MAGAZINE
DEMENTIA FORUM 2016 CONNECTING EXPERIENCE & THEORY HELPING HOUSEHOLDS SAVE ON POWER BILLS VALE TO THE FOUNDER OF TRUST Spring Edition 2016 • www.baptistcare.org.au
Pages throughout this report have accompanying videos you can view by simply pressing the PLAY button.
You can also watch stories from across BaptistCare on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT
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Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Trust was created as a communication tool to explore the work of BaptistCare. This edition is no different. Full of interesting stories of how we’re integrating ‘Care you can trust’ on the ground. One recurring theme is the diversity of the individuals we reach. Each person’s story is different – from a family struggling to pay their electricity bill, to a man enduring trauma from three major accidents - the challenges are unique. We implement an individual approach, and with care and understanding, we create change. Ron Robertson was a man who lived this concept. We celebrate the life of the founder of this publication (p4), and look at the incredible energy Ron dedicated to social welfare, and how it has enabled us today. We celebrated 510 years of experience and wisdom at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre, with milestone birthdays for five of our residents (p6).
latest community housing development has provided a haven in a time of need (p17). On page 8, we hear from Melissa and Sophie on their internship with HopeStreet. An insightful read, they encourage us to acknowledge the unique challenges of people experiencing homelessness, and the inspiring work happening in Woolloomooloo. We’ve teamed up with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to help lowincome and vulnerable households save on power bills by replacing old appliances with energy efficient models at discounted prices with no interest loans (p12). Our recent accreditation as a White Ribbon Workplace (p15) reflects our values in alignment with our actions as a frontline service provider to women and children affected by family violence. Thank you for your continued support of our mandate. We hope you enjoy your reading.
Also in the Northern Rivers, residents are settling into Garimaleh Place. We hear Steven’s story on how our Editor - Elizabeth Byrne TRUST is the partners’ magazine produced by BaptistCare for its members, donors, supporters, clients, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and the wider community. TRUST is distributed quarterly.
“ POSTTRUTH” POLITICS I am not sure how long this term has been around, but the British Exit campaign to leave the EU and the American Presidential campaign have both given very stark examples of this phenomenon. In June 2016, Daniel W Drezner wrote an article in the Washington Post1 entitled ‘Why the Post-Truth political era may be around for a while’ In a recent debate on the EU, Michael Gove, co-chair of the Leave campaign, was asked to name a single independent economic authority who thought Brexit was a good idea. Instead of answering the question, Gove made a virtue of ignorance. “I’m glad these organisations aren’t on my side,” he said. “I think people in this country have had enough of experts.” I recently heard a scientist talking on the radio exploring some of these issues. He asserted that there is a declining interest in trusting experts and an increasing glorification of opinion, where there are signs that people rate
Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN
each other’s opinions as of equal standing irrespective of the facts or truth. Thus popular opinion becomes the gauge of political direction rather than a thorough analysis of the facts. It does lead us to question: Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Are there some foundational truths that stand the test of time? The Bible certainly asserts there is Absolute Truth. “The very essence of your word is TRUTH, all your just regulations will stand FOREVER” and Jesus asserts in his prayer to the Father “Make them holy by your truth, teach them your word, which is TRUTH” (Psalm 119:160 and John 17:17)
selfishness, motivated by politics or greed – no the author is the Almighty God who is the: “same yesterday, today, and forever” and he reminds us, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 and 1 Peter 1:24) We are all familiar with the Baptist symbol of the open Bible. This reminds us that Baptists through the centuries have insisted that the Bible is the sole ultimate written authority for Christian faith and practice. So let us be people who demonstrate in word, sign and deed God’s timeless truths.
God is the author of timeless truth. He is not fickle, prone to 1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/06/16/why-the-post-truthpolitical-era-might-be-around-for-a-while/?tid=ss_mail&utm_term=.23c9075343f9
VALE RON ROBERTSON - FOUNDER OF TRUST
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As a way of communicating regularly with Baptist churches and their members across the State, Ron Robertson penned and published the very first TRUST newsletter back in 1962. This simple form of communication has grown into the publication you are reading today with a print run of 10,000.
By the early 80s, the Trust had units, hostels and nursing homes caring for more than 1,300 people across the state.
Appointed in 1956, in Robertson’s first five years with the formerly named The Baptist Homes Trust (Trust), he preached at around 130 churches, travelled over 90,000 miles, studied theology and psychology, and qualified as a Welfare Officer, among other duties as the first paid Secretary.
Ron retired in 1984. In the words of Mr F.J Church, the recipient of Ron’s initial application to the organisation and Trust President at the time:
At the time he came onboard, the Trust had opened one home for elderly women, Yallambi, and was planning another home for children. Ron joined a staff of around 30. From here, Ron and wife Nancy were pivotal in the development and expansion of services over the following 27 years. In the beginning, Ron’s headquarters was his home. The telephone was always answered with the words ‘Hello NSW Baptist Homes Trust’. His two girls were enthralled by the multitude of letters that arrived at the house daily, their parents dutifully replying to each one. When not at home, Ron’s banff blue Holden station wagon became his mobile office. As it clocked over to 100,000 on the odometer, he celebrated ‘scoring a century’ of a different kind.
The outstanding success of the Trust, under God, in its many spheres of service to the aged, the young and the disadvantaged is largely due to Mr Robertson’s unique ability to convey and convince Baptist churches of their obligations as Christians… The magnitude of Ron’s contribution in the field of social welfare was recognised by the Advance Australia Award in 1985 and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002.
Ron went to be with the Lord on 27th June, 2016. He was 98 years of age. “We are thankful for individuals, like Ron, who have paved the way for BaptistCare to become the caring, trustworthy and Christ-led organisation it is today,” said Ross Low, current BaptistCare CEO. “Through their generous contribution, we now have over 3600 staff and 1000 volunteers. We serve over 17,500 people, across NSW and ACT, and the progress Ron made during his time at the helm is a huge part of making that happen.”
Alan Goss, Ron Robertson and Allan Palmer at a monthly Sercom Meeting, held on 23 August 2004 www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2016
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510 REASONS
TO LAUGH When asked how important it was in life to have a sense of humour, Edith, who still reads the form guide every day, replied: “It would be a drab old life without it. I’ve laughed my whole life.” Fellow resident, Alma Rippon, was 100 in February and concurs: “Lose that and it’s the end of you. You couldn’t get on without it.”
“No preservatives,” said Ms Tuck. If you ask Elsie Johnston, who turned 100 in February, how old she is there’s a cheeky response: “If you asked my mother how old she was, she’d tell you: ‘a little bit older than my teeth.’”
“If you asked my mother how old she was, she’d tell you: ‘a little bit older than my teeth.’”
Maranoa’s Lifestyle and Memory Care Therapist, Samantha Tuck, said she was in awe of the five women who have made it passed the magnificent age of 100. It was interesting that most of them grew up on dairy farms, she said. 6
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Alma, she said, was too old to remember her age.
“I am pleased I am about and can see what is going on and I can hear sometimes too... but I’m happy to go, I’ve had a good life,” she said.
The residential manager of BaptistCare Maranoa Centre, Mr Greg Price, said it dawned on him the facility was going to be home to more than five centenarians earlier in the year.
If ever there was a picture of what a long and happy life looks like, it can be found at the BaptistCare Maranoa Centre aged care facility in Alstonville, where Edith Paff, who lives with four other centenarians, turned 106 in July. “To have one person turning 100 is a big deal but to have five possible centenarians out of the 90 people in your care is almost unheard of,” he said. Mr Price said out of his 40 years in the aged care sector, Maranoa is certainly the best. He is keen to point out, however; “we don’t do anything out of the ordinary here, we just do the ordinary things well.” “We give them a stable regular pattern. We make sure there are plenty of things to keep them interested. Some have been through tough times but they still enjoy life and there is a will to live,” he said. Most of the women all put their longevity down to “wholesome fresh food.” “Don’t drink and smoke,” said Alma. “They all have a drink now.” Elsie then broke into a “saucy” ditty about the workers on her
Alma Rippon, 100, Elsie Johnston, 100, Miep Heeringa, 104, Madge Pearson, 100, and Edith Paff, 106 (front).
family’s farm in Uralba who told of the benefits of eating fruit. Alma pointed to Elsie commenting: “She’s a tiger, this one.” Before coming to Maranoa, Elsie was well known for her work with The Red Cross and still has many pearls of wisdom to impart. “A man who never made a mistake, never made anything,” she said. “Else’s a good person. It is good to have a neighbour,” responded Alma. Maria Heeringa, known as Miep, grew up in Holland but has lived many years in Australia. She said the biggest change over 100 years was “the way people treated each other.”
make an unpleasant atmosphere.” “There is so much bad in everyone and there is so much good in the worst of us... People’s opinions of others shouldn’t be formed on what you think you might know, ” she said. Madge Pearson, who turned 100 last December, said the biggest change she’d seen was the new equipment on farms “which made the work load lighter”. She grew up on a farm on Boat Harbour Rd and went to school in Eltham. “We had pure bred guernseys and I loved to help milk them,” she said. “The favourite time was “bringing my children up from babies. I also had a wonderful husband,” said Madge.
“You need to be circumspect,” said Elsie piping up.
Alma’s hey day was 18 to 20 years old.
“You have to be aware of people’s feelings so as not to
“I used to take the bus to the local dances and it is on the bus that I
met my husband,’ she said. Alma has never been on a plane and never wants to go on one. Edith, from Inverell, was born in 1910 and remembers playing in the fields as Lismore hospital was built. She had her first bet on The Dubbo Trots at 15 and has been “nibbling ever since,” she said. “Sometimes there is money in the pocket and sometimes out of the pocket.” When she turned 100 the nurses took her to the Ballina Races and made her a cake. When it comes to changes she’s seen her sense of humour comes to the fore: “I was born at two and half pounds in the bush. No humidicribs in those days.” This article and photograph is kindly reproduced with permission from the author, Sophie Moeller, and The Lismore Echo where it first appeared on 7 July 2016.
www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2016
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SEEING THE HOPE IN HOPESTREET When two university students spent a week at BaptistCare HopeStreet, in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Woolloomooloo, they were confronted by the reality of homelessness. They wrestled with questions of equality, practicalities of life on the street, and the discovery of how change can be a slow, yet creative and cooperative experience where communities come together and Christ-like love can, and does, meet needs. Melissa and Sophie, who attend
Thornleigh Community Baptist Church, completed the short internship visit as part of a six month leadership and mission program for young adults run by their church. Their insightful story, written by Sophie Ellis, should inspire us all to acknowledge and recognise people who are experiencing homelessness. In the week we spent at BaptistCare HopeStreet we were both deeply challenged; faced with admitting our own privilege and extraordinary opportunity through the lives of those who we were lucky enough to meet. Woolloomooloo is one of Sydney’s most blatant displays of gentrification and socio-
economic disparity, so to be faced with the reality of our blissful ignorance to the hardship of those affected by this, was confronting. Our week included visiting HopeStreet’s Women’s Services’ new space and learning about the work they are doing with those affected by domestic violence, as well as working in the Op Shop and helping to sort out the infamously overflowing store room. One of our favourite experiences from the week was getting to visit HopeStreet’s new Pet Care initiative. By teaming up with veterinary students from the University of Sydney once a month, the service is able to provide affordable care to the many four legged friends of Woolloomooloo’s financially disadvantaged. The service is a fantastic display of what HopeStreet excels in; identifying a need within their
Sophie Ellis 8
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community and, simply put, meeting it. For those who are doing it tough, the companionship and feeling of being needed that comes with the bond between you and your pet is extremely significant. But animal care is on the whole, ludicrously expensive. HopeStreet were able to see the need for affordable, high quality veterinary services and establish a way for the community to access it. Through working with the wonderful team at HopeStreet it quickly became apparent the patience it requires to work in a community service. Nothing is done quickly, everything requires careful planning and initiatives like this can take many months, years even, to be actualised. But the Godly patience, fiery passion and spirit-endowed love for others possessed by those who work there was one of the most encouraging parts of our experience. At the beginning of the week, Adam, a Community Development Officer in the HopeStreet team, personally shared with me his driving force behind the work he does: Matthew 25:40, in which Jesus proclaims, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." The gospel calls us to a life of equality, a life where we seek to
share the love and sacrifice of Jesus to a broken world, in a way that signifies our total equivalence with each other. BaptistCare HopeStreet, for us, is achieving just that. From
"... HopeStreet is able to look into a community and say; we see you, we love you and we are here..."
the legal and administrative assistance, to the Women’s Services, and the fantastically resourced Op Shop, to sitting down with someone and just having a coffee and a chat, HopeStreet is able to look into a community and say; we see you, we love you and we are here to be amongst you and give you a hand up.
I walked away from my week at HopeStreet challenged by the people that I met and the great disadvantage that I saw, but with a heart full of passion and excitement from the love I witnessed being bestowed on a community in deep need. This experience has shown me that the little things matter. I have seen the impact of meeting moments of need with moments of generosity, moments of sorrow with moments of comfort, and moments of frustration, anger and doubt with Christ-like love. Mission is not just limited to the large-scale fundraising events or overseas trips, but can be found in the quiet moments of sharing Jesus with someone who knows his name and not his heart. Incremental change can have an astounding impact on a person’s life; HopeStreet shows it, God achieves it and I have been irreversibly changed because of it. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2016
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KATE SWAFFER’S STORY OF ME
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA AT 49 AND IT WAS A GIFT Following the successful Stories of Me - BaptistCare’s third annual dementia forum held during Dementia Awareness Month – advocate, author and international speaker Kate Swaffer, shares her story of being diagnosed with younger onset dementia at the age of 49. There are more than 47 million people diagnosed with dementia and I am one of them. I was diagnosed at age 49, then a mother of two teenage boys. In 2006, I started to experience symptoms of acquired dyslexia and other concerning cognitive changes, including some long and short term episodic memory loss. Initially it was relatively easy to compensate for the changes. Eventually they started affecting my work, and I would often get lost while driving the car. I was rather blasé about it, thinking these changes were due to my brain surgery in 2005, and mentioned them in passing at a regular neurologist appointment. Some 18 months later I was diagnosed with a rare temporal lobe dementia. As a working mother, also studying double undergraduate degrees at university, it was like being struck by lightning. Our 10
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youngest son said at the time: "But Mum, isn't that a funny old persons disease?" We laughed, but eventually the gravity of the situation took its toll, and I cried for weeks. I then read about the late Dr Richard Taylor, an eminent psychologist from Houston, Texas, who went through a similar experience and took his own advice to start writing. I immediately began writing as a way of healing, which led me to start a blog and to write my first book. Writing became the window into my soul, and, importantly, my memory bank. My blog also quickly became committed to a meaningful dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders about the critical issues impacting a person living with a diagnosis of dementia and their families and close friends. It is an academic resource around the world, and
tells of the challenges those of us with dementia face. It also speaks of the joy. Writing has helped me to make meaning of this sometimeshideous, terminal, progressive illness, to rise above it and live every day as if it is my last, just in case it is. I have no idea when my 'lights' will go off, so rather than stress about it I work hard to live with dementia. After all, we are all born with a death sentence. As we're being diagnosed earlier in the disease process (my patients were in their seventies when I was, ironically, a nurse in a dementia unit), my experience has shown we need to better manage those who are newly diagnosed as early-stage today, many still with much living to do. When I was initially diagnosed I was studying at the University of South Australia. It was here
that I discovered the incredible value of disability services and support provided to any student with any disability to achieve their personal goals. The education sector supported me to keep living my life, rather than recommending Prescribed Disengagement that so many people face. It made me realise that with early intervention, continued learning, pursuit of passions and rehabilitation, life with dementia may not be as gruesome as predicted.
to my life. My neurological physiotherapist now believes in the value of rehabilitation for dementia, and teaches it in his Masters of Physiotherapy program at the Flinders University. For many years I have seen a lack of proactive, person-centered, postdiagnostic pathways of support that
has become one of the greatest gifts of my life. It has given me clarity about what family and friendship really means, and about living life as if there really is no tomorrow.
While not a cure, approaching symptoms of dementia as disabilities requiring support can help us function, in the same way it can help someone following a head injury or after a stroke. I self-prescribed rehabilitation and kept studying as my form of neuroplasticity brain training. In a sense, University became my 'day respite'. I recommend all people diagnosed early in their dementia to seek out and keep doing activities they love; in essence, to reclaim their prediagnosis lives. Use as much support as needed to remain as independent as possible -that's what every other person living with disability expects, and receives. After reading Norman Doidge's book The Brain That Changes Itself, I realised that study was more than my neuroplasticity. It was meaningful activity (to me) that added inherent value
Kate Swaffer Press play to hear from our Carers about dementia care
include rehabilitation. I've been working alongside other members of Dementia Alliance International to put dementia on the global agenda and to lobby for a human-rights-based approach. It is slow, but we are gaining momentum. Living with a diagnosis of dementia, while it initially felt like my soul being sucked out,
Dementia has taught me to be grateful for what I have, and for those who have stuck by me. It has given me the gift of writing and speaking out, in an effort to change the world and to improve the lives for those already diagnosed, and the new diagnosis that occurs every four seconds.
www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2016
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BAPTISTCARE PARTNERS WITH NSW GOVERNMENT TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS
SAVE ON THEIR POWER BILLS
BaptistCare has partnered with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage on a $4 million initiative to deliver energyefficient appliances to low income and vulnerable households across NSW.
The Home Energy Action (HEA) Appliances Program offers eligible households financial support, including no interest loans and subsidies, to replace old fridges and televisions with newer, more energy efficient models at discounted prices.
It has been developed to help reduce energy use and high power bills for eligible low income households. Participating households can save up to $200 on annual energy bills for fridges and up to $125 for TVs. BaptistCare joined Minister for Environment and Minister for Heritage, Mark Speakman, and other affiliates to officially launch the program in Caringbah on Thursday 18 August. Rob Ellis, General Manager Community Services, said the partnership is a perfect fit for BaptistCare, which has been a No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) provider for over 8 years, delivering over 4,000 loans valued at more than $3.5million. “It’s about coming together and recognising the stress that people in our community live under with old, unreliable appliances they can’t afford to replace and the associated
Press play to see
how our microfinance programs are helping people
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high energy bills," Mr Ellis said. “The HEA program has enabled BaptistCare to build on its strong NILS footprint and offer vulnerable, low income households the opportunity to secure quality, energy efficient appliances, leading to long-term financial savings,” Mr Ellis said. Eligible low income households will also receive discounts of 50% on TVs and 40% on fridges through the program’s retail partner, The Good Guys. But Mr Ellis pointed out that the program means more than just access to better appliances at a cheaper price. “There are broader health and wellbeing benefits when you consider these households will have savings they can put toward other pressing financial obligations.” NILS is one of a number of programs offered through BaptistCare Community Centres located in regions where people frequently experience financial stress and social or financial exclusion. Other services include domestic violence and homelessness support, financial literacy programs, emergency relief, referral and support services. To find out if you are eligible for the HEA program phone BaptistCare on 1300 275 227. Photo: Sylvia Liber Photography
CELEBRATING ALL AGES BaptistCare Griffith has established an Intergenerational Playgroup in partnership with volunteers from Canberra Baptist Church for the benefit of children, their families and residents. We spoke with Kevin Carlson, Chaplain at BaptistCare Griffith, to hear just how this program is delighting generations. “It all began with an idea from Nola Blight, one of our long term BaptistCare auxiliary volunteers from Canberra Baptist Church. She asked, ‘What if we brought our Church playgroup here to the residents at Griffith?’”, explained Kevin. It was very quickly agreed by Rev Belinda Groves from Canberra Baptist Church, Kevin and BaptistCare Griffith management that the idea held great benefit for old and young alike. The first playgroup at Griffith kicked off on June 21, with over 25 residents and 15 pre-school children and their parents and carers. The playgroup met for a second successful time in August, with one more gathering planned for the year in October. “Singing together, laughing together, smiling together, creating together, listening to stories, telling our own, and moving to the music; all of this
happened, and more. It was a true pleasure to watch,” tells Kevin.
Press play to meet
Chaplain Kevin
“We hoped our Intergenerational Playgroup would provide healthy interaction between residents and children, increase community participation at Griffith and enable parents and children to experience older people at Griffith, their home. Our hopes were certainly realised,” he said.
Research conducted in 2010 by the National Ageing Research Institute evaluated selected intergenerational playgroups in residential aged care facilities, and found that children, families, residents and facilities as a whole benefitted through: • Increased enjoyment and intergenerational interactions • Reflection and reminiscence of childhood and parenting
• Changes in attitudes and expectations of different generations, and of aged care facilities. “We found that many of our residents at Griffith do not have family living in Canberra or young relatives to interact with, and similarly children and parents that attend playgroup may live a long way from their extended family. It made sense that we could bring these two groups together,” said Kevin. “Our intergenerational playgroup provides a brilliant opportunity to value each other, to share life experience and to celebrate all ages,” said Kevin.
www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2016
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PUPPETS DELIGHT STUDENTS AT BAPTISTCARE MORVEN GARDENS BaptistCare Morven Gardens residents became thespians in August when they treaded the boards to perform a play for students from Blackheath Public School. The residents performed a play – based on the children’s book, ‘There’s a Dragon in the Library’ – using hand-made puppets and props they lovingly created with support from local illustrator and puppet maker, Narelda Joy and funding from Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC). The play featured 12 puppets that told the story of a young
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boy called Max, who is the only person that can see a dragon munching and crunching on the library's books. BaptistCare Morven Gardens Lifestyle Coordinator, Nellie Campbell, said the play forms part of an ongoing calendar of intergenerational activities between the aged care centre and the school, in partnership with the Blue Mountains subbranch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). “We are committed to creating opportunities for the young and old to engage in really meaningful ways and to encourage each generation to see the world through each other’s eyes,” said Nellie. “Our residents attended Grandparents Day and an Anzac
Day ceremony at the school earlier in the year and the children presented a play for us in June, so now it was our chance to take centre stage and entertain the students.” Nellie said the social interaction that occurs between the residents and children just happens naturally – and it’s beautiful to watch. “Working together with the students on such creative projects gives our residents a wonderful sense of joyful freedom. It builds self-esteem and helps each participant to feel needed and valued,” she said. “Spending time with the children can help our residents to forget about their daily challenges and to feel young and enthused again.” Blackheath Public School Assistant Principal and CBCA Blue Mountains President, Sheryl Cootes, said the initiative has been incredibly well received by the school community, with students sharing their thoughts: “I enjoyed talking with people from a different generation” – Holly, Year 5 “It has been wonderful meeting the residents from Morven Gardens and hearing their stories. They know so much more than us!” – Estella, Year 6
COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEAD OFFICE EARNS
ACCREDITATION AS WHITE RIBBON WORKPLACE
BaptistCare, in its ongoing commitment to address domestic and family violence in our communities, has been accredited as a White Ribbon Workplace, at both its Head Office and all Community Services sites. BaptistCare is one of only 20 Australian organisations to be accredited this year and one of only 65 in total. As part of the rigorous White Ribbon accreditation process, BaptistCare proved it’s an organisation taking action to prevent and respond to violence against women. BaptistCare’s strong collaborative approach to prevent violence against women, and its strong policies and process to support and educate staff were commended in the accreditation process. General Manager of Community Services Rob Ellis said he was delighted that BaptistCare is among some of the first organisations in Australia to achieve the accreditation. “As a provider of frontline services to women and children affected by family violence, we
take the issue of women’s safety and wellbeing in the workplace extremely seriously. The White Ribbon accreditation was an opportunity for us to ensure our values as an organisation are wellaligned with our actions,” he said. In Australia, on average, one woman is killed every week as a result of intimate partner violence and in July the ABS released statistics showing more than a third of sexual assaults and homicides recorded across the country last year were related to domestic violence. “As an organisation we promote a culture of respect and have made a significant investment in not only the services we provide but the policies, processes and training in place to support our staff whether they be the victim of abuse, or a colleague attempting to support them through a traumatic experience,”
Mr Ellis said. “Given the statistics, we know that many Australian businesses employ victims of domestic violence, and we encourage organisations to participate in the White Ribbon Workplace program.” BaptistCare will continue to build a culture of respect that prevents violence in all of its forms and ensuring that staff are equipped to recognise, respond and refer in cases of violence against women. BaptistCare is also committed to widen the scope of its accreditation for the whole organisation.
Press play to hear from
BaptistCare's DV specialists
www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2016
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TV HOST & PROPERTY GURU ANDREW WINTER
COMES TO THE GRACEWOOD Property guru and host of the Lifestyle Channel’s Selling Houses Australia, Andrew Winter, encouraged Hills District seniors to consider downsizing as low interest rates, high demand for properties and major local infrastructure works fuel record prices in northwest Sydney, during a special event at The Gracewood in August. Andrew spoke with local seniors and shared his advice on preparing a home for sale and maximising its value during two exclusive and full to capacity information sessions, held at the community living development in Kellyville. Attendees had the chance to put individual property questions to Andrew, a panel of experts and Gracewood residents who have already gone through the process of downsizing. Andrew said now was a great time for local seniors to think about downsizing with homes in the area selling quickly and for record prices. “The strong demand for homes in the family-friendly Hills area makes it the ideal time for retirees to consider their options for this next stage of their lives,” 16
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he said.
Making the decision to sell up and downsize marks a major milestone in most people’s lives
“The family home is many older Australian’s primary financial asset. Making the decision to sell up and downsize marks a major milestone in most people’s lives so it is absolutely vital to be as fully informed as possible as to the local property market conditions when making that decision.”
Andrew Winter
Andrew also presented up-todate information on northwest Sydney’s real estate market, as well as offering practical, nononsense tips on presentation and style to increase your home’s value for selling. “Timing and styling are everything. It can make all the difference between your home fetching top dollar and setting you up for the next chapter or your home sitting on the market for months on end,” he said.
STEVEN'S NEW HOME As our residents settle into BaptistCare’s newest community housing development in the Northern Rivers, we spoke with 56 year old Steven, who discusses his past, and how he came to live at BaptistCare Garimaleh Place in Lismore. A little over five years ago, Steven owned a fine house overlooking a golf course, the latest BMW in the driveway, and a successful family business and job filling his days. A deep-rooted family issue saw him lose everything. “Turns out, I hadn’t realised my father had a gambling problem. It all hit the fan,” says Steven. “All my money went into a family trust for tax purposes, and my father basically emptied the accounts. It all went to court but I ran out of money pretty quickly.” “Whoever has the most amount of money and the best solicitor wins, and in this case, I didn’t have either, I lost everything,” says Steven. “I went from $200,000 annual income to $200 a week living on the dole” says Steven.
“When I was younger, I fell off a wheat silo and broke my back. I was in a coma for a week. They told me I would never walk again, and I said I bet you I do.” “Later I was on a bike and had a head on with a car. I broke my hip and pelvis and was in hospital for another three months.” “They say things come in threes. I was over in WA working in the mines and a car I was in crashed. One of my kidneys broke in half. They flew me down to Perth to put me on a dialysis machine.”
drugs, it wasn’t a very good environment to live in.” A few months ago, BaptistCare offered Steven a one-bedroom apartment at BaptistCare Garimaleh Place, and life is looking brighter. “Since being here, it is fantastic. I am by myself, surrounded by older people so there’s no mucking around, or young people getting drunk every night. I can take my medication to keep me going and relax. It’s quiet. This place is lovely.”
Steven can still laugh and shake off his tough run, even after spending over five years in a men’s shelter. “I’ve been homeless for over five years. I ended up tumbling through refuges. There are a lot of alcoholics, and violence and
Press play to
watch Garimaleh being built
Dealing with the change in lifestyle was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil created by his father’s actions. “The worst thing is it was my own father. I was pretty messed up, I couldn’t come to terms with my father robbing me. I mean, you look up to your dad,” says Steven. To make things more difficult, Steven knew his health deterioration was quickening due to three traumatic accidents earlier on in life. “It’s all caught up with me as the doctors warned it would. I am now on a disability pension.”
Steven in his new home www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2016
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WE PUT EXTRA IN OUR CARE In recent issues of TRUST magazine, we have shared with you stories of people experiencing hardship and disadvantage. We also know that grief, change and isolation is something we may all have experienced or encountered in life. That’s why, as part of our ongoing care and support, we offer a chaplaincy service to all of our residents, clients and families. Our Chaplains are ready and trained to respond to individual needs, providing a listening ear and compassionate presence for everyone, no matter their faith or background, and no matter their situation. We believe it is this EXTRA care that can make all the difference.
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TRUST Spring 2016 | www.baptistcare.org.au
One of our aged care Chaplains recently shared this encouraging experience: “On Monday I went to an aged care centre to see a client who
"Our chaplains... respond to individual needs, providing a listening ear and compassionate presence..."
has recently moved there. I was hoping to catch her husband as he has been extremely unwell with cancer and recent surgery. Mary* had been taken to the aged care centre while he was last in hospital and I know this has been a huge grief to him and a source of guilt
that he now carries. I just can never find him at home. When I arrived I was disappointed Ken* was not at the nursing home visiting Mary, but I sat and spent some time with her. Mary lives with dementia and although she had no idea who I was she was more than happy to sit and chat. I kept asking the Lord what I should do. Should I stay or should I go? Each time I asked I felt it was important to stay. Finally Ken arrived. He was so delighted to see me and to know that I was with Mary when he couldn’t be. He had been held up in a meeting and knew that Mary would be quite anxious that he had not arrived. We were able to have a chat about how he’s coping and the grief he is feeling. Today, however, he felt relief and appreciation for my visit and that I had waited so long for him.” As a Christian organisation, BaptistCare is here to respect and care for people – all people. Our Chaplains serve people
using our care services, living in our residential aged care facilities, living in the community, in hospitals and correctional facilities. It’s the EXTRA in all of our caring services. Trevor Wight, our Senior Chaplain says, “Chaplains have the privilege of being available to journey with people through the highs and lows of life. Our Chaplains’ main focus is to attend to the emotional and spiritual needs of our clients and residents, be that in a hospital bed, a prison, in one of our aged care or community centres or even in a person’s own home (where they receive other BaptistCare services).”
Not everyone our Chaplains visit is necessarily religious but our clients report that they value a Chaplain who is interested in them, their story and there is an opportunity to talk through their questions or challenges. One of our clients told us ‘He gives me his full attention and listens to me. Health care systems deal with the physical needs and can be impersonal. But the Chaplain is someone who is actually interested in what I have to say and how I think and feel.’” BaptistCare currently has 53 Chaplains working across NSW and the ACT, logging over 1300 hours and over 4900 kilometres per week providing this vital
service. However, the demand is great and we need you to join us in meeting this need. There are many other people out there, just like Ken and Mary, and we need your help in continuing and expanding this much valued program. Please consider a generous response in the envelope provided. Your generosity can make a world of difference to people experiencing loneliness and hardship. *Not their real names To make a donation to our Chaplaincy services, please use the envelope in this magazine, visit baptistcare.org.au or call (02) 9023 2500.
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www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016
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