TRUST Spring 2015

MAGAZINE

THE GRACEWOOD STAGE 2 UNDERWAY STRONGER CARERS AWARD FINALIST DV FUNDING TO CHANGE MEN’S BEHAVIOUR Spring Edition 2015 • www.baptistcare.org.au

OUR VISION The trusted name in life-transforming care.

OUR PURPOSE Transforming lives by expressing the love of Christ.

Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

VALUES Responsive - We respond positively and thoughtfully to each other’s individual needs.

Empowering - We value the freedom that comes from an improved quality of life.

Supporting - We believe safety and security is our responsibility – a shared priority.

Personal Solutions We understand that no one-size-fits-all and we embrace this individuality.

Enriching - We ensure everyone’s personal and shared environments are comfortable, nurturing and positive places to be.

Communicating - We create open communication channels to build strong and mutually respectful relationships.

Togetherness - Through team work we actively support each other’s shared goals and respect each other’s individual journey.

Sign up for E-News www.baptistcare.org.au Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT Join the conversation on Twitter @BaptistCare Connect with us on LinkedIn “BaptistCare NSW & ACT” Phone: 1300 275 227 BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

The months ahead are very exciting for BaptistCare, as we began the next stage development on the Kellyville site for the construction of a further 80 apartments at The Gracewood, while also laying the foundations for a new residential aged care centre on the same site.

The new 128 room aged care centre links in with our strategy to provide a continuum of care services onsite with The Gracewood.

This centre will also replace our ageing buildings at Carlingford. You can read about this, and two of our residents enjoying life at The Gracewood on page 5.

Caring for carers has been a passion of BaptistCare for over 22 years, when our first program supporting people caring for loved ones with dementia was established. We were incredibly pleased to have our Stronger Carers program named as a finalist in the HESTA Aged Care Awards this year. You can read more about this program on page 4.

I’m also excited to let you know about some of the films you will see accompanying future articles in TRUST, including this edition’s article about PARO therapy seals for residents with dementia.

If you have a smart phone or tablet, simply downloading the Layar app and scanning the article will allow you to view films that bring to life the stories we write about.

Further instructions are on page 8 and 9, where you can also learn about how technology is assisting our residents as part of our overall approach to lifestyle and activities.

We continue to value you as a supporter, customer, employee or volunteer of BaptistCare, and we thank you for your ongoing support as we reach out to people in need across our communities.

Editor - Elizabeth Byrne TRUST is produced by BaptistCare for its supporters, customers, employees, volunteers, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT and the wider community.

TRUST is distributed quarterly.

NEW LIFE & SOUL CARE We have recently welcomed into the world our first grandchild. What joy comes from such a precious gift!

There is something about new birth - about seeing a young life grow and develop as they are given love, nurture and nourishment.

Through necessity, babies are the most selfish thing on earth. They are completely dependent on others to feed and care for them and don’t they let you know when their needs are not being met!

Each of us has those times when we genuinely need to be cared for by others, yet we all intuitively know that selfishness serves no one. It is a cruel master and wreaks havoc, not only on the individual but on those around them. A child who has never learned to share or contribute to others is no longer a delight to be around. What might have been acceptable in a baby is not acceptable for a child. What

about us as adults, how are we doing on the selfishness stakes?

We are reminded in Philippians 2 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Sin and selfishness are a part of all of our lives but God desires that we mature in him, modelling our lives on Jesus who “though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but humbled himself.” (Philippians 2) I have been reading a great book lately by John Ortberg called, Soul Keeping - Caring For The Most Important Part Of You. John advises: “A paradox of the soul is that it is incapable of satisfying itself, but it is also incapable of living without satisfaction. You were made for soul-satisfaction, but you will only ever find it in God. The soul craves to be secure.

The soul craves to be loved. The soul craves to be significant, and we find these only in God

Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN

in a form that can satisfy us the soul craves because it is meant for God.” Sure our new grandchild will bring us great joy and delight.

This is a good thing, but if all our eggs are in that basket - what happens if…?

What are the experiences that bring you joy and delight?

These are good things, however true and ultimate fulfilment is experienced as I take care of my soul. A final quote from John: “When we reach out to God, we are lifting our souls up to be nurtured and healed. A soul centered in God always knows it has a heavenly Father who will hold its pain, its fear, its anxiety.

This is spiritual life: to place the soul each moment in the presence and care of God. “My soul cleaves to you, your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8) It is much harder than it sounds to keep our souls centered on God. We hold on tightly, but often to the wrong things. But staying centered on God — his word, his ways — is the essence of life for the soul.” www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

3

‘STRONGER CARERS’ PROGRAM NAMED AWARD FINALIST The BaptistCare Stronger Carers program was named as one of five finalists in the Team Innovation category at this year’s esteemed HESTA Aged Care Awards.

The Awards recognise those in the aged care sector who have made an exceptional contribution to improving the quality of life for older Australians.

BaptistCare’s Stronger Carers program has assisted more than 300 carers across metropolitan Sydney to develop care skills, access support services and better balance their own needs and their caring responsibilities.

Dementia Consultant and Project Manager, Marleina Fahey said the nomination recognises the dedicated team of BaptistCare Carer Coaches who provided a flexible, relevant and empowering service to support and enable carers where they needed help most.

BaptistCare developed the program after assessing a gap in the support for carers of people with dementia.

“Many services and support mechanisms are aimed at the person with dementia, rather than the family member taking responsibility for the care. Also, many services require carers to leave the home, which can be difficult,” said Ms Fahey.

BaptistCare’s ten-week Stronger Carers program involved an in-house coaching model using skilled carer coaches who worked directly with the carer.

“We’re really focused on caring for the carer and supporting them in what can be a long term and stressful situation.”

The first six weeks of the program were in-home sessions between the carer of the person with dementia and their carer coach. The carer coach discussed

carer expectations, goals and better strategies to support the person with dementia. Goals for the person with dementia were also established.

The last four weeks involved the BaptistCare coach following up with the carer via phone or email to ensure they were supported, or referred to other services as appropriate.

Ms Fahey said an evaluation of the program by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW found it was an effective way to improve carer wellbeing, impart information and knowledge and support carers on a one-on-one basis through what can be a very difficult time.

The Stronger Carers program was funded by the Australian Government under the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing grants.

“And just as importantly, we also salute the carers themselves, who welcomed us into their homes, lives, struggles and even their more humourous moments, to allow us to care for them,” said Ms Fahey.

Marleina Fahey, Kerry Martin & Robyn Helm 4

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

THE GRACEWOOD:

STAGE 2 UNDERWAY

Kellyville’s The Gracewood is expanding, with stage two of the community living complex as well as a new residential aged care facility currently underway.

The Gracewood will see another 80 apartments built over the next 12 months, bringing the total

number of apartments to 153.

Work began on the residential aged care facility on March 16, which will offer 128 rooms and state of the art technology for care staff and residents.

The award-winning Gracewood development is home to Pam (71) and Jack (90) who married for 41 years, watched the first stage of The Gracewood grow from the ground up. It was then that Pam decided it was time to make a move.

“The idea grew on me very quickly,” recalls Pam. “We lived locally in Kellyville, and we were intrigued to see what was being built. The security of knowing we could live in a safe and secure building and community, with access to care that allows us to stay together here, was top of mind.” (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

5

Pam & Jack in their home at The Gracewood

Although Jack’s health is good, some mobility issues and a recent hip replacement restricted the couple’s capacity to go out, very much isolating the couple in their increasingly highmaintenance house.

The couple lived in a large four-bedroom house on an average size property, and were constantly having to arrange for house and garden maintenance.

“We were having to rely on others to keep the house and gardens in working order. Our children live all over Sydney, Australia, and the world; they have their own young families, and it’s not fair to ask them to spend their weekends doing our maintenance. When we spend time together, I want it to be enjoying each other’s company.”

6

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

“IT WAS THEN THAT PAM DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO MAKE A MOVE.”

“The Gracewood for us is all about ease and freedom. When we go away on short trips or visit friends and family now, we literally pack our bags and lock the door. Security and maintenance is all taken care of.

It’s wonderful.”

“The great thing about living here in a community is you can decide how social you want to be. Jack will often stay home, reading his much-loved books, or pottering around, while I pop downstairs to catch up with friends. I use the gym and the pool regularly too.”

“As soon as we moved in I decided this was our home; we need to make friends and also be social companions to others, and care for one another. I think that’s important.”

Jack also receives assistance with personal care twice a week from the onsite BaptistCare Home Services team, and wears an emergency response pendant provided by BaptistCare CareCall, which gives both Pam and Jack peace of mind as they go about their days.

Since then, Pam and her neighbours have taken charge of The Gracewood’s social calendar.

She assists with driving residents on their weekly shopping trips, organises breakfasts, morning teas, dinners and drinks, themed events, games days, movie nights, and anything else that takes the community’s fancy. It’s a full calendar.

“This is it for us. We’re both here to stay. We love it.”

For more information about The Gracewood (stage two) visit baptistcare.org.au/ thegracewood or call Alison on 8804 4794.

FUNDING TO STOP DV IN ITS TRACKS

Counsellor Jenny Lang and BaptistCare Macarthur manager Diane Coleman Picture: Anna Warr

BaptistCare continues to be at the forefront of addressing men’s violence towards their partners and family members, with the NSW Government announcing an investment of $5.28 million over three years towards four pilot men’s behavioural change programs that will work with 1300 violent men and their families.

BaptistCare is one of three organisations to receive funding to provide Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCP).

“BaptistCare has conducted men’s behaviour change programs for over 20 years, and we believe that unless we work with those men who use abusive and controlling behaviour in the home, the violence will not stop, but instead be perpetrated into the next generation,” said Rob Ellis, General Manager Community Services.

“Integral to these programs addressing men, are the women and their children who are affected by domestic violence.”

“Their safety and wellbeing is our absolute priority whenever we are engaging with men through

behaviour change programs. This involves providing women with programs and services to help them as they work through the impact of violence, into a new and safe future,” said Mr Ellis.

“Domestic violence is a critical issue for our nation and we have to stop it at its source.”

BaptistCare received accreditation from the NSW Department of Justice in 2012 as an accredited provider of MBCP. The organisation continues to deliver a suite of support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence, including accommodation, counselling, microfinance loans, and is also working towards accreditation as a White Ribbon Workplace. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

7

DEMENTIA RESIDENTS RESPOND TO

PARO SEAL THERAPY Fluffy, robotic and adorable, PARO seals are making a positive impact in residential aged care facilities across BaptistCare.

The advanced therapeutic robots have been introduced in addition to existing pet therapy and lifestyle activities, and are reducing stress levels and stimulating interaction in residents living with dementia.

When placed on the resident’s lap, the fluffy robot moves, shows expression, and mimics the sound of a baby harp seal, reacting differently when being held, stroked, spoken to, or yelled at. The seals respond to forty touch trigger points on their body and host five intelligent sensors, which include tactile, light, audition, temperature and posture.

Limited programs of playing Bingo and watching old time movies are a thing of the past, says Janice Stokes, Business Manager, Residential Services Sydney West.

“We’re doing one on one therapeutic initiatives. A whole program of activities personcentered to that particular resident, that’s going to connect with them, and hopefully get them to remember some of the things of their past lives.”

“WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS, WE LOVE TOUCH, WE LOVE FEEL, WE LOVE TO CARE FOR SOMETHING”

Integrated to the existing program of lifestyle activities, which include art classes, music, exercise and pet therapy, PARO seals are proving to be a great communication tool. The

residents talk to the seal, create conversation with staff members about the seal, remembering it and asking for its return.

One resident in particular didn’t have any communication with staff members, or with any other residents. “After the seal was put in her lap, she started to stroke it, and she began to speak for the first time,” says Janice.

“We’ve introduced the seals into all facilities at Carlingford, and also up at Leura and Bangor, with really positive outcomes,” says Janice.

PARO was developed by Professor Takanori Shibata from Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to deliver the positive effects of animal therapy without a live animal.

therapy, where dogs and cats are brought onsite for interaction with the residents.

“Even though he’s a robot, it’s still giving the same therapeutic effect. We are human beings, we love touch, we love feel, we love to care for something,” says Janice.

Furthermore, the seals are making BaptistCare residents laugh and smile, and that in itself makes it worthwhile.

To watch the seals in action 1. Download the FREE Layar app 2. Scan this page 3. Enjoy!

They can be used at any time to immediately reduce stress and anxiety levels.

At BaptistCare, PARO seals are used in addition to existing pet www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

9

A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO WORK

and sits with her for an hour each week to teach her new tasks. This has enabled us to increase the tasks that Karlie undertakes in the office.”

Karlie has filled that role after completing Nova Employment’s two year Transition to Work Program, a registered training schedule for integrating differently-abled individuals into the work environment. As part of the program Karlie completed work experience at BaptistCare.

She now enjoys part-time employment in the BaptistCare South West Sydney office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Julie Ralston, BaptistCare Home Services – South West Sydney Office Coordinator, says Karlie is an integral part of the office team and completes tasks with an ability beyond many staff members.

Karlie Brake is a talented and valued member of BaptistCare Home Services – South West Sydney.

Her Transition to Work journey began three years ago, when Caroline Taylor, Manager at the time, saw an opportunity in the BaptistCare office for an unusual role, paying close attention to routine tasks that weren’t considered a high priority but were still an important part of office efficiency.

10

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

“Karlie loves filing. She is 100% accurate. She has a lot of pride in her work and ensures it is done correctly. She is very precise in everything she does,” says Julie.

In addition to making up files and filling them, Karlie is proficient in the Dewey Decimal System and assists with important data entry.

Karlie has progressed and mastered more skills with the assistance of her Nova Job Coach, Hameet Kaur.

“Harmeet has worked with Karlie through the work transition program,” says Julie. “She comes

Harmeet has seen Karlie’s skillset flourish in her new career.

“Since working at BaptistCare, Karlie has learnt many new skills and gained some valuable experience,” says Harmeet.

“The support she has received from Nova as well as her managers and colleagues has allowed her to gain her independence and confidence, and become a truly valued member of the team.”

As part of the program, Karlie was also given assistance with travel training, and travels home from work unaided.

“Our partnership with Nova in this journey has been very positive. I recommend this path to any business. There is always plenty to give to Karlie that she is capable of doing, which may otherwise be neglected in the office,” says Julie.

On top of providing BaptistCare with a positive and capable team member, this role has provided Karlie with a great sense of achievement. “I guess it’s her highlight of the week to be at work, from a social aspect as well. Like any of us, she gets a lot of self-worth out of working for herself and is empowered through having her own income,” says Julie.

30 YEARS OF CARING AT CALOOLA These days it’s impressive for a career to extend past ten years in the one organisation, so it’s an amazing feat that on Friday July 3, Anne Gilmour signed off from 30 years of caring for the Wagga Wagga community at BaptistCare Caloola Centre.

As the only remaining staff member since the residential care centre opened in 1985, Anne has had the pleasure of witnessing many changes, and the growth of Caloola into what it has become today - a dynamic 75 room specialist care centre with dedicated accommodation for those living with dementia.

Over the years, in her client liaison and admissions roles, Anne has been the first port-of-call for residents and their families facing major changes in their own lives.

“The most rewarding aspect of my time at Caloola has been the rapport I have been able to develop with family members at the time of admission of their loved one, which can be a very stressful time,” says Anne.

“Our local community is really close knit, and I knew a lot of the families coming in so I can relate to them.”

On an even more personal level, Anne has considerable empathy for family members as they arrive, having had a similar experience assisting her own 91-year-old mother into the centre’s care during the later years of her life.

“I will always be grateful for the care Mum received at that time by the dedicated Caloola staff,” says Anne.

Introduced to the matron of the centre through her husband’s work as an Ambulance Officer, Anne was offered a position in administration, where she watched the first few residents walk through the door on 20 March 1985.

At that stage, the centre consisted of one wing with 20 beds. The centre is now home to a thriving community of residents.

“I was interested in seeing the history build,” says Anne. “Of course, I have seen many changes and have many special memories. And now there is another

generation of residents, who may have had a parent, aunt or uncle residing here in years past.”

Anne has played a huge role in the centre’s success, communicating to the Wagga Wagga community the level of empathy and high quality of care of the facility.

“Anne is devoted, dedicated and resident-focused, maintaining the best outcomes to benefit not only the centre, but the families – truly involving the relatives in our organisation,” says Heather Wormington, Care Team Manager and Acting Residential Manager.

“She has been a champion of the proactive care that we deliver here, and an exemplary and encouraging example in our team.”

NEWCASTLE’S

“CAN BE” SUBURBS It is estimated that one in ten Hunter residents will this year need some form of food relief as they struggle to make ends meet.

“BaptistCare is seeking to grow our food relief services, given the vital role food security plays as a social determinant of health and education across the community.”

Scott Pilgrim Against this tough economic backdrop, the BaptistCare Wallsend Community Centre has become a popular place for lowincome earners wanting a great hot meal and the opportunity to connect with others in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Wallsend centre will celebrate a special meals milestone on Thursday 25 July, as their 25,000th meal is delivered from the kitchen to a client at one of the centre’s large, communal dining tables.

BaptistCare North West Group Manager Scott Pilgrim said food insecurity was a growing socioeconomic challenge across Australia and one that often went under the radar across the Hunter.

“At our three Hunter community centres there is strong daily demand for food relief from people struggling to make ends meet or living with crisis in their lives,” Mr Pilgrim said.

TRUSTSpring Spring2015 2015 || www.baptistcare.org.au 12 12 TRUST

“And we also find that as important as a good feed is, our clients highly value the opportunity to connect with others, as food relief and social inclusion go hand in hand,” he said.

Key groupings impacted by food insecurity include indigenous people, the unemployed, single parent households, pensioners, low-income earners, working poor and homeless people.

The centre, opened in 2011, provides a two-course lunch on Mondays and Thursdays, with clients invited to make a $2 donation to assist with costs. A hot breakfast has been introduced this year on a Wednesday, with a focus on young families and children being able to go to school on a full stomach.

A free buffet breakfast is also served four other mornings a week. The meals are cooked and served by a dedicated volunteer team, led by Centre Manager Craig Budden.

Mr Pilgrim said BaptistCare could not provide food relief services in the Hunter without the generous support of partners such as Oz Harvest, Coles-Second Bite,

Foodbank and the Woolworths Food Rescue.

The centre also houses a lowcost food support outlet, aimed at helping individuals and families stretch their shopping dollar further, as well as access to No Interest Loans, tailored client support, referrals and other support groups.

Windale: Dropping Off The Edge?

No less than 13kms and a 16 minute drive away from Wallsend is the Lake Macquarie suburb of Windale, which was recently named one of the most disadvantaged communities in NSW according to the 2015 Dropping Off The Edge report.

Windale is home to a BaptistCare Community Centre and the BaptistCare North West NSW regional office, and our North West Group Manager, Scott Pilgrim, discussed his hopes for the future of Windale in an opinion piece for The Newcastle Herald in late July.

In the late 1980s, while working as a journalist at The Newcastle Herald, I walked along the small Windale shopping strip seeking comments from locals following the publishing of a research report on the high level of disadvantage in the suburb.

All the stats then pointed in the wrong direction, with the research report reaffirming

“my optimism is based in the people who make up this robust community”

the negative stigma attached to postcode 2306.

A lasting memory of that visit was the anger that many local people showed towards me and my photographer colleague.

We represented “outsiders”, seemingly with the agenda of yet again bringing down the suburb.

Fast-forward 25 years and this week with the release of another report on disadvantage in Windale, I found myself in a very different position as I sat with a Herald journalist chatting about the future of the local community.

There is no hiding from the fact that Windale is a community of disadvantage. It has been for many years and it will be for many years to come. And sadly, this still results in much of the Hunter community looking unfavourably and unfairly on the suburb.

The negative is exacerbated and the positive is so often unnoticed.

But this is not the end of the story. Despite these challenges, disadvantage measures do not define a local community; nor do they scratch deeper and capture the grassroots, “greenshoot” spirit of hope, resilience, optimism and determination that are alive and well in many towns and suburbs labelled as highly disadvantaged, including the Windale community.

had found work for the first time in 10 years.

There are innovative community service initiatives being sponsored by a number of organisations, including BaptistCare, which seek to provide local people with enabling “hand-up” support, rather than traditional handout approaches.

This small story evokes hope in me. It provides a glimpse into what “can be” as we encourage people to look beyond disadvantage statistics and unhelpful stigmas and to grasp opportunity and hope for the future. It calls for courage and determination.

Along these lines, it was great to see the smile on the faces of some of my local team at our Windale centre recently when a long-term unemployed man came into our centre to tell our staff he

From a family who had lived with generational unemployment and no access to the internet, the man had come into our centre, motivated and wanting change.

He sought help from a volunteer to learn how to navigate the web and apply for work online. A few months later he was offered his first job in a decade.

But ultimately my optimism is based in the people who make up this robust community.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

13

VOLUNTEER COMPANIONS

Once you meet some of our wonderful clients there will be no turning back!

Many of our clients can be socially isolated in the community or bed-bound in our facilities. They love regular visits, or a phone call to check in on them.

We can even team you up with a buddy who you can tag along with and be shown the ropes.

Visit our website baptistcare.org.au/volunteer and join our team.

14

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

VOLUNTEERS PROVIDING UNIQUE

COMPANIONSHIP Anthony joined BaptistCare willing to offer his time to provide pastoral care, but it was his gift in speaking Cantonese that really brought joy into the lives of two of our residents.

Anthony speaks and writes in Cantonese as his language of origin, having learned English and Mandarin in later life.

Now he visits the Cantonesespeaking residents every second Wednesday, reading to them in Cantonese and encouraging them to recall stories from their childhood that they would struggle to express otherwise.

With those who are hard of hearing Anthony uses a pad to write messages, which are often met with a smile.

Anthony commented that crossing over the language barrier has allowed him to

develop a special connection with these residents, one that keeps drawing him back to his visits every fortnight.

The residents enjoy his company and they look forward to their time together, as Anthony uses his unique language skills to connect with the residents and provide deep companionship.

Our volunteers are often guilty of downplaying the difference they make for our residents and clients, and the assistance they also provide to the staff they serve alongside. They can so easily underestimate how significant the unique gift they offer is for those they come to serve. These special gifts come in a variety of guises that may meet a specific need that no one else can provide for.

Often these gifts are exercised by our pastoral care and companionship volunteers who meet one-on-one with residents and clients, and it is in these places that special bonds are created and individual needs are met.

Companionship and pastoral care can be the bridge to a special relationship, where a connection is sparked through a multitude of avenues and opportunities as volunteers offer their unique gifts to residents and clients.

What is your unique gift? Do you have a second language that could be used as a bridge to read or communicate with non-English speaking clients?

What other skills or experience do you have that would be appreciated by others? At BaptistCare we understand that no one-size-fits-all and we embrace this individuality.

For current volunteer opportunities at BaptistCare please visit our website at baptistcare.org.au/volunteer or email volunteering@baptistcare. org.au to enquire about volunteer opportunities at your local service.

Brendan Wood VOLUNTEERS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Anthony with one of his residents

15

CLARA: OUR TINY DANCER A diet of no sugar, no alcohol but plenty of salt is the secret to a long and happy life according to Clara Thorley who celebrated her 103rd birthday at BaptistCare Aminya Centre recently.

Clara was born in Parramatta on 11 July 1912.

One of five children, Clara attended Merrylands Public School and as a young girl would regularly help her parents tend to their horses and sulkies.

At 19, Clara married Phil Thorley and together they bought a home in Wentworthville where they raised their two children, Fay and Phillip.

16

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Fay, now aged 83 years, describes Clara as a wonderful and caring mother.

“When I was working as a hairdresser in the city, Mum would make all my clothes. I never wore the same dress twice in a week – I was the envy of all of my friends,” she said.

“When Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 1962 she refused to have a lifesaving operation until my daughter Regina was born. After the operation, she amazed the doctors with her inner strength and power to get well again.”

Clara has four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great, great grandson.

She enjoyed a special 103rd birthday celebration at Fay’s home with all five generations of her family and friends.

BaptistCare Aminya Centre Lifestyle Coordinator, Johanna Gillott, described Clara as a loveable character who is an absolute joy to be around.

“Clara is much loved by the staff and other residents at Aminya Centre. She is always in good spirits and always ready with a smile – and she is often the last one up dancing at our Annual Autumn and Spring Dances,” she said.

Clara says she used to go dancing every Friday and Saturday night and the secret of her living to 103 years is no sugar, no alcohol and plenty of salt in her diet.

“I’ve loved my life. I still love it.

I’ve got a long way to go yet.”

Sadly, Clara passed away on 2 September. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family at BaptistCare Aminya Centre.

MEN OF HISTORY Every Tuesday at 1pm a group of old friends gather for a game of snooker in what used to be their old school chapel at St Michael’s in Wagga Wagga.

The space off Church Street is now the community pool hall of the BaptistCare Watermark retirement living residences, a bustling community on the river, just a stone’s throw from the city’s centre.

Three of the snooker aficionados are residents who call the Watermark home. Des O’Rourke, Ray Slattery and John Freemantle once roamed the halls as students, where lifelong friendships were forged so long ago.

“I’ve known John since I was five.

We grew up together and we went to school here,” says Ray Slattery, “It’s amazing the things that have happened to John and I over our lifetime – in friendship, as partners in business… we even married sisters. It’s a great community here, a real good spot.”

The extra snooker players include original members of the school’s rugby team. “There’s a group of us that get together, four or five guys that played rugby with Ray. They happened to know my brother, who was a few years ahead of me in high school,” says Des. “All these blokes were three or four years older than me, but I knew of them back then. They invited me up for a game some time ago, and it’s been a weekly thing since.”

Embedded in the façade of stunning red brickwork is a certain connection to the heritage of Wagga Wagga, and yet the vibrant energy of the community makes it easy for the Watermark to feel like home.

“I know where everything was, like third and fifth class, and I know where the Principal’s office used to be, but fortunately I don’t get the shivers when I pass it, even though I visited it a time or two back in the day,” says Ray. And while John enjoys getting out and meeting with friends, his wife Kathy prefers the peace and quiet that the surrounds allow. “Our family room looks out at all the trees around the oval, and down to the river. It’s peaceful and lovely. We are close to the river, we can’t see it from here, but we know it’s not far,” says Kathy.

The Watermark delivers secure, independent living with choice, flexibility, and an extra element of care since integration with BaptistCare late last year.

Extra help is always on hand for a range of daily tasks, from personal living to home maintenance, and even transport.

The apartments feature openplan living, comfort and security from one to four bedrooms.

BaptistCare maintains a solid footprint in the greater Wagga community offering residential aged care (BaptistCare Caloola Centre), respite care (BaptistCare Towner House) and home services across the region.

For more information, visit baptistcare.org.au/watermark

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

17

12 YEARS A SLAVE TO HER OWN HUSBAND Do you know what causes the highest number of deaths, ill health and disability for women aged under 45 in Australia?

You might think it’s cancer or a heart attack, but it’s not.

It’s a family member and more often than not, it’s a husband.** This statistic is a national shame.

Worse still, domestic violence threatens to turn children into more violent citizens as they know no other way to behave.

We believe the only way forward is to create change within our culture. Change that you can help BaptistCare provide.

Here’s a real example of what we’re doing to solve the problem.

Noor* was young when she married. Alone at home with a new baby, she was not allowed to see her family, study or go outside without her husband’s permission.

The joy of a new baby turns to terror

a stance and attempted to stand between his father and mother, trying to protect her. It didn’t work and Noor’s husband threatened to kill her.

Noor feared not just for herself, but for the future of her children.

If her son survived, what kind of man would he become if regular beatings were a ‘normal’ way to behave?

She only wished for three things in life.

1. A safe place to live.

When the baby cried, Noor’s husband became angry and he hit her on the back of the head, where it wouldn’t show.

2. Opportunities to study and become more educated.

As he grew, her son became so distressed at the beatings that one day, he bravely made

Fortunately, Noor escaped from her husband and, with the help of her sister, started her new life.

18

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

3. Freedom to have an opinion and make choices.

With the support of BaptistCare who provided counselling, an interest free loan and crisis accommodation, Noor has graduated from TAFE and now works as a beauty therapist. She’s a hard working, enthusiastic member of her community.

Her son is growing into an engaging and respectful young man and he knows what it means to be a real father.

Building Safe Families BaptistCare has actively supported individuals and families impacted by domestic violence for more than 30 years. People impacted by domestic violence are often made vulnerable through manipulation, control and fear. Our holistic approach seeks to end the cycle of abuse by empowering

and enabling individuals and families to live safely and develop independence, personal wellbeing and mutual respect.

Using a ‘whole of family’ approach, we respond to domestic violence by:

WITH YOUR SUPPORT & DONATIONS, THIS YEAR WE HAVE …

- Providing crisis and mediumterm accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence, - Assisting women and children to secure long-term housing as they rebuild their lives, - Offering counselling services to men, women and children, - Making finances available through no-interest loans,

33 women

- Developing resources aimed at reducing domestic violence in the community.

In addition, BaptistCare has conducted Men’s Behaviour Change programs for more than 20 years, and we believe that unless we work with those men who use abusive and controlling behaviour in the home, the violence will not stop but instead be perpetuated into the next generation. Domestic violence is a significant issue for our nation, and it is critical that we stop it at its source.

Our aim is to help more women find the life they deserve You can help us reach more women like Noor by donating now. By returning the attached envelope with your gift, you’ll be making a huge difference to someone’s life – and the lives of their children.

Every dollar counts and your donation will help to transform lives.

Provided women and children with DV Accommodation Support

72

children

Provided the following DV services through our Relationship Services team

Enquiries & assessment

323 HOURS

Telephone support

653 HOURS

Group sessions for survivors & perpetrators

378 HOURS

Face to face counselling

1,300 HOURS

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of our client. ** Source: NSW Auditor General Report into Domestic Violence 2011

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2015

19

BaptistCare Sunday 2015 Sunday 1 November An opportunity to celebrate Care you can trust through the contribution of volunteers and to pray for the work of BaptistCare.

Resources including DVD, brochure and prayer points available from early October.

For more information visit baptistcare.org.au /churchrelationships 20

TRUST Spring 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au