Community Matters EDITION 01
WWW.CALVARYCARE.ORG.AU | 1300 797 522
Welcome to our first edition of Community Matters We want to engage with our community and keep you informed; this newsletter will provide news and share positive stories from across our organisation. During these times, as we all face the challenges of managing COVID-19, Calvary is committed to supporting our clients and staff, and are taking the necessary steps to adjust the way we operate. These measures ensure that we are adhering to the Commonwealth Department of Health’s recommendations to minimise the risk of spread of infection. We have, and will continue to align the care we provide with these recommendations. As a community, we are all doing our part to limit the spread of the virus.
Some of our clients have chosen to suspend their services; rest assured it is safe to receive home care. All of our staff have completed the Department of Health’s COVID-19 training, and Calvary has provided additional education and screening tools to ensure we all remain safe and healthy. In this edition, we provide some home care advice, tips to keep you engaged when at home, and we highlight some of our exceptional staff who care for our older Australians. We are looking forward to sharing many
REMINDER
Update your contact details We are committed to providing you information that is accurate and timely. Earlier in the year, you may have received a letter asking to update your contact details, or were contacted by a member of our team requesting an email address, if you have provided these details, we thank you for your assistance.
An email or SMS is the most efficient means of communicating, and it also helps reduce our carbon footprint. This can be a family member’s details. If you do not have access to email or a mobile phone number, please confirm your postal address.
To provide an email address and mobile phone number, or if you require more information, call us on 1300 797 522 or visit:
www.calvarycare.org.au/submit-email Please check with your Support Worker if they’re able to assist you in filling out the form online.
wonderful stories and events that occur within the Calvary community, and trust you will enjoy our first edition. Stay safe, and take care.
SUGGESTIONS Do you have a story to share? We would like to know more about you. ccc.communications@calvarycare.org.au
FEATURE
It’s okay to have home care At Calvary, your wellbeing and safety is our utmost priority. This includes protecting you from coronavirus (COVID-19). Support Workers visiting your home are taking all necessary measures to ensure you stay safe. This includes following advice from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer about when to use protective equipment. Your Support Worker will have to wear personal protective equipment including masks, gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear if it is required in your area. Personal protective equipment must be worn by a Support Worker if: • You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 • You are suspected of having COVID-19
Any Support Worker displaying symptoms of COVID-19 is not allowed to work – and just to be sure, workers with symptoms are being tested. Support Workers are following the best medical advice to protect you and themselves from COVID-19.
DID YOU KNOW? Information is available in English and a range of other languages on the Department of Health’s website.
• You are displaying symptoms of COVID-19
www.health.gov.au
Low contact services are available If you require assistance but are unsure about Support Workers visiting your home, our low contact services might be of interest. These include Telehealth wellbeing checks, grocery shopping, cleaning, home maintenance, and more.
Talk to us about your needs, and together we’ll find the perfect solution.
www.calvarycare.org.au
1300 797 522
RECOGNITION
Aged Care Employee Day We recently celebrated Aged Care Employee Day. This day recognises each and every Calvary team member who is involved in caring for older Australians. Aged Care Employee Day puts these everyday heroes in the spotlight, celebrates them, and highlights the many different roles of those involved in the aged care journey.
The work our staff do is not just a job – it is an integral part of the life stories of those for whom they care. Do you know a Calvary employee who is doing an exceptional job? Let us know by emailing ccc@calvarycare.org.au.
Rebekah Cooper - Support Worker, Hunter My role as a Support Worker involves assisting aged clients with different tasks in their homes such as cleaning, cooking, dog walks, and showering.
wonderful experience working in aged care. My job sends me to many different, beautiful places, and I am always meeting new and interesting people.
I volunteered with people with disabilities through high school and after finishing school, I felt passionate about working in the community to support and assist our ageing population. It has been a
I commend the resilience of all my clients as they face each new day with a positive attitude, and with assistance where necessary, clients maintain their independence and hobbies.
Norma Bannon - Intake Team Leader, Melbourne I have been working with Calvary for 16 years in different roles. I started as a Support Worker. I worked mainly with clients who had complex, higher needs and really enjoyed this responsibility. I was particularly inspired by one client who suffered from Motor Neurone Disease. I will always remember that despite what he was going through, he
had such a positive attitude to life and was always cheerful. It was very difficult for me when he died. Whilst I miss the direct contact with clients in the community, I appreciate that my current position involves continuing contact with clients on the phone and I really enjoy this continuing interaction.
Elsa Dato - Support Worker, Adelaide I’ve worked in aged care for 22 years – all of this time with Calvary. I love that through the support that we provide, people are able to remain safely in their own home as per their preference. My clients repeatedly tell me how happy they are to be staying at
home for longer and keeping their independence. It is a privilege to provide companionship for my clients and to listen to their stories, especially those who are lonely or isolated and who have no families.
Viplaw Niraula - Support Worker Team Leader, Darwin It is a privilege to spend time with our clients, assisting them, seeing them smile and hearing their stories.
life. He accepts his situation and he never complains. I admire his positive outlook and the simplicity of his life.
There is lots to learn from their life experiences – and their reflections upon a life well lived. One gentleman in particular, who lost his leg due to diabetes, inspired me with his modesty about what he achieved in his working
In my new role as a Support Worker Team Leader, I am focussed on building a strong team, then seeking feedback from our clients to identify how we might further improve our service.
ACTIVE
Keep engaged at home There are many interesting and fun activities you can do when at home. Speak with a Calvary team member who can assist you with organising any of the below activities.
Technology
In the yard
• Use your phone or tablet to make video calls to family or friends (Such as Skype, Viber etc.)
• Gardening at home, this can include creating a veggie or herb garden.
• Download podcasts or audio books if you are unable to get to the local library or buy the newspaper.
• Walk the dog.
• Listen to music on the radio or your phone. • Do an online tutorial to learn anything! A musical instrument or another language. • Join an online community or make new friends, such as www.seniorplanet.org
Keeping at home • You can ask for a Social Support service. Our staff will call you for a chat and check in to see how you are going (if you don’t want a Support Worker in your home). • Online shopping, ordering food boxes to be delivered etc. • Have a pamper day, do your hair or nails. • Attend an online spiritual or faith session.
Craft/Games • Create a memory book or box for family full of photos/keepsakes, life stories. • Scrapbooking. • Knitting, cross-stitch, crochet. • Sort through old photos. Ask your Support Worker If they are able to assist with digitally uploading so you can share with your family. • Brain exercise activities like crosswords, chess or Suduko. • Write letters to friends or family, or a story for your grandchildren. • Is there a particular skill or hobby you have always wanted to learn? Ask your Support Worker to help you achieve this goal. • Ask your Support Worker to read to you if you have difficulty with your eyesight.
Visit our website using the below link for more tips and ideas. www.calvarycare.org.au
www.calvarycare.org.au
Calvary is a charitable Catholic non-for-profit organisation with more than 12,000 staff and volunteers, 15 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. 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.
Continuing the Mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
You have received this newsletter as a valued member of Calvary. Information is accurate at time of printing.
1300 66 00 22
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