sit and listen to her as well,” said Crystal. When asked about their favourite memories with each other, Keisha made it a note to say that “everyday” has been her favourite with Crystal. Though if she had to choose, she remembers the time they spent together at the Easter Show in 2019 going on rides, buying show bags, and playing arcade games. Crystal’s favourite memory is a little different — it was taking her to the WWE wrestling live. “Keisha’s dad purchased some tickets for Keisha and I. She was so excited and enjoyed the crowd!” During COVID-19, Keisha and Crystal have been making the most of their time at home by watching television shows, making arts and crafts for Keisha’s room, and playing with make-up. For more information on our disability support and accommodation offerings, please call us on (02) 9808 9600.
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Our Experts Say Jessica
Michelle
Accommodation Manager
Support Worker
Meet Jessica, our accommodation manager for our group homes in Spurway Street, Ermington and North Road, Eastwood. Fun fact about her: Jess is a massive ‘foodie’ and can give you a restaurant recommendation for absolutely every cuisine you can think of!
Meet Michelle, one of our support workers for our group home on Adeline St, Bass Hill. Apart from supporting our wonderful clients each day, on her days off Michelle loves nothing more than to spend quality time reading books and socialising with her friends and family.
What is a day in the life like as an accommodation manager?
What is a day in the life like as a Support Worker?
My days are very busy and no day is the same! A typical day consists of phone calls and admin, but sometimes things pop up that require my immediate attention. The best part about my job is spending time with my clients and helping my amazing team support them to live their lives to the fullest.
Key highlight so far in your career at Royal Rehab? Having the pleasure and opportunity to support clients with traumatic brain injuries. I have been very lucky to join a team of very supportive colleagues and management which makes coming into work fun.
How would your co-workers describe your personality?
My days at work are spent supporting and promoting client independence. This could mean anything from assisting in meal preparations to playing card games together. I love being able to create an enjoyable atmosphere within the homes and helping clients to achieve their goals.
Key highlight so far in your career at Royal Rehab? That would be the time I became a key worker to a client where I was responsible for their care and development along with the team. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity, and to have a good team and a supportive accommodation manager who has faith in my abilities.
How would your co-workers describe your personality?
Well, I asked some of them today! I’ve been told I’m quite funny, really friendly, proactive and a bit of a perfectionist.
My co-workers would describe me as honest, trustworthy, bubbly and a great team player.
What is a quote you live by?
What is a quote you live by?
“Always leave room for dessert.”
“Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons” — I may have borrowed this from my coffee mug!
What is one thing you can’t live without? I can’t live without Cooper Rose, my three-year-old choodle (chihuahua x poodle) that all my clients absolutely love!
What is one thing you can’t live without? I can’t live without my family… and chocolate!
Interested in being part of the team? Head over to our website: royalrehab.com.au/about-us/careers to find out more about our current vacancies.
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