Community Matters EDITION 03 WWW.CALVARYCARE.ORG.AU | 1300 797 522
Welcome Over the years, technology has revolutionised our world and our daily lives. Technology has created incredible tools and resources, placing useful information at our fingertips. In this edition we delve into ways technology can make our lives easier, quicker and more fun. Technology and the internet can help to keep you connected with friends and family, keep you busy and entertained, and help you to stay organised.
In 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for free to all Australians. While vaccination is not mandatory, Calvary strongly encourages clients and staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 for their safety and wellbeing. The influenza vaccine will also be made available from April.
It can keep you updated with the latest news, including when the COVID-19 vaccination will be available to you.
It is also Falls Prevention Month. We explore different ways you can stay healthy, active, independent and on your feet.
As always, thank you for your continued interest and support of our work.
Suggestions Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. ccc.communications@calvarycare.org.au
CONNECT
A new outlook on life for Lillian We have become a lot more reliant on technology since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
When it comes to modern technology, being ‘online’ might seem a little daunting, however, an understanding of the World Wide Web can make an enormous difference to your day-to-day life. Connecting with family and friends is just one way the internet has made a positive impact on the lives of older adults.
Lillian keeps herself connected to friends and family with a Lumin touch screen device.
Calvary provides a range of devices and products that are designed to reduce social isolation and keep people safe in their home, and can be purchased using Home Care Package funds, or if eligible, through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Lillian, 81, started using a Lumin touch screen device over a year ago. It is a communication and entertainment hub that links Lillian with essential information and services to support wellbeing and safety in the home.
It also keeps her connected to family, friends and carers, and provides around-the-clock emergency assistance. Lillian often interacts with her son Jason via video calls. Once a week, they have a virtual pizza dinner. As Jason lives interstate, it is the easiest way for them to spend time together and stay connected. “The device has been a game changer for us. The kids get to see Nana, which is fantastic, and she gets to see them grow and develop.
Normally I would travel every month and see my mother to check she is okay,” said Jason. “Technology is vital for everyone, and it needs to be simple. “Calvary has been so good, giving us comfort. Over time, the team have understood challenges my mother has had and then looked to deliver solutions. We know that someone from Calvary is visiting at least once a week to provide conversation and reporting on any changes. “Calvary will look at all the ways they can assist in your current position. Importantly, over time, they begin to understand the client and what services could be offered to make the client’s life easier. My mother is very happy,” said Jason.
Lillian was reluctant to welcome new technology, but when Case Manager, Fadillah taught her, Lillian felt empowered. She uses the device to listen to the radio, make video calls, and for weather and news updates. In fact, Lillian says she is self-taught and proclaims she is very good at using technology. When asked what advice she would give to a novice user, she laughed “get with the times, and go and help yourself.” We hope everyone will try to embrace technology, and not be afraid. After all, it won’t byte.
Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au
STAYING SAFE
Identify and protect yourself from scams With the advancement of technology, scammers have become more sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details.
Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels. Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you least expect it. •
•
•
Don’t be pressured into making a decision. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency through short deadlines, fake emergencies or threats of legal action. Be suspicious of requests for money – even if they sound or look official. Government departments will never contact you asking for money upfront in order to claim a rebate. Scammers will often ask you to use an unusual payment method, including preloaded debit cards, gift cards, iTunes cards or virtual currency such as Bitcoin.
•
Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source, such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
•
Don’t respond to phone calls or emails offering financial advice or opportunities – just hang up or delete the email.
•
Always do your own research before you invest money and check the company or scheme is licensed on Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) MoneySmart website, www.moneysmart.gov.au.
•
Be wary of people you meet via social media or online dating sites who, after just a few contacts profess strong feelings for you and try to move you away from the site and communicate via chat or email.
•
Be suspicious of unexpected emails or letters advising you how to claim an inheritance or competition prize. Never give out your personal details and seek advice from an independent professional.
Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
To learn more or report a scam If you, or someone you know has been scammed, it is crucial to notify the proper authorities as soon as possible for help recovering lost funds and to prevent others from being victimised. www.scamwatch.gov.au
APPLICATIONS
App for that Short for ‘application’, there is an app for almost anything you can think of, including social networking, games, recipes, news, online shopping, music, mindfulness, and more. For Apple users (iPhone or iPad), apps are available from the App Store. For Android users (Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, OPPO and more) you can find apps by opening the Google Play Store on your device. Many apps are free, or have free versions. You can also pay for apps, or access premium features for a subscription fee. Below is a list of apps for seniors that are easy to use and can improve everyday life.
MyFitnessPal Whether you want to lose weight, tone up, get healthy, change your habits, or start a new diet, MyFitnessPal can help you be your best self. You can log exercise, count steps, find recipes or join supportive online health communities.
Luminosity Lumosity’s cognitive training program is a fun, interactive way to train your brain and learn about how your mind works. Lumosity’s program consists of science-based games designed to exercise memory, attention, speed, flexibility and problem-solving.
Spotify Whether you are going on a long drive, exercising, having a party or relaxing, the right music or podcast is always at your fingertips. With Spotify, you can listen to specific songs or let the app curate music for you based on what you like.
SnoreLab After each night of use, SnoreLab calculates a Snore Score for the night: SnoreLab’s unique measure of snoring intensity. The Snore Score is a means of comparing snoring across nights, allowing you to test the effectiveness of snoring remedies and measure the impact of different factors, such as alcohol, on your snoring. It also records sleep statistics.
Emergency Plus In an emergency, time and location accuracy are critical. By downloading the Emergency + app, you will equip yourself with a powerful tool that will help you call Triple Zero (000) quickly, and allow you to accurately communicate your location to emergency call-takers.
Health Direct Supported by the Australian Commonwealth and State governments, Health Direct is a simple, 100% doctor-approved source of health information and advice. It is a helpful tool for finding local practitioners (especially after-hours), and includes an easy-to-follow symptom checker.
Happify How you feel matters. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or you’re dealing with constant negative thoughts, Happify brings you effective tools and programs to take control of your emotional wellbeing. Techniques are developed by leading scientists and experts who have been studying evidence-based interventions in the fields of positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy for decades.
PREVENTION
Falls are everyone’s business Falls are a major cause of harm in older people. Injuries from a fall are the biggest reason for hospital admission in people aged 65 or over. As well as physical injury, falls can cause loss of confidence and fear of falling, so over time, older people may become less active, which may further increase their risk of falling. To prevent falls from occurring in the home, you can participate in physical activity to help maintain muscle tone, physical strength and fitness level.
Take action to remove the risks. Be aware of the dangers around the home that may cause a fall, such as: •
poor lighting
•
unsafe footwear, like loose slippers
•
slippery surfaces
•
trip hazards like rugs, mats
•
uneven surfaces.
Your Case Manager can assist you to identify risks and refer you to programs to improve your balance, or purchase aids to keep you mobile. Visit these websites for useful information and resources on falls prevention. www.calvarycare.org.au/ community-care/fact-sheets -and-publications www.health.nsw.gov.au/falls www.healthdirect.gov.au/falls
HEALTH
For the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker visit
COVID-19 vaccination roll out
www.health.gov.au covid-19-vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccines have been assessed carefully by independent clinical experts to ensure all potential vaccines meet Australia’s high safety and quality standards. Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines will become available in phases. Priority groups have been identified using public health, medical and epidemiological evidence. This includes people who would be at higher risk of serious illness if they contracted COVID-19, and those most likely to be exposed to it. If you choose not to have a COVID-19 vaccine, your eligibility for government payments and the care
you receive from Calvary will not be affected. The flu vaccine is also recommended, however not on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine. The preferred minimum interval between a dose of seasonal flu vaccine and a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is 14 days. Please speak to a health professional for vaccine information and advice.
Whether you are vaccinated or not, there are things you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You must: •
practise good hygiene
•
practise physical distancing
•
follow the limits for public gatherings
•
understand how to isolate if you need to.
Social Support Being around your community and activities that connect you with family, friends and interests builds happiness and helps the body and mind. It is also a great way to make new friends. We can help you stay connected. Social Support services can help you to maintain an active social life by having someone visit you in your home, or by arranging visits and outings in the community.
www.calvarycare.org.au
1300 797 522 1300 66 00 22
Calvary is a charitable Catholic non-for-profit organisation with more than 12,000 staff and volunteers, 14 public and private hospitals, 17 retirement and aged care facilities, and a national network of community care centres. We operate across six states and territories within Australia.
Continuing the Mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
551 Blackburn Road Mt Waverley VIC 3149 Australia T 1300 797 522 ccc@calvarycare.org.au www.calvarycare.org.au
You have received this newsletter as a valued client of Calvary. Information is accurate at time of printing.
Established in Sydney in 1885, by the arrival of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in Australia, our mission is to provide health care to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life.
Calvary Community Care