BluePrint (May 2021)

BLUEPRINT THE

A message from the CEO

Welcome to the first issue of The Blueprint for 2021. While the past 12 months were dominated by the news of how COVID-19 has spread and impacted the world, 2021 kicked off with a strong focus on the distribution of vaccines to bring the pandemic to an end.

As you are aware, aged care residents and workers are given priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and I am pleased to share that multiple BlueCross residences have received their first dose of the vaccine since the beginning of the national rollout. You can read more about it in the next story, including resident Florence Parker’s vaccination experience.

We know that residents at other BlueCross residences are also waiting for their opportunity to be vaccinated and we are working closely with the health authorities to expedite this. The more people vaccinated, the sooner we can all return to a more normal life – and that’s what resident Joyce Crawshaw is looking forward to so she can start attending her monthly Girl Guide meetings again. Read about Joyce's amazing journey with the Girl Guides in this edition.

We also share some educational articles to help you distinguish between forgetfulness and dementia and the importance of looking after your mental health. We also debunk some common myths about private home care, if you are considering getting services at home for yourself or your loved one. Happy reading and stay safe!

Residents at several BlueCross residences were given the opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccine when the Australian Government started the initial phase of its national vaccine rollout in February 2021.

BlueCross Livingstone Gardens was the first BlueCross residence to be included in the rollout, with over 93 per cent of residents receiving their first dose of the vaccine on 1 March. Florence Parker, 86, felt honoured to be chosen as the first resident to be vaccinated.

BlueCross residents get COVID-19 vaccine

"I'm at a vulnerable age. I felt that for my safety and wellbeing, getting the vaccine was for me. I had no apprehensive feelings at all," said Florence. “My family is supportive of me getting the vaccine and are also getting it themselves. We are all in unison on that.”

Apart from some tenderness at the injection site on her arm, Florence did not experience any other side effects. “I didn’t even feel the needle going in,” she said.

To those who are fearful or have doubts about the vaccine, Florence said people are fortunate and privileged to be living in Australia and have access to the vaccine to keep everyone safe. While residents were given priority to receive the COVID-19

vaccine, some staff members also took up the opportunity to receive the vaccine from the excess stock on vaccination day.

“We know that residents at other BlueCross residences are also waiting for their opportunity to be vaccinated. The rollout is managed at a federal government level and we are working closely with the health authorities to expedite the process,” said Ingrid Harvey, Chief Operating Officer.

The more residents and staff who are vaccinated, the greater our ability to keep our residents safe and for everyone to live as normal a life as possible. "

While the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is entirely voluntary, BlueCross strongly encourages all residents and staff to be vaccinated as part of the Government program. None of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia contain a live virus that can cause COVID-19.

Like any other vaccinations, some people may experience minor side effects such as pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site, mild fever or headache. For BlueCross residents who received the COVID-19 vaccine, no significant reactions have been reported.

Anyone with concerns about the suitability of the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to speak to a general practitioner or health professional so they can make an informed decision.

Robert Putamorsi Chief Executive Officer

Florence Parker was honoured to be the first BlueCross resident to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Assistant Residence Manager Melissa Phillips getting her COVID-19 vaccination shot

Resident Janiss Mitchell chose to receive the vaccine to protect herself and her loved ones

forgetfulness and dementia

As we age, it is common for us to experience “senior moments” or “vague moments”. This can be either a normal part of ageing or the early signs of dementia. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between the two, especially in the early stages of dementia.

Normal forgetfulness

1. You remember what you forgot later – If you forgot where you put your keys or were trying to remember the name of the street your son lives on but couldn’t, don’t worry. If you can remember the information later (be it five minutes or two hours later), you are probably fine.

2. Tools to help you remember – If you forget to take your medication unless you set a mobile phone reminder or write yourself a note, don't worry. People who use post-it notes or electronic reminders are likely to be experiencing “normal” forgetfulness.

3. Transience and absentmindedness – Transience is when the brain forgets some memories over time. This may be a good thing as the brain is removing unused memories to prepare room for the new ones. Absent-mindedness is when you are not 100 per cent focused on the information you should have remembered at the time, for example, you were preoccupied with other thoughts.

4. Forgetfulness is associated with being busy – If you forgot to return a phone call or make your way to a meeting because you were having a busy day,

don't worry. When we are excessively busy, we only have room for so much information in our minds and naturally, some things get pushed out.

5. Being able to execute self-care – If you have had a crazy day and forgot five things but can still settle into a nice bath or feed yourself well at the end of the day, you are probably experiencing normal signs of age-related forgetfulness.

Signs of dementia

The following are signs of dementia, which are quite different to normal age-related forgetfulness.

1. Forgetting important information – The symptoms of dementia go beyond merely forgetting where you placed your car keys or when an appointment was booked. Symptoms of dementia include forgetting important information such as the names of friends and loved ones.

2 . Difficulty with simple tasks – If you or a loved one have a hard time remembering to pay bills, pick up spouses/children or carry out normal hygiene procedures like brushing teeth and showering, it is likely that this forgetfulness is a sign of

dementia. This is also true for people who lose weight due to forgetting to eat or for people who gain weight because they eat many meals and forget about previous ones.

3. Difficulty in familiar settings – While it is normal to get lost in new places, it is not normal to get lost on your way home. If you notice that a friend or loved one is forgetting how to get home or to the local supermarket, or cannot remember which room is the bedroom or which car belongs to him or her, these are most likely signs of dementia.

4. Difficulty in new settings – Another common symptom of dementia is the tendency to become disorientated in new environments, i.e. the new information is difficult to process or remember, so there is difficulty recalling it. The disorientation can extend to both place and time.

5. Frequently forgetting words – While it is normal to grapple for the right word, it is not normal to forget words altogether. If you notice that you or loved one cannot remember simple words, slurs words or forgets important information like a loved one’s name or birthday, it is time to seek help.

6. Poor judgment – If forgetfulness has reached the level where the individual is making forgetful judgements that place health or safety at risk, like going out in the winter without a jacket, leaving the stove or gas on at home, or being in minor car accidents such as sideswiping the letterbox in the driveway or a parked car, there is a high possibility that you are dealing with dementia-like symptoms.

7. Difficulty making decisions – If a person you love is having a hard time making simple decisions like what to eat or where to go or if they become frustrated over simple issues, it is likely that this is dementia-related forgetfulness. Additionally, if a person you love seems to have “forgotten” how to act in social situations or acts out in dangerous or

inappropriate ways, it is likely these are signs of dementia.

8. Changes in personality

– According to Dementia Australia, people living with dementia can experience changes in their personality. For example, someone in the moderate stages of dementia could suddenly be prone to aggressive behaviour, paranoia or impulsive behaviours.

What to do if you notice signs of dementia

If you notice a loved one displaying signs of dementia, it is important to enlist the help of their GP as the first step as the person may not be aware that they have the early signs of dementia. Your loved one may not want to make a GP appointment to “check their

memory”. You can suggest that they make a GP appointment for a “checkup” or to renew scripts.

If the GP feels that your loved one has the early stages of dementia, ideally the next step is to make an appointment with your local Cognitive and Memory Services. Some of these clinics require a referral from the GP, while some others are happy for a phone call from a loved one.

Although memory loss is a frightening prospect, there are many ways to determine the difference between normal forgetfulness and potential Alzheimer’s symptoms. If you notice any of the dementia symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seek medical care immediately in order to produce a positive outcome.

Looking after your mental health

Getting older is a gift but it also brings its fair share of challenges as we cope with declining physical and mental health. Looking after our mental health is important as it is the central part of our overall wellbeing.

Your mental health is your psychological and emotional wellbeing. From time to time, it is normal to feel sad, moody, angry or frustrated as we deal with the ups and downs of life. However, if you experience these feelings intensely for long periods of time, you could be suffering from depression.

Depression is a serious medical condition that can cause severe symptoms affecting how you think, feel and act. According to Beyond Blue, it is estimated that between 10 to 15 per cent of older people are experiencing depression and about 10 per cent experience anxiety.

Older people are more susceptible to feelings of nervousness, sadness, grief and loss and these in part, can be due to various factors such as illness or chronic disease, frailty or loss of independence, financial stress, increasing isolation or loneliness, or death of a life partner. A significant change in living arrangements such as transitioning into residential aged care can be a trigger too. Over the past 12 months, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated fears and restrictions has also had an impact on mental health.

Good mental health is often associated with healthy ageing, and will help you feel more confident and have better selfesteem.

Look ing after your mental health is important to help you get the most out of life and maintain healthy relationships with others.

Unfortunately, many older people are hesitant to talk to someone or seek professional help when they are experiencing depression or anxiety. They may just shrug it off as a form of weakness or character flaw, rather than a genuine health condition.

Sometimes, the symptoms of depression or anxiety are not obvious as they often develop gradually over time. If you are struggling to stay happy or find meaning in life, do not suffer in silence.

Ignoring the symptoms over long periods of time can be detrimental to your mental health and wellbeing. If you are finding it hard to cope with everyday living, the good news is that there is support available, as well as effective treatments to help older people recover.

A good first step is speaking with your doctor as they can refer you to the right support services if necessary. Alternatively, you can contact one of the organisations below for help or advice.

Where to get help

Head to Health – guide to some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Visit www.headtohealth.gov.au

Open Arms – mental health support for veterans, ADF personnel and their family members. Call 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au

Beyond Blue – for people feeling depressed or anxious. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline – for anyone having a personal crisis. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au

Common causes of mental health issues in older people

x Illness

x Frailty and loss of independence

x Grief and loss

x Financial stress

x Changing living arrangements

x Increasing social isolation

Ways to improve your wellbeing

x Eating well

x Getting enough sleep

x Exercising regularly

x Spending time with friends and family

x Sharing feelings with others

x Doing enjoyable and relaxing activities

x Volunteering and helping others

(source: healthdirect.gov.au)

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An amazing 80 years in Guiding

When Joyce Crawshaw joined the Girl Guides in 1932, she never imagined this would become a lifelong involvement spanning eight decades across two continents.

carry the flag,” she said. Guiding was more formal in those days, she explained. “Our meetings would commence with an inspection and we would lose drill patrol points if badges weren’t shining and shoes polished.”

When World War II broke out, Joyce was among one of the 750,000 Guides in the UK to contribute to the war effort.

“We all played our part during the war years. I was a Ranger then, helping in the forces’ canteen on the church premises, knitting scarves and gloves, and collecting newspapers.”

In 1981, Joyce was presented the coveted Laurel Award for her outstanding service with the Guides, which took her by surprise. “My first reaction was ‘Why me? I haven’t done anything spectacular’. However, I felt very honoured and received the award at a special gathering at Frederick Street Methodist Church, attended by many Guiding and personal friends. It was a great evening and a wonderful memory which I treasure.”

spirit of Guiding to others along the way.”

Joyce turns 100 in June and feels blessed to be given a long life and a good memory. As an only child, she attributes her longevity to the organic and healthy diet she grew up on. “My parents were country people. My father grew his own vegetables and kept chickens so we had our own eggs, and my mother cooked and baked – everything was natural.”

Joyce, who hailed from Slough, a large town 30km from west central London, emigrated to Australia in January 1994. Her involvement with the Girl Guides continued in her adopted country where she joined a local Trefoil Guild –Acacia , the adult section for former or current members of Guiding.

Now a resident at BlueCross Livingstone Gardens, Joyce continued attending the monthly meetings at Acacia until the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020.

Joyce’s earliest memory of her Guiding years was when she enrolled in the 6th Slough (Methodist) Guide Company as an 11-year-old.

I was part of the Guard of Honour when the Duchess of York (later Her Majesty the Queen Mother) visited Slough to open the new Methodist Central Hall. "

“I remember it was a cold November day and our

uniform consisted of the blue cotton dress, long black stockings and a large hat. We didn’t mind the cold though as we had a good view of the proceedings,” said Joyce. Joyce recalled how much she enjoyed learning new skills during her earlier Guiding days, from making knots and simple bandaging to communicating in Morse code and Semaphore signalling. “I also enjoyed hikes, cooking dinner over a campfire, the monthly church parades and eventually the honour of being chosen to

Joyce also took on various other roles throughout the years, from Brownie Pack Leader to Guide Lieutenant, then Brown Owl following a short hiatus from the Girl Guides after she got married. Joyce was appointed as the District Commissioner for Wigston, Leicestershire, from 1966 to 1972 and later, the new Division Commissioner when a County Division was formed in the area. One of Joyce’s most memorable experiences was when she and a few leaders were presented to Princess Margaret when she opened the Girl Guides headquarters in Leicester. “My husband Brian had always been very encouraging and supportive of all my Guiding activities,” said Joyce. “He suggested that I learn to drive and I eventually passed my test and was able to take myself to visit other units and attend many special occasions.”

Joyce said it was a privilege to be part of a worldwide organisation where one can always find friends anywhere and be sure of a welcome. “I’ve gained so much from Guiding over the years and hope I’ve managed to pass on the

For her milestone birthday, Joyce doesn’t want any material things. “I got all the things I need. I just wish I can continue to maintain my independence and do the things I love.” And that includes attending the monthly meetings at Acacia!

Joyce Crawshaw (2nd row, 5th from right) with the 6th Slough (Methodist) Guide Company

Joyce Crawshaw dedicated most of her life to Guiding

Five common myths about private home care

The demand for home care services is growing as more older people choose to live in their own home. For those who are not eligible for government-funded care or are on a waitlist, a good alternative is to purchase home care on a fee for service basis. This guide aims to dispel some common myths about private home care to help you get started on the aged care journey.

Myth #1: Private home care is too expensive

Private home care fees vary between providers and are normally charged at an hourly rate. If you were to add up the monthly cost of permanent residential care or assisted living, you will find that private home care is a more affordable option. It allows people to remain in the comfort of their own home for longer to receive the care and services that they need to stay safe and well. It always pays to shop around and compare what home care services are available and find an option that is affordable to you.

Myth #2: You cannot have private home care if you already receive Governmentfunded services

You can purchase private home care and use it alongside any other Government-funded home care services, for example, while you are waiting for a Home Care Package to be available or as a top up to maximise the level of service being delivered from your Package. It can also be used to purchase services that are not provided by Government-funded services.

Myth #3: Once you sign up, you are locked into a contract

Private home care is generally offered without any lock-in contracts. Always check with the provider before commencing services. At BlueCross, we do not lock you into a contract. You can purchase the service as a one-off visit or on a regular, ongoing basis. The services are flexible and can be accessed or withdrawn easily, with a short minimum period of notice at no charge.

Myth #4: You don’t get the option to choose your carer

We know how important it is for you to have a trusted, experienced and qualified carer that you can get along with on a personal level. While we do not have a screening process for clients to choose their preferred carer, we make the effort to find out your personal needs, preferences and what’s important to you through a face-to-face assessment. We listen to what you would like in a carer and do our best to find the right carer for you. Our aim is to ensure your transition to having services at home goes smoothly and comfortably.

Myth #5: Private home care is only for people who live alone in their own hom e

Anyone can receive private home care and the eligibility requirements differ from one provider to another. Being an aged care provider, BlueCross provides private home care to anyone aged 65 and above, whether they live alone, with family or in an aged care home. From personal care to companionship and having someone to take you out on an excursion, shopping trip or event, BlueCross can provide various home care services tailored to your personal needs, lifestyle and budget.

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