feros
WINTER 2014
CARING FOR ageing parents
DIARY
OF A CARE WORKER
1000
SMART HOMES
www.feroscare.com.au Feros Community Gateway Contact & Referral Centre Ph: 1300 763 583 Fax: 1300 850 770 Email: community@feroscare.com.au
Feros Care Business Centre Showcase on the Beach 72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1) Coolangatta QLD 4225 Ph: 07 5669 0555 Fax: 07 5536 7520 Email: info@feroscare.com.au www.feroscare.com.au
Contents 02 Beverley Yeomans - Feros Hero
At Home Services Regional Offices
04 Feros Sponsors Tennis Ace
Hobart Melbourne Port Macquarie Pottsville Sydney Tewantin Ph: 1300 763 583
06 Twice as Nice
Feros Village Bangalow 6 Byron Bay Road (PO Box 329) Bangalow NSW 2479 Ph: 02 6687 2379 Fax: 02 6687 2286 Email: bangalow@feroscare.com.au
Feros Village Byron Bay Cnr Marvel & Cowper Streets (PO Box 585) Byron Bay NSW 2481 Ph: 02 6685 7676 Fax: 02 6685 5176 Email: byron@feroscare.com.au
Feros Village Wommin Bay McKissock Drive Kingscliff NSW 2487 Ph: 02 6674 4177 Fax: 02 6674 4171 Email: wommin@feroscare.com.au
Twins secrets to style
08 Technology
National Telehealth Strategy
Seniors monitor health from home
10 Top 12 Apps for Carers 12 A Day in the Life
Diary of a Care Worker
14 Roles Reversed
Caring for an Ageing Parent
16 1000 Smarthomes 18 Health & Wellness
Forever Young, Keeping Strong
Five Steps to Prevent Falls
21 Rick Stewart - Our own Master Chef
LifeLink Telehealthcare
Showcase on the Beach 72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1) Coolangatta QLD 4225 Ph: 1300 851 771 Fax: 1300 850 770 Email: info@lifelinkresponse.com.au
24 Residential
Winter Recipe Harry Walks All the Way
Faerie Tale Week
Wommin Bay Accreditation
Feros Care Health & Wellness
Seniors Week
Showcase on the Beach 72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1) Coolangatta QLD 4225 Ph: 1300 085 181 Fax: 1300 850 770 Email: wellness@feroscare.com.au
26 Happenings
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/feroscare
27 Byron Bay Writers Festival 28 Memory Lane
CEO’S WORD
This same infrastructure has enabled the social connectedness of Feros Village residents via internet access, video-conferencing and phone calls with friends and family – even online bingo! – It has also facilitated better communication all-round between staff. The first half of 2014 has also seen Feros nominated for some very significant awards at national and state levels. Most recently, Feros Care was announced as joint winner of the Organisation category at the 2014 Aged Community Services (ACS) Association NSW and ACT State Awards for Excellence. The win recognised Feros for demonstrating leadership, innovation and excellence in the use of communications technology, along with the following ground breaking achievements: A Feros Care’s Byron Model of Care - assisting seniors to remain as active, independent and socially connected for as long as possible, so they can continue to live the life they choose. A Get Bold Not Old - a campaign celebrating ageing by demonstrating how at 80 plus, it is possible to set new goals, learn and experience new things.
WELCOME !
H
ere we are, already halfway through the year, and what an incredible six months it has been.
Firstly, a big thank you to the hardworking members of the Feros team who have spent the past few months focused on delivering a range of exciting new support services for seniors funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Home And Community Care (HACC) program. Our Feros footprint has once again expanded, with a range of community based health and wellness services now available in Illawarra, along with the Mid and Far North Coast of NSW; the exciting launch of new telehealth nursing services in South East Sydney; and medical and social transport services in Darling Downs, Wide Bay, Gold Coast and Logan areas. You can read more about our rollout of some of these exciting programs on pages 9 and 18. With more and more Australian seniors Googling and Facebooking, checking out the latest clips on YouTube, playing online bingo and talking to family and friends on Skype; our over 65’s are a group of lifelong learners demanding fast, efficient internet. The Feros Care Wi-Fi solution has allowed the organisation to provide high-definition video conferencing and VoIP phones to every bedside in its three residential villages. Underpinning our rapid growth is a strategy focused on using technology to improve work practice efficiency and client service delivery. The implementation of Feros Care’s video conferencing and Wi-Fi initiatives has played a significant role in our cutting edge services and also unleashed a range of innovative options for our community and residential clients. We are drawing to the conclusion of the successful Coffs Harbour NBN Telehealth Pilot ‘My Health Clinic At Home’ the springboard for the recent launch of our new HACC funded telehealth nursing services in Sydney. The MHCAH program uses video conferencing with telenurse monitoring, GPs and specialists for clients with complex care needs.
A Feros Fitness Forever - a 10 week staff exercise and nutrition program. A Feros Heroes - an initiative showcasing seniors; like this month’s kayaking cover girl Beverley Yeomans, who exemplifies Feros Care’s core beliefs about living life to the full at any age. Meanwhile, behind the scenes happenings include: the fit out of state of the art facilities in Coolangatta to accommodate the growing Feros Community gateway and business centre. Renovations to Wommin Bay Village, along with the retrofitting of sprinklers there and at Bangalow. Last but not least there’s also been the purchase and fit out of our new LifeLink Headquarters in Tweed Heads along with a new Equipment Distribution Centre. Congratulations must also go to the Residential Leadership Team and staff of Wommin Bay for receiving a full three years’ accreditation from the Aged Care Quality Agency. We are absolutely thrilled to announce two major sponsorships in 2014. Firstly our major sponsorship of the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival for the second year in a row – check out our story on page 27 and our sponsorship of Feros Hero; Margaret Fisher, on the eve of the World Super Seniors Tennis Championships in Turkey this October, see page 4. Enjoy the issue. All the best,
Jennene Buckley CEO PS A big hello to our 1000 plus friends on our Feros Care Facebook site! Keep up to date with the latest news on Feros Care by jumping online and visiting our bright, newsworthy Facebook page.
Winter 2014
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Celebrating Ageing
Cover Story BEVERLEY YEOMANS FEROS HERO By Mick O’Regan
This edition we celebrate 82-year-old, Feros Hero Beverley Yeomans. Beverley is travelling to France in June and is brushing up on her French in preparation for the trip, having gained a degree in the language in her early seventies.
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At Feros Care we are all about Celebrating Ageing. 2014 sees the launch of our Feros Heroes – a new initiative recognising and celebrating those individuals who as role models are contributing to our community in an active and positive way. Our Feros Heroes are recognised for inspiring us, surprising us and embracing our ‘Get Bold, Not Old’ ethos.
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everley Yeomans can’t resist a challenge, especially a physical one. Learning the tango, flying a glider, teaching refugees, becoming a kayak racing champion. To Beverley it’s obvious: “The more active I am, the more energy I have, the more things I want to do.” It takes only a determined push with the paddle blade and quickly the kayak moves smoothly into the water. Beverley Yeomans, 82 years active, is back on the water, one of her favourite places. “I suppose being on the water is an unusual experience in that you’re able to support yourself and get along happily. It’s such a great way to exercise and you see the world from a whole new angle,” she said.
“If you’ve got the time and the energy you can concentrate on doing things for other people, which I think is wonderful. There’s got to be a reason for having your carbon footprint on this earth so if you’re not doing something that’s really worthwhile there’s not much point, is there? “ she said. In fact, there’s a relentless optimism in Beverley’s outlook. Asked about the best time in her life she pauses for just a moment and grins before replying, “Ah, I always think the best is yet to come, so I’m not too sure! What about being seen as old? Once again, a smile precedes her answer. “My sense of old has changed because anybody old has to be a lot older than me,” she laughs.
My sense of old has changed because anybody old has to be a lot older than me Activity and adventure are the two elements that resonate throughout Beverley’s eight decades of loving life. The important condition of her activity choices is fun. “It’s got to be fun. I wouldn’t go to a gym in a fit because that’s boring. Kayaking is my exercise,” she laughs before admitting, “I like a little bit of excitement in my life. I even make gardening an extreme sport. I can show you the scars!” For Beverley, growing older brings both gifts and opportunities. There’s the chance to help others, something she regards as one of the best aspects of her life.
“I feel exactly the same on the inside as I did when I was forty. And I still want to do all the things that I did. Actually I want to do more because time is finite now isn’t it? “I love challenges. I want to prove to myself that I can complete something. Challenges are part of life. For me it’s everything from learning the tango to winning a Masters’ Games gold medal for kayaking. From teaching refugees English to staying fit. Let’s face it, ageing is a challenge, and you can’t be a sissy with that.” Beverley celebrates the freedom of growing older and the liberating aspect of being a senior member of the community. “You don’t care what people think. The only thing that matters is that your family and your friends respect you, but otherwise there are no worries so you can be as outrageous as you like. You can be as straight as you like with people. I just find that so liberating. You can wear what you like. You’re not restrained at all. I love it,” she said.
“It’s got to be fun. I wouldn’t go to a gym in a fit because that’s boring. Kayaking is my exercise.”
Winter 2014
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Celebrating Ageing
Feros Sponsors Tennis Ace to Turkey G
rowing older has been a springboard to sporting success for 83-year-old tennis champion and Feros Hero Margaret Fisher, who is on her way to the 2014 World Super Seniors Tennis Championships in Turkey, later this year, thanks to renewed sponsorship from Feros Care. Margaret, who played at Wimbledon in 1953, says more assistance for senior sports people, in line with the support shown by Feros, would see more seniors achieving success in sport. There are no public sponsorship dollars available for elderly athletes in Australia.
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Feros was so impressed with Margaret’s embodiment of its principle of “Get bold, Not old”, the organisation joined a crowd funding campaign last year to get her to Austria for the 2013 World Super Seniors Tennis Championships. Feros Care was only too happy to get behind Margaret’s bid for the 2014 championships too. Margaret, who lives in Byron Bay, began her tennis career in Albury but put everything on hold to work and raise a family. Today she is ranked 18th in the world in the over 80s and 8th in the mixed doubles.
Margaret and her daughter and greatest fan, Stephanie Dale
I think the commitment to looking after something other than myself has improved my whole attitude to life Margaret keeps in shape taking Leo the border collie for beach walks every day
Margaret said she feels fitter and stronger at 83 than she did in her mid-50s - a fact which surprises her as much as it does anyone else.
older people can be — inspired, enthusiastic, fit and willing to take risks to achieve her potential.
“Returning to tennis connected me to a daily fitness program,” she said.
“She fits perfectly with the Feros philosophy that ageing can be an opportunity for new beginnings,” she said.
“At the same time, I took on the guardianship of a border collie; that in itself means I have to get up every morning and go to the beach for a run. “As well, I think the commitment to looking after something other than myself has improved my whole attitude to life.” Margaret also said that being fitter and stronger has made her feel more independent; she feels confident to go out whenever and wherever she wants. “I’ve always enjoyed going out and closing the front door,” she said. “At various times I’ve felt vulnerable going out. Physical fitness restored my confidence.” Feros Care CEO Jennene Buckley said Margaret is everything we know
Margaret described Feros Care’s support as “incredible”. “It’s great encouragement that an organisation such as Feros Care might want to help me to achieve my goals,” said Margaret, who grew up in an era when no public funds were available for athletes at all and the lines between amateur and professional were strict and clear. “Not just because they assist me to keep playing tennis at an elite international level in my 80’s, but because their philosophy is so empowering. “It’s a pleasure to work with people who see what I have to offer, and who work with my strengths, rather than sidelining me as ‘old’.”
Winter 2014
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Celebrating Ageing
Love the key to longevity
& life-long style
Glamorous grandmothers, Annie Hill and Judy Cox are living proof that enduring beauty, confidence and happiness can be achieved through a life full of love.
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hese vibrant seniors share a lifelong sense of style and good looks that defy their 80 years.
“Happiness is also being born a twin and if our only talent is for loving, perhaps we have been given the greatest gift of all,” says Judy.
They believe age is “a state of mind” and after speaking to these gorgeous girls, it’s clear if there is a secret to ageing boldly and beautifully they certainly know the code.
The twins believe their close relationship has been another vital ingredient in their long and happy lives.
Annie and Judy ooze the kind of grace and confidence that comes from a lifetime of love and happiness.
“We see each other nearly every day and if we don’t see each other, we phone.”
Annie credits their parents, Clarrie and Gwendolph Burt, for showing them how to love; a skill they have passed onto their families. “We lived in a very loving environment growing up. Never a day went by without our parents telling us they loved us and encouraging us. They made us feel wanted and secure. We have passed this onto our children,” Annie said. Judy agreed.
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“We don’t know what it is like to be lonely,” says Judy.
Studies have revealed social connection is an important key to longevity and, as is often the case with twins, Annie and Judy, share a very close relationship. Annie provides invaluable support to Judy, who cares for her husband Brian, who has advanced Alzheimers. The twins live in the same neighbourhood, within 200m in fact. Their mutual support enables them both to sustain their independence and friendships.
Happiness is also being born a twin and if our only talent is for loving perhaps we have been given the greatest gift of all
“Communication is vital to wellness and ageing happily,” says Judy. “We live around the corner from each other and can wave at each other from our homes.” Encouraging and assisting seniors to keep in touch with friends and family whether it be by phone, visits or using broadband technology, is one way aged care provider Feros Care works toward improving social connection in the lives of seniors. Feros Care understands that ageing is often associated with a reduced ability to engage in the community and can result in social isolation, exclusion and low self-esteem. The organisation, which aims to be a strong ambassador and partner in the lives of seniors, focuses on creating a range of lifestyle options that support social connectedness and healthy, confident ageing. Feros Care CEO, Jennene Buckley, says studies have demonstrated that longevity is influenced not only by smoking, exercise and alcohol use but through the social networks in people’s lives. ‘We are really just beginning to understand the way our body can be influenced by life circumstances,” she said. “Social interaction and social networks affect people’s heath and longevity. While genetics can contribute to how long we live, our social environment and general lifestyle are also very important. The close relationship between twins Annie Hill and Judy Cox shows the important part, human communication plays in extending our lives.
The twins , pictured with a group of friends on their 80th birthday, say friendship is key to feeling great and looking great.
“A group of us meet every six weeks for lunch; the oldest of us is 90, so we are the babies at 80,” says Judy. The twins enjoyed careers as secretaries and have lived in the Sydney suburb of Manly their entire lives. The longest they were ever apart was five months whilst Annie worked overseas. Annie suffers from rheumatoid arthritis but she refuses to let the condition, she calls “Arthur”, interfere with everyday activities. She learned to manage the disease from the moment she was diagnosed and with support from Judy, remains as active as she possibly can. Judy’s husband, rugby player Brian Cox and Annie’s late husband, cinematographer Dennis Hill, were good friends. “When you marry a twin you marry both,” says Judy. “And our blokes loved having two wives.” The twins both have a daughter and two sons. “We had to do the same,” says Judy. Annie said their children were like brothers and sisters. Our children and grandchildren all got on so well together – they know our saying “we could eat you all with a spoon”.
“There is growing evidence of the individual and collective benefits of participation in the local community and society in general, especially in the area of health and wellbeing and the associated impact on mortality and morbidity,” she said. “Older women in particular draw on existing social networks and neighbours to sustain their independence and social connection within their community.” Jennene also credits the way improving self-esteem can provide real health benefits in seniors. “High self-esteem goes a long way in avoiding depression in seniors,” she said. “Mentally feeling better about yourself can translate to enhanced physical wellbeing. There is a connection between confidence and chronic health problems; this is especially strong in the elderly.” The twins, who have played a variety of sports over the course of their lives, say “they don’t dance on the tables anymore” but they enjoy going on walks and enjoy an active social life. Annie and Judy made wonderful friends at school and have kept in touch.
Growing up in the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly, Annie and Judy (left) have always loved being outdoors and near the water.
Winter 2014
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Technology
Feros leads the way
PROPOSED NATIONAL TELEHEALTH STRATEGY The Federal Government has been urged to develop a national strategy for Telehealth to rein in a ballooning health budget deficit. Feros Care is already one step ahead with a cutting edge range of Telehealth and Telecare smart home technologies.
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national Telehealth strategy has the potential to slash public hospital costs by around $4 billion a year by reducing hospital admissions for people with chronic and long term health conditions. A collaboration of health industry stakeholders – One In Four Lives – has released a White Paper in Canberra, to stimulate discussion and encourage a wide range of health interests to support the adoption of Telehealth on a national basis. Feros Care CEO Jennene Buckley said Feros Care’s LifeLink Telehealthcare service was already leading by example with its range of assistive technology products to support people with a wide variety of care needs, to live safely and independently in their homes. LifeLink’s Telecare and Telehealth solutions provide the tools to be independent at home. Telecare enables easy and immediate access to emergency help when needed at home and Telehealth enables people to proactively monitor and take control of their health from home. Mrs Buckley said Feros Care’s LifeLink Telehealthcare service was helping provide cheaper, faster, more efficient healthcare solutions through innovation; without imposing an additional burden on the Government’s health budget. “Almost six million, or one in four Australians, are affected by chronic health conditions,” she said. “This is a major burden on the health budget, accounting for 60 percent of all hospital bed days and an estimated $17 billion annually in public health costs.” At its heart Telehealth aims to provide people with access to proven models of healthcare, delivered remotely. The goal is to intervene before impact – on the patient, their carer or the health system. By using Telehealth, thousands of Australians can be freed from the need to make trips (sometimes over long distances, with carers) to doctors, specialists and hospitals in major centres for consultations and tests and then to return for the results. This improves the likelihood that patients get the right care at the right time and prevents further deterioration due to delays with consultation. For those with chronic conditions, Telehealth can also include remote monitoring of vital signs providing patients with the knowledge to manage their condition from the comfort of their own home, whilst allowing for early detection of any changes in their condition.
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Chronic health condition FACTS Affect almost 6 million Australians Account for 60% of all hospital bed days Cost the public health sector
$17 billion annually 62% of rural Australians experience shortages of local health professionals Regional patients have access to less than half the specialists available in metro areas
Technology helps Seniors Monitor HEALTH FROM HOME
Feros launches Telehealth Service in Sydney following the success of My Health Clinic At Home Pilot.
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eros Care has launched an exciting new Telehealth service in Sydney’s South East, which uses simple technology to help seniors monitor their own health from the comfort of home.
The Commonwealth Government funded Feros Care initiative, My Health Clinic At Home (MHCAH) is providing touch screen computers and measuring devices to 200 Sydney seniors. This equipment enables them to test and record their vital signs whilst maintaining regular contact with a health team via face-to-face consultations using a computer and a video camera. Patients can discuss their results, transmitted to a Telehealth registered nurse, using video conferencing or via telephone call. The cutting edge service, launched in May, is under the umbrella of Home & Community Care (HACC) a Commonwealth Government program funded through the Department of Social Services. The overall objective of HACC is to provide services that support older people to stay at home and be more independent in the community. The aims of the HACC program are to: A Provide a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated range of basic maintenance and support services. A Support people to be more independent at home, enhancing their quality of life and preventing inappropriate admission to long term residential care. A Provide flexible, timely services that respond to the needs of the consumers. The Feros Care pilot project, funded by the Australian Government in 2013 under a scheme designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the nation’s National Broadband Network (NBN), targeted seniors living at home with chronic health conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unstable blood pressure, diabetes and/or chronic heart failure. Feros Care Chief Information Officer, Glenn Payne said the pilot program resulted in many clients gaining a better understanding of their chronic condition and being better able to manage their symptoms. “They’re much less anxious knowing they have a Telehealth registered nurse monitoring their condition and feel less isolated, with the ability to video call their family and friends at the press of a button,” he said. Telehealth registered nurses involved in the pilot recorded a significant number of instances where their intervention prevented a trip to hospital.
Seniors over 65 or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 50, who have a chronic health condition such as unstable blood pressure, lung disease, diabetes or heart failure may be eligible for the service. The system has been designed for people with no computer experience. The service costs $10 a week. Feros Care CEO Jennene Buckley said the launch of MHCAH in Sydney’s southeast is in line with the organisation’s commitment to putting the senior in the driver’s seat when it comes to their own health and the lifestyle they wish to lead. “The best thing about My Health Clinic At Home is that individuals gain a better understanding, take more ownership and are more confident in managing their health conditions,” she said. “MHCAH also provides daily vital signs information and trends; valuable information that can be used by GPs, specialists and other health professionals for clinical decision-making. The video conference capability allows the health professional to see the patient in a timely manner, in situations where clients can’t get to a surgery or medical practice.” The service includes: A MHCAH small touch screen computer A vital signs monitoring equipment A training on how to use the equipment and ongoing help A daily (weekday) remote monitoring by a Telehealth registered nurse A self-management education and support from a Telehealth registered nurse A in-home video conferencing to a Telehealth registered nurse and possibly a GP and other health professionals
For more information about MHCAH call Feros Care 1300 851 771 or visit www.feroscare.com.au/HACC. Winter 2014
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Technology
TOP 12 APPS FOR CARERS Whether you work outside the home or are a full-time carer at home, you probably wear many other hats including nurse, cook, book-keeper, driver and assistant. Keeping track of tasks and getting everything done requires a massive To-do list and even the most organised amongst us can tip into carer chaos. Your smartphone or tablet can be a great help and there are many simple, affordable apps available. With this in mind the tech team at Feros Care has suggested 12 of its favourite apps to assist with menu planning, health, safety, money management and organising you and your family’s lives.
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STAYING ORGANISED CAREPARTNERS MOBILE
Carers who share care responsibilities amongst two or more people can have an app installed where they can chat to the other carers in their group to exchange information about the care recipient, add items to a task list, delegate and claim responsibility for other tasks. This app creates a “care community”, allowing carers to see who is responsible for each task and creating peace of mind that all required tasks are being done.
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SMART-ICE This application can be installed on a phone and provides a detailed history of your medical data for emergency personnel: including; your name, contacts, important phone numbers, blood type, allergies, medications you are on, hospitalisation history and details of your health insurance policy. This saves you or your family time finding this information in times of emergency. COMPATIBILITY: iOS PRICE: $0.99
COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
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TASK AND TO DO’S A list for all tasks and to-do’s and the best bit is you can enter them by talking into your phone. You can set due dates and deadlines for tasks which will sync with your calendar, prioritise tasks and remind you ahead of time what is coming up. As it syncs with Google tasks, this can synchronise across your tablet, phone and computer, so you will always be reminded no matter what hardware you are using. Easy to use features such as drag and drop and swiping to navigate between tasks makes this app very easy and quick to use.
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GEOFENCE TRACKER With GeoFence Tracker, you can create a specific safe zone or unauthorised zone on a map and get an email alert if the phone leaves or enters the area. Whenever the person leaves the area you receive an SMS or email alerting you, as well giving a current location, with a link to GPS coordinates on Google maps. This can be very useful for keeping track of loved ones or patients who are prone to wandering or getting lost. COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
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SAFETY
LIFE 360 – FAMILY LOCATOR Life 360 is a free app that you can install on your and your loved ones’ phones that will plot your and their locations in real time on a map. So if you need to see where your partner /mother /father is at any time, just look at the Life 360 app and you will get live time information on their location. It also holds historical data for two days. COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
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HEALTH
MED HELPER Med Helper keeps track of prescriptions, reminds you when medications need to be taken, notifies you when doctor appointments are scheduled and alerts you when meds are running low or are about to expire. It can also track your vital signs and take-as-needed medications. You can log and export reports to your doctor, nurse or carer and multiple profiles let you manage others in your care. COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android, Blackberry PRICE: FREE
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POCKET PHARMACY Created by a pharmacist, this app provides drug information not sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or medication brands. iPhone Life magazine calls PocketPharmacist the number one pharmacy app, as features include not only a medication organiser but also the Med Check tool, which automatically searches for medication incompatibilities, keeping you better informed about your or your loved ones’ medications.
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COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: $1.99
NUTRITION
MYFITNESSPAL
MyFitnessPal is like a food diary that you use to record everything you have eaten throughout the day. As well as tracking calories, it can be used to note how much water you drink and how much exercise you have done. It will then give you a summary based on the goals you entered when you first set up the app. The app has a huge database of foods including fruit, vegetables and packaged goods. You can also scan barcodes of products and it will add them to your tally. COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
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FINANCE MANILLA This financial organiser allows you to manage accounts, credit cards and subscriptions, as well as making custom accounts for other expenses including rent or cleaning services. You can set it up to remind you when bills are due. It also lets you know what is coming up for payment, ahead of time and projects future expenses based on past and current spending, helping you to plan your budget for today, as well as in the future.
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YOUR BANK’S MOBILE APP
COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android, Blackberry PRICE: FREE
A live-time shopping list that you add to as you go, and sync the list with your loved one or carer’s phone. You can just keep adding items to it as you run out during the week and the person doing the shopping for you will automatically know to purchase these items. If they pick one or two items up in the week for you, they can cross it off the list and that will transfer back to your list. It also sorts your groceries by type to help when walking up and down the supermarket aisles. COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android PRICE: FREE
Almost all banks offer an online service, and most have fairly advanced features. A particularly useful feature for those who are caring for someone and have concerns about their cash usage, is the ability to set an alert on the person’s account. This will send you a text message each time funds above a certain limit are spent, withdrawn or transferred.
OUR GROCERIES SHOPPING LIST
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ALLRECIPES.COM DINNER SPINNER The Dinner Spinner app has an enormous library of recipes on standby. You can literally shake your phone and the app will throw random recipes at you, or scan ingredients from your pantry and it will display recipes using these items. It also filters by dietary requirements (gluten, vegetarian etc) and allows you to create a shopping list from the recipes you have chosen. COMPATIBILITY: iOS, Android, Blackberry PRICE: FREE OR $2.99 VERSION (More options)
Winter 2014
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A Day In The Life of of Personal Personal Carer Carer Deborah Deborah Crook Crook
Special kinds of people become Feros Care personal carers; they are people who are passionate about working with seniors. Equipped with the skills to face a different challenge everyday, they are dedicated and committed to helping seniors lead fulfilling lives. 12
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eborah Crook, 55, is one of those special people. She has worked as a personal carer for the past nine years and will celebrate her third year of service with Feros Care this July.
“I love my line of work and since I have been with Feros I have had only one sick day. I have never woken up and thought, “I don’t want to work today”, she said.
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“The needs of the clients are very diverse; from in-home personal care assistance to sitting chatting to a lonely man or woman you may have only just met. Very challenging indeed! You have to be on a high all day, as each client must be treated individually.” Deborah, a mother of three grown-up sons, has always been a social person. She has enjoyed working with people most of her life. Before having a family she worked as a dental nurse and a tour guide and volunteered to work in many organisations.
The variety of work makes it challenging, but the support network Feros has in place for the carers is wonderful
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She enrolled in an aged care course at TAFE when her children were older and found employment as a personal carer. Community work gives Deborah the freedom to spend time with clients in their own environment, where they are most comfortable.
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“The variety of work makes it challenging, but the support network Feros has in place for the carers is wonderful,” she said. “Each day you leave your troubles at home, get in the car and start your day fresh, with a smile on your face. You think to yourself, “Make their Day,” using the FISH philosophy from Sevenstar, Feros Care’s Staff Development Program; a three year course based on the organisation’s values that Feros offers to staff.” Deborah works 20 to 25 hours a week. “On an average weekly basis I have 13-16 clients. On my busy days I can have up to seven clients,” she said.
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Deborah’s duties as a personal carer include assisting clients with showers, medication administration, domestic duties, in-home respite, social outings and meal preparation.
Winter 2014
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Feature
Roles Reversed Caring for an Ageing Parent
Caring for seniors, is as rewarding as it can be demanding and no-one knows this better than Feros Care Residential Services General Manager, Robyn Schneider; who juggles a career in aged care and looking after her 79-year-old mum, Daphne.
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wenty years’ experience in aged and residential services has given Robyn Schneider great insight into the demands of caring for seniors; it is insight she has applied in the care of her elderly mum, who is an insulin dependent diabetic. “I started in aged care as a hands-on carer in a secured unit that had many challenging behaviours,” she said. “Real-life, hands-on experience and exposure to all kinds of situations involving the most minute to the most enormous things, has given me a genuine understanding of the role of carer.” Like many adults who look after ageing parents, Robyn sees caring for Daphne as an opportunity to repay her mother for years of attentive parenting and ensure her mother’s choices are supported.
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“It is my turn to reward her, to ensure she lives every day of her life without pain or suffering and even more importantly, she is encouraged to do what she wants to do,” she said. ”I am very fortunate to have a mother like mum, she’s very loving, she has a unique personality, she is devilish in her ways, she’s a straight shooter and she has a heart of gold. I learn from her each and every day.” Daphne still lives in her own home and Robyn, who lives close by, supports her mother’s desire to lead an independent life. But as Robyn explains, caring for a senior while supporting their choice to be independent can be a tricky situation to navigate.
“One Friday evening I received a call from the Feros Care LifeLink monitoring service indicating that Mum had not responded to her six o’clock reminder, so my husband and I raced around only to find the house unlocked and the car gone,” she said. “As good children would do, we went looking for her. She was found, safe and well, at the local bowling club playing the poker machines.” Although Robyn lives nearby, she installed LifeLink technology into her mother’s home to assist Daphne’s independence. The technology allows Daphne to alert her carers to her comings and goings and maintain regular contact with a registered nurse.
It is my turn to reward her, to ensure she lives every day of her life without pain or suffering and even more importantly, she is encouraged to do what she wants to do
Daphne was one of the first Feros Care clients to have LifeLink technology installed in her home. “Mum was one of the initial pilot clients and would be very reluctant to give up any of the devices these days; she depends on them now,” said Robyn. “Nowadays mum ensures she is home before the reminder calls come in.” Robyn is there for her mother 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although she might not be there in person, the LifeLink devices installed in Daphne’s home ensure help is available at a press of a button. “I see my primary role as that of ensuring my mother receives the assistance that she deserves - even though she can be resistant to anything new - and respecting her privacy at all times,” she said. “Fortunately, Mum has gone from being Mrs non-compliant when it comes to keeping us informed about what she is doing, to very compliant.” Robyn shares the care of her mother with her sister, Leigh. Leigh works away, but steps in to help care for Daphne whenever she can. “When my sister Leigh is back in town it is my time to have a bit of respite from being on call 24/7,” said Robyn. “As a family, we always ensure that there is a primary contact person amongst us before we go on holidays or away for more than a night. I am one of six siblings, however Leigh and I are the only daughters, so naturally, the pressure is on us to be at Mum’s beck and call. As sisters we have very different personalities that Mum loves poking at times however she will never get a fight out of me, but she will with Leigh.”
When she is at work, Robyn also depends on her husband to keep an eye on Daphne.“ Mum may have forgotten to report that she will be away for the day or the monitoring system fails to acknowledge communication from her,” she said. “These type of calls are becoming less and less as Mum is now appreciating that we are there for her 24/7.” Daphne has a very outgoing personality and continues to drive herself around town, especially to bingo at the local bowls club. “She is resilient in many ways; however she needs assistance at times. But between my sister, my sister-in-law who lives five minutes away and many grandchildren, Mum always gets from point A to point B.” Robyn says the biggest challenge she faces in caring for her mother is her mother herself. “The biggest challenge is dealing with Mum and her self-preservation. It is hard to convince her that assistance is on her doorstep if she would only open the door, “ said Robyn. “Fortunately, her Feros Care nurse Ceili Bock is the one that succeeds in this area. Since being on Feros’ program and having an excellent professional relationship with Ceili, mum’s health and wellbeing has improved out of sight.” With more Australians living well past 70, Robyn advises other adult children who find themselves in the position of caregiver for their parents to “go with the flow”. “Seek out the best options of assistance available and then mould them to your loved one and not to yourself,” she said. “Build a relationship with the team, ensuring your loved one always remains at the centre of the team and don’t ever lose focus of the task at hand.”
Robyn, sister Leigh and Daphne
Winter 2014
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FEROS CARE PROVIDES MORE THAN 1000
SMART HOMES
Award winning aged care organisation, Feros Care, is providing Smart Home technology for more than 1000 clients nationwide - improving home care services by enabling seniors with specific needs to remain in their own homes.
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ifeLink Operations Manager Anthony Bacon says Feros Care’s Telehealthcare service arm, LifeLink, is leading the way in smart home solutions.
“Seniors can feel independent and confident that help is available if necessary, at the touch of a button,” he said. The most popular LifeLink products include emergency pendants, movement and occupancy detectors, GPS watches, and smoke, gas, flood or temperature extreme sensors. The technology provides peace of mind for people living alone, and their families. It is ideal for anyone who has diabetes, dementia, epilepsy, chronic disease, physical disability and/or for post-hospitalisation care. “The LifeLink Falls Detection Package is our biggest seller,” Mr Bacon said. “Most people will inquire about an alarm after an incident. A high percentage of purchases are made because a client has had a fall, or their friend has an alarm and they think it might be a good idea.” Mr Bacon said most budget-minded clients will start with the Personal Alarm Single, also known as the emergency pendant, which can operate either through a landline or mobile telephone. “There are also several LifeLink options available for couples and packages can be developed to suit these clients’ needs,” he said. Mr Bacon said LifeLink’s most popular devices could detect falls automatically, by sensing when a person exits their property or stops moving for a long period. These devices are all linked to a carer or a 24/7 response centre. With over one million seniors living at home alone, the multi awardwinning care provider has helped thousands of seniors live more independently since the establishment of LifeLink. For clients like 61-year-old Southport resident Hana Kaya, even something as simple as a personal alarm pendant can be a powerful lifeline. “The first time I had to use it was when I fell over outside my back door, on the concrete,” says Hana, who now describes the pendant as her “guardian angel”. “I could have been there for hours. It’s really good because the response centre operator talks to you the whole time and they ask who you want contacted,” she says. Along with back-to-base alarms for fires and floods, such alarm pendants are early examples of smart home technology and now offer more
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complex features, such as a button to call for help if a confusing or unwelcome guest comes knocking. Bed sensors can automatically trigger lights to illuminate a path through the house, and raise an alert if the client is not back in bed within a certain amount of time, which is especially useful given that 70 per cent of falls happen at night. These more advanced Telecare devices help to support people with higher care needs, including people with dementia – a condition recognised as a National Health Priority affecting almost 10 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over, and around a quarter of those 85 and over. Feros Care has also been trialling GPS watches, which show strong potential as a simple and non-invasive way to to make living at home safer for people with dementia, who may be prone to wandering.
NEW LifeLink iVi Intelligent Pendant
Another of LifeLink’s Telecare clients is Evalyn Porter, 86, who says her basic personal alarm is currently all she needs to feel safe and confident at home. “I fell in the shower once and I couldn’t get up, but luckily I was wearing my alarm pendant,” Evalyn said. “They rang my daughter, she rang her husband and he came and got me up. It’s really made a difference to me; I’m not worrying all the time about what’s going to happen if I have another fall.” Feros Care continues to lead the way in Smart Home technology, always pushing the boundaries to keep seniors connected, independent and living life to the full.
New lightweight pendant that detects falls – no need for button pressing! Call us today on
1300 851 771 www.lifelinkresponse.com.au
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Health & Wellness
Forever Young, Keeping Strong Award winning aged care provider, Feros Care, knows the key to feeling good is staying active no matter what your age.
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he organisation recently launched two fitness focused programs for seniors that are available in Illawarra as well as the mid and far north coast of NSW.
The allied health exercise programs improve fitness, strength, flexibility and balance having been designed by physiotherapists specifically for over 65s. These programs take into consideration all levels of ability and participants undertake a health screening before they begin.
Forever Young is a group exercise program for seniors who enjoy and can participate in an exercise class of up to ten people. The ten week Forever Young program begins with a gentle tai chi warm up, followed by movement to music, exercises to strengthen muscles, stretching and a cool down. At the end of the program, there will be another individual session with the physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to assess progress and offer any further assistance, if this is required. Each class costs $5.
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A Strong Foundations is a home-based strength and balance program designed to prevent falls by teaching seniors strategies to keep them strong and active. Initially this involves a physiotherapist or occupational therapist visiting the senior at home to do an assessment and talk about the individual’s lifestyle needs. The health professional will then design a program for the individual that can either include undertaking structured exercises or incorporating simple exercises into their daily routine, whichever option suits them best. At a cost of $10 per visit, the therapist will visit the client at home, five times, and telephone the client twice, providing advice and support each time. After a few months, the therapist will make another visit to ensure everything is going well and the health benefits of the Strong Foundations program continue! These initiatives are being delivered with the financial assistance of the Commonwealth Government, via the Home And Community Care (HACC) program, to support older people to stay at home and be more independent in the community. Feros Care Director of Health and Wellness Kate Swanton said falls are one of the leading causes of death and disability in older people. She said one of the key ways seniors can reduce their risk of falls is by introducing the right strength and balance exercises. “While some people love exercising and can do set exercises everyday, others find this challenging. Strong Foundations creates a program to suit the individual. Some will have their own exercise program developed, others will be encouraged to change their habits and given key exercises they can include in their everyday activities,� she said.
s well as our new Strong Foundations and Forever Young programs, Feros Care also offers individual Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Podiatry services. Our highly qualified team of allied health professionals provide individual services in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The type of service will depend on your own needs and personal health and wellbeing goals. All our services are based on a comprehensive assessment and our team of therapists work with you to achieve improved confidence to live independently and safely in your own home. Our services include: PHYSIOTHERAPY: A Help to recover from injury (rehabilitation) A Exercises and support to improve your mobility allowing you to get out and about with ease and comfort A Better management of disabilities which may include using mobility aids OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: A Improve your ability to perform everyday tasks eg. cooking or showering
A Home assessments and tips to make your house safer A Splinting services PODIATRY: A Assistance with all your foot care needs A Advice and/or prescription to make your shoes safe A Diabetic foot care A Pressure care and wound management
For further information, call our friendly Health & Wellness Team on1300 085 181 or visit www.feroscare.com.au/HACC Winter 2014
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Health & Wellness
FIVE STEPS to Prevent Falls By Ben Happ
Feros Care physiotherapist Ben Happ is dedicated to highlighting the importance of learning skills to improve mobility and balance in seniors.
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here is a commonly held belief that falling is just something we have to accept as part of getting older. This is a myth. I routinely see people who have had regular falls, make some simple changes and break the cycle. Falls are a common and distressing cause of injury in seniors. Feros Care provides quality care and lifestyle assistance to seniors, including a range of LifeLink Telehealthcare assistive technologies and solutions that are providing older people throughout Australia with the tools to be independent and safe at home. It is easy to think of many obvious causes for falling, including running into a pet or tripping on a footpath, but the most sinister cause is the loss of confidence after having the first fall.
Unfortunately many active and independent people stop the activities that once made them so independent fearing they will fall again and this only increases the risk of having another fall. Some medicines may have side effects such as making you feel dizzy or drowsy, which of course can also increase your risk of having a fall. If you experience these side effects it is important to discuss them with your doctor as there may be an alternative medication that will work better for you. When it comes to staying on your feet the best thing to do, is a daily practice of strength and balance tasks that challenge you in a safe way. Ben says you don’t need any fancy equipment and as little as 10 minutes each day will make a difference.
THREE EASY EXERCISES TO HELP IMPROVE BALANCE. While you are waiting for the kettle to boil, practice standing on 1. one leg while taking as much support on the bench with your
hands, as you need to.
time you stand up from a chair, sit back down and stand up 2. Every for a second time to build strength in your legs. When you are going past the kitchen bench or a dining table, 3. walk slowly heel to toe while taking as much support with
HERE ARE FIVE KEY STEPS TO REDUCING FALLS.
1.
Keeping active in as many ways as possible.
2.
Undertaking daily activities that specifically challenge your strength and balance.
Eating healthy food as part of a balanced diet and drinking 3. plenty of water will help you maintain good health and have
strong bones and muscles.
4. Seeking help. If you don’t know where to start, ask your doctor or 5. health professional who can point you in the right direction. Having regular check-ups of your medication, eyesight and feet.
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your hands as you need.
Feros LifeLink Telehealthcare technologies enable seniors to take control of falls prevention with unobtrusive and affordable smart home technologies that can be installed into their own homes. Products range from: A night lighting A bed sensors A fall detectors, automatically alerting family or a response centre when a fall occurs. For more information telephone 1300 851 771 or visit www.lifelinkresponse.com.au
Winter Recipe
Rick Stewart Our Own Master Chef
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eros Care Catering Services co-ordinator Rick Stewart has worked with food all over the world, in five star hotels, restaurants and as the head of a catering business specialising in weddings and large corporations but he says the most rewarding job he’s ever had, has been overseeing catering operations for Feros Care. “In a commercial restaurant the chefs cook what they like to cook and think no more of it really. In aged care, we tend to ‘live’ in the residents’ home and see them every day. This makes us more accountable for our actions and in turn, it becomes like cooking for your family and that brings enormous satisfaction,” he said. “The people I work with at Feros Care are all very positive, which is very different to the commercial food service world, where it’s all about what can we get out of people we serve, but at Feros Care, it’s reversed into what can we give.” Large scale catering has always been an area in which Rick feels most comfortable. “I tend to be able to deal with multiple situations and staff and stay relatively calm and controlled. Trust me, this is not always easy to do, as you may know, most chefs have a reputation for, let’s just say, carrying on a bit,” he said.
job is to ensure all Feros Care residents indulge at meal times.
Rick, also known as our “head chef”, has been working at Feros Care for almost a year. He oversees the catering operations for Feros Care’s three residential villages, and forms part of the team that ensures the residents have inviting, appropriate and nutritious meals.
“Desserts are well indulged. From the sticky date pudding, to the crowd pleaser cheesecake, through to the ol’ favourite rice pudding… generally the residents are very happy with the meals on offer.”
Rick oversees the preparation of three meals a day plus morning and afternoon teas for 178 residents - that’s 534 meals and 356 morning teas every day. Feros Care has a staff of nine cooks and 14 kitchen hands, on rotating shifts working across the sites seven days a week. To prepare daily meals, Rick works with three cooks and three kitchen hands every day. Menus are seasonal, with the main changes in summer and winter. The menu is further tweaked to suit the fresh produce available in the spring and autumn months. So, what provides the inspiration for the delicious meals Rick oversees at Feros Care villages? “It’s a mix of the old and new here,” said Rick. “We try to incorporate dishes and flavours from a modern Australian cuisine, but also respect the tastes and era of our residents. The fun part is getting the residents to try something new and at the end of the day, it’s the residents that decide what they would like to eat, as this is their home.” From Feros residents favourite dish - Tasmanian salmon with sweet potato mash, to old favourites like rice pudding – Rick’s
“Residents also love sweet and sour pork, battered fish and chips – crunchy fat boy fries are a must and the juicy lamb loin chops, always go down a treat,” he said.
Rick’s Baked Salmon with Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients Salmon Fresh basil chopped Seasoning Spray oil Green beans (string and cook) Sweet potato (mash) Butter
Hollandaise Three egg yolks 2 tablespoons of water 175g of unsalted butter 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Seasoning
Method - Salmon Preheat oven to 180 degrees Heat frypan with spray oil covering base. When hot, add salmon, serving side down. Seal for about 20 seconds, then flip and season with a little salt and pepper. Add the fresh basil (chopped). Place in preheated oven (180 degrees). Bake for about seven minutes until just cooked through. Serve with fresh beans and a sweet potato mash. Drizzle with a pre-made hollandaise sauce (or make it) or a fresh basil butter (melt butter, add chopped basil in frypan once salmon is removed).
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Wi-Fi Key to Keeping SENIORS CONNECTED
While many Australian seniors may have been reluctant to enter the cyber world in the past, over 65’s are now the fastest growing online user groups in the nation, according to a report by the Joint Selection Committee on Cyber Safety.
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ustralian seniors are Googling and Facebooking, checking out the latest clips on YouTube, playing online bingo and talking to family and friends on Skype. Seniors are a new generation of lifelong learners demanding fast, efficient internet. Always looking for new and smart ways to use technology to help our seniors maintain their independence and stay connected, Feros Care has made it a priority to ensure the provision of high quality and reliable internet access, at each of its residential villages. Feros Care’s Wi-Fi network forms the communication backbone for Feros Care’s pilot telehealth program that uses video conferencing with GPs and specialists, for residents with complex needs. The same infrastructure enables the residents’ social connectedness via internet access, videoconferencing and phone calls with friends and family. Wi-Fi also enables better communication between staff resulting in better resident care. The Feros Care Wi-Fi solution has allowed the organisation to provide high-definition video conferencing and VoIP phones to every bedside in its three residential villages. The Feros IT department has worked hand-in-hand with provider Surecom to ensure our seniors stay online and connected.
Online games are a way to get our seniors excited about connecting with each other, using technology and having fun Feros Care CIO Mr Payne said Feros’ Wi-Fi technology allowed virtual consultation between residents and their health professionals anywhere within Feros Care facilities. “This allows for both privacy and convenience, particularly if we have very frail or ill seniors who cannot make it to an appointment, or we need virtual supervision of a clinical procedure, for example. Our Wi-Fi technology will support virtual education sessions, group allied health programs and case coordination across our three residential villages,” he said. “This technology will also provide the capability to host special interest group virtual tours to our residents – meaning live streaming of events such as museum and cultural events for those residents that are less mobile. We are currently investigating the use of cameras, much like
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a GoPro and microphones to have two way interactions at special events. We hope to get approval at the 2014 Byron Bay Writers’ Festival to do our first virtual tour later in the year.” Mr Payne said Feros Care was also consulting with residents about an initiative to connect the residential sites and clients in the community, with virtual games that include bingo and trivia. Using high definition video and multiparty rooms, the video conferencing sessions can have up to 16 participants, at once. “Online games are a way to get our seniors excited about connecting with each other, using technology and having fun,” he said. “We also see opportunities to use the internet for banking, shopping and keeping seniors in both residential and community settings up-to-date with community, national and international events. Virtual tours of countries are already a part of the social program at our residential villages.”
Q&A
FEROS CARE FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS FEROS RESIDENTIAL VILLAGES 1. What types of costs are there? In residential care you may be asked to pay three main types of costs: A daily fees (calculated according to your income) A accommodation payments (calculated according to your assets)
Feros Village Byron Bay
A income tested fees determined by the Department of Social Services
What you pay depends on: A your date of entry into an aged care home A your income and assets at that point A whether or not you are a pensioner A the level of care you need (low-level or high-level residential care) The Government calculates and regulates maximum daily fees. It also enforces limits as to how much you can be asked to pay as an accommodation bond or accommodation charge.
Feros Village Bangalow
For more information see: http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-homes-costs-explained
2. How long is the waiting list? The length of waiting lists change frequently. Feel free to telephone the Care Managers at our villages - Feros Village Bangalow (02 6687 2379) Feros Village Wommin Bay (02 6674 4177) and Feros Village Byron Bay (02 6685 7676) between 9 and 4pm. Our Care Managers will be only too happy to talk about your care needs and give you a better indication of any wait lists. When a room becomes available it is allocated on a needs basis rather than how long someone has been on the waiting list. Priority is always given to people who are at home and at risk, or in hospital and unable to be discharged to go home.
3. Can I keep my own doctor? This will depend on whether the doctor is prepared to visit the village or use video conferencing for consultations; otherwise, we do have GPs who make regular visits to our villages.
4. Can I bring my pet (dog/cat/bird/fish/llama/horse/pig) with me?
Many of our residents love animals and at Feros Villages a request to bring along a much-loved pet is considered on an individual basis. Your request may be dependent on the number of animals living at the village at the time of admission and whether the pet can live safely within the village.
Feros Village Wommin Bay
5. What personal belongings am I allowed to bring with me eg. furniture, clothes.
We encourage residents to bring personal items to help them feel at home. What you bring will depend on the size of your room and the amount of equipment needed to assist with your daily living. There is always room for some photos and small items of importance. It is the size and quantity of items that will need to be considered, once you see the room.
6. Am I allowed visitors and am I allowed out? Of course! We encourage you to have visitors and to continue enjoying life in the wider community. Visitors also may book in and share a meal at our villages. We just ask that you let staff at the village know when you are leaving and when you expect to return so we can prepare your meals and can check on your safe return
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Residential News
“I began walking when I moved here - I like to get outdoors”
Wommin Bay Scores Top Marks Feros Care Wommin Bay Residential Manager, Amanda Harvey (pictured below) was ready to celebrate after hearing the village had scored top marks during a recent audit by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. The auditors put forward a recommendation of 44/44 outcomes met and particularly commended the open and transparent workplace.
Harry walks all the way It’s taken six months and he has clocked up more than 400km on his pedometer but Feros Village Wommin Bay resident Harry Holman, 75, walking with the aid of a wheelie walker, reached his goal of walking to Kingscliff earlier this year. “There’s a lot of people like me sitting around,” he said. “I wanted to set an example to others in my condition.” When Harry first moved into Feros Village Wommin Bay, he could only walk a lap of the car park but, with the support of Feros staff and friends, combined with the outdoor lifestyle offered at the beachside facility, this inspired Harry to keep walking. “I began walking when I moved here - I like to get outdoors,” he said. “When I arrived I started with one lap a day of the car park. It got too easy so I put a couple more laps on. When I got to 10 laps I looked out my window and saw the oval and thought, “I’ll have a go at that!” So I started with one, two then three laps, which takes 45 minutes. I am so much fitter and stronger now.” Recently Harry, who has dementia, walked the 3.8km to Kingscliff and back with Feros Care homemaker John Anderson. Harry said he enjoyed a cappuccino at the Blue Scooter Restaurant before embarking on the walk back home to Feros Village Wommin Bay. John said Harry showed enormous determination and spirit to complete the walk. “He was determined to do the whole trip — we even had a support vehicle waiting at Kingscliff in case he changed his mind — which of course, he didn’t.” A former speed bike racer with a passion for collecting Kombi miniatures, Harry said he was always adventurous. “I’m already planning my next adventure,” he said, with a big grin. ‘Don’t tell John, but I’m thinking about walking to Murwillumbah next.” Harry offers good advice to others of advancing years who want to get back into walking. “Start small and build up gradually, be careful not to push too fast and drink plenty of water,” he said. “You will feel it’s worth the effort you put in.”
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Feros Care CEO Jennene Buckley thanked the Wommin Bay Residential Leadership team, staff and volunteers for their hard work.
“The auditors said it was the first time in a very long time they had experienced staff who stopped them to talk about the village, the changes and the positive experience they had.” “Auditors said the systems were clear, easy to learn and Wommin Bay complied with all 44 expected outcomes across the 4 standards. The auditors commented on the respectful and positive interactions between staff and residents and they said families they had interviewed, felt involved and communicated to. The auditors loved the term Positive Living Coordinators and confirmed that was exactly what was happening at Wommin Bay Residential Village.”
Seniors Week
Faerie Tale Week Faerie Tale Week was declared a resounding success by Feros Care Positive Living Co-ordinator Jacquelyn Atkins.
Seniors Week is held every March and is a great opportunity for residents from our three villages to embrace some fabulous community events held in their honour. Wommin Bay launched the week with St Patrick’s Day and residents enjoyed everything Irish; including trivia, stories and a quiz, along with dancing and clapping to the fantastic music of the Shameless O’Hooligans from Uki. A group from Bangalow were invited to the CWA for morning tea. The residents loved the interaction with the CWA ladies; enjoying a sing-a-long and viewing beautiful knitting and sewing creations. Another group from Bangalow and Byron had a wonderful cultural experience visiting the Mullumbimby Community Gardens for the celebration of Harmony Day.
Bangalow Village resident Moya Holloway’s wish for fish and chips was granted, along with a visit to Brunswick Heads “It was a wonderful week,” she said. “Water was a winner, from swims at the beach and in the creek to fishing and eating fish and chips. One Byron resident was an even bigger winner when the wave of a wand over a beer and a flutter at the bowlo, resulted in $700,” she said. “Gardens were planted, flowers given, relatives and friends visited, high teas enjoyed, beers drunk and massages received. Some residents got physical with ballroom dancing, daily walks and exercise classes. One lady reconnected with her
Helen doesn’t usually walk her smile says it all.
piano playing ability and another with a friend she hasn’t seen for almost 30 years.” Jacquelyn thanked Feros staff for going beyond their usual duties to make the week an immense success..
Byron residents were also out and about, enjoying a drumming session, visiting the cinema and the Tweed Art Gallery to see the Margaret Olley exhibition. They ended the week with a trip to the theatre to see the brilliant performance of Love Letters, starring Steve Bisley.
“Thank you to each and every one of you who played the role of faerie godmother,” she said. As wishes were granted, staff stuck a gold star, with the resident’s name on it, on a “wishes” board. Jacquelyn said she was inspired to play faerie godmother after viewing the responses to a recent resident satisfaction survey.
Olga Jeffery was granted a wish she’s had for a couple of months - to visit her brother at a nursing home in Goonellabah. “Olga cried when we told her - it was so touching,” said Positive Living Co-ordinator Jacquelyn, pictured with Olga
Cultural experience for the celebration of Harmony Day.
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Happenings F
eros Care has been recognised at State and National levels, winning a swag of awards and nominations over the past few months. It’s just further confirmation of our organisation’s continuing ability to adapt to the rapidly changing face of aged care. At the Leading Age Services Australia Queensland 2014 Excellence in Care Awards, Feros Care received a special Judges Commendation Award for being a dynamic not-for-profit organisation inspiring industry change. The award applauded Feros Care for pioneering the Byron Model of care that moves beyond the person-centred approach, encompassing the following philosophies; Wellness and Active Ageing, Positive Living and Re-ablement and Restorative Care.
Team Feros Care at the LASAQ gala dinner.
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ur Chief Information Officer Glenn Payne was a finalist in the 2014 Healthcare CIO of the Year, at the iTnews CIO Benchmark Awards, in recognition of his role in establishing Feros Care’s cutting edge video conferencing system. The system has underpinned the organisation’s expansion into eight new community care regions and helped it win $1m in Commonwealth Government funding to trial in-room video conferencing for residents of its three aged care villages and win $2.7m in funding to support the My Health Clinic At Home NBN pilot project.
Glenn Payne and wife Cath.
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nd capping off the enormous success of the first six months of 2014, Feros Care most recently won the organisation category at the 2014 Aged Community Services (ACS) Association NSW and ACT State Awards for Excellence. Feros Care was recognised as an organisation leading the way in technology innovations with the introduction of its high definition video conferencing (VC) system that is used for staff collaboration and the My Health Clinic At Home pilot program. Feros has also introduced a Gigabyte network at its residential villages enabling residents to connect with health providers, family and friends. The win also acknowledged Feros Care’s recent launch of eight new services including health and wellness programs, telehealth, and volunteer transportation; The Byron Model, an initiative which supports seniors to keep as healthy, active and independent as possible in the home of their choosing; and the ‘Get Bold Not Old’ campaign celebrating ageing by demonstrating how at 80 plus it is possible to set goals, learn and experience new things.
Feros Care’s Information Technology team. 26
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FEROS CARE MAJOR SPONSOR 2014 Byron Bay Writers’ Festival
Aged care provider Feros Care is thrilled to announce it has again provided major sponsorship to the Byron Bay Writers Festival, providing a $25,000 grant for the 2014 event on 1-3 August, 2014.
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yron Bay Writers’ Festival Director Edwina Johnson said she was delighted that Feros Care had confirmed their Platinum Sponsorship of the Festival once again.
“Feros Care came on board as a sponsor and critical funding partner of the Festival in 2013. As a fellow not-for-profit organisation, doing such important work in our local community, our values are aligned and this makes the partnership even more significant,” she said. “The Feros Marquee will again host an eclectic mix of some of the best authors and thinkers from overseas and Australia. It is only with the ongoing support of organisations such as Feros Care that we are able to host this popular event each year.’
Headline breaking participants this year include environmentalist Tim Flannery, former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, (pictured above) Melbourne historian and author Clare Wright, writer Poe Ballantine and television and ABC radio presenter Richard Fidler. Festival-goers will be given an insight into Australia’s future direction on the world stage by Malcolm Fraser. He will discuss his new book, Dangerous Allies, in which he asks whether Australia should continue to follow a policy of military dependence on the US or move towards a more strategically independent foreign policy.
Feros Care opened its first aged care facility in Byron Bay and continues its contribution to the vibrant Byron Bay community and culture with ongoing sponsorship of the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival. Feros Care was the dream of Byron Bay resident, George Feros, and the organisation has built a valued community partnership with many families. During the festival, Feros Care will take the opportunity to spread the ‘Get Bold, Not Old’ ethos, which embraces healthy ageing, independence and fun. The Byron Bay Writers’ Festival brings together interesting minds across many genres; including poets, songwriters, politicians, historians, comedians, journalists, biographers, literary and mass market fiction writers, bloggers and tweeters.
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MEMORY LANE
Sydney Harbour Bridge - Symbol of a Life By Margaret Fisher The Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened in 1932 - and I was born up the road in Sydney in 1930. My grandmothers were born in Sydney in 1858 and 1883 and my mother in 1908. My mother would tell me stories of crossing the harbour on a ferry before the bridge was built, of standing at Customs House and watching the boats come in. Then the day came when the whole of Sydney assembled to witness the opening of the bridge and make their first walk across the harbour! There were two false starts: a woman dashed to the ribbon to cut it before Premier Jack Lang but was thwarted. Then along rode Captain de Groot with his ceremonial sword swirling to cut the ribbon first. He succeeded! Once peace was restored, I walked with my mother, father, brother Bruce and grandparents across the bridge. Nearly 70 years later, I walked over the Bridge again, this time with my grandson Michael during the Reconciliation March, in which 300,000 people showed their support for Aboriginal Australians.
In 1938, on New Year’s Eve, Sydney harbour was filled with warships, lights and flags. We sat, on the uncrowded grasslands on the north side beneath the bridge, enjoying the sights. I used to love swimming in the Sydney Olympic Pool sheltered by the bridge, visiting Luna Park, riding the Manly ferry and visiting Taronga Park Zoo. My great grandfather, William Roberts, and his son (also William) were mining engineers and assayers. Younger William assayed Lasseter’s gold; a legend of history. When I was a child, as we drove over the Sydney Habour Bridge, on the left was a white painted sign on a huge brick wall advertising their business. When I went to England in 1953, the passengers held streamers connecting us to our families on the wharf below the bridge. Later my son would sail on the harbour. My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; their lives all connected in some way to the bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is not just a symbol of Australia - it is a symbol of my entire life.
GEORGE’S PASSION We loved Margaret’s story about her memories of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and would love to hear more stories from other Feros Care seniors. You might like to write to us about a favourite personal memory or perhaps, like Margaret, you witnessed a historic event and would like to give us your perspective of that moment in time. Stories can be anything between 300 to 500 words. Email your stories to us at Editor@feroscare.com.au We will share your memories via our new blog “Memory Lane” which is linked to the Feros Care website. We look forward to hearing from you.
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feros magazine
Feros Care is named after George Feros, a migrant from Greece who came to Australia as a stowaway in 1920. George’s daughter, Ruby Feros, has written a book about her father, George his passion, which tells the story of how her father came to Australia in 1920 on an adventure, his passion for aged care in Byron Bay and his quest to build a nursing home for his ageing parents. Ruby is keen for as many people as possible to hear her father’s wonderful story and has kindly donated all the proceeds from the sale of the book to Feros Care. Now on sale for $20.00, available at our residential villages or the Coolangatta office.
Contact List
Agencies and Government Information AGED CARE COMPLAINTS SCHEME
DISABILITY AND AGED INFORMATION SERVICES
1800 550 552
1800 800 340 www.daisi.asn.au
DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
1800 200 422 www.myagedcare.gov.au THE AGED CARE RIGHTS SERVICE
EMERGENCY RESPITE SERVICE
1800 052 222 during business hours 13 11 14 Lifeline
02 9281 3600 A 1800 424 079 www.tars.com.au
FEROS COMMUNITY GATEWAY CONTACT & REFERRAL CENTRE
CARERS AUSTRALIA
1300 763 583 www.feroscare.com.au
1800 242 636 www.carersaustralia.com.au CANCER COUNCIL HELPLINE
FEROS CARE HEALTH & WELLNESS
1300 085 181
13 11 20
FEROS CARE LIFELINK TELEHEALTHCARE
THE DEMENTIA HELPLINE
1300 851 771 www.lifelinkresponse.com.au
1800 100 500 www.fightdementia.org.au DEPT. OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
133 254 A Regional Callers 1800 555 254 www.dva.gov.au
OFFICE OF HEARING SERVICES
1800 500 726 (Client Contact Line) 1800 500 496 (TTY users) www.hearingservices.gov.au
FEROS FRIENDLY VISITOR’S PROGRAM Do you enjoy being creative, sharing computer skills or just having a good chat? Feros Friendly Visitors program is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers that are genuinely interested in bringing laughter, companionship and purpose to the lives of our clients. There are endless opportunities available for you to make new friends and give back! With virtual communication like Skype, Feros Friendly Visitors can be located anywhere in Australia.
Make a difference and apply today. Visit
www.feroscare.com.au & click the Volunteer link or call 1300 085 181
GET BOLD, NOT OLD.
Keep living at home on your own terms with the help of Feros Home Care packages. We all want to be able to live independently in our own homes for as long as possible. Feros Home Care packages can help you do just that, with a wide range of services that can be tailored to your needs, including: A Personal care, cleaning &
domestic services A Wellness and social programs
A Nursing and allied health services A Telehealth and assistive technologies
To find out more about our bold approach to ageing, including service availability in this area, call 1300 763 583
www.feroscare.com.au