Life & Love Edition 18 by Hall & Prior

Life&Love HALL & PRIOR H E A LT H & A G E D C A R E G R O U P

ROBOTIC PETS BRING MEMORIES TO LIFE Meet the tech making a big difference p8

ISSUE 19 | AUTUMN 2019

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

From the Chief Executive Officer

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News in Brief

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Robotic Pets Bring Joy to Residents

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Hall & Prior acquires Mertome Retirement Village

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Georges Estate begins construction

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Launch of LGBTI Action Plan

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Palliative Care Project begins at Caroline Chisholm

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White Oak opens Scarborough Office

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RSLWA Partnership

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Education Update

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Spotlight on‌Senior Dietitian Jessica Zilujko

ABOUT HALL & PRIOR Started in 1992 by Michael Hall and Graeme Prior, Hall & Prior is a leading aged care provider with a passion for providing quality care to older people from all walks of life. Over the past 20 years, Hall & Prior has grown from one nursing home to an organisation that cares for over 1,500 people in Western Australia and New South Wales.

Our people are our greatest asset. Each one of our 25 aged care homes is led by an experienced director of nursing who works alongside a team of

registered nurses, personal carers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dieticians and chefs to ensure that we meet the individual needs of every resident.

As a private, family-owned company, Hall & Prior is committed to bringing long-term benefits to our residents and their families. Our dedicated care teams provide round-the-clock care 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that every resident feels well cared for and at home.

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From the

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER I think you’ll all agree that 2019 is flying by at a rapid rate – and what an exciting and challenging year its been so far!

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues and we welcome the changes that this will make to our industry. It’s important that at a Government level the industry and the consumers that we care for are given the utmost respect.

It’s also important that in all our homes at a grassroots level we have a thorough understanding of what’s happening during the Commission and how it affects our day-to-day operations. You can find an update on page 27.

The Hall & Prior Perth and Sydney teams came together recently to break ground at what’s now known as Georges Estate in Penshurst. This project (previously known as Kogarah) has taken a decade to reach this significant milestone and will deliver premium health outcomes for local residents.

We believe that Georges Estate will give a broad range of options for aged care in south-east Sydney and we’re excited about construction commencing. We celebrated the breaking of ground with Ken Wyatt, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, which you can read about on pages 12 & 13.

In WA we’ve also recently taken over the management and operations of Mertome Village in Bayswater. This is another project that has been waiting in

the wings for some time and we look forward to working closely with the City of Bayswater on this project. We won a very competitive tender process to take over Mertome and we’re looking forward to investing in and refurbishing the 100 retirement village units and the 70-bed aged care home to make it as comfortable as possible for the residents who call it home.

The Karingal Green project continues to surge ahead with foundations now laid and brick work starting to take shape. This is an incredibly exciting project for aged care in Perth and will really set the standard for what people expect of the industry in years to come.

This is an incredibly exciting project for aged care in Perth and will really set the standard for what people expect of the industry in years to come.

You can find a Karingal Green update on the back page of this issue of Life & Love.

All of this speaks to the continued expansion of our portfolio in both WA and NSW,

which I think you’ll agree makes for a very exciting time for the company overall.

In other exciting news White Oak Community Care last month opened an office in Scarborough to service Perth’s north-west.

The new office will allow White Oak to have a greater presence in Perth and service these rapidly growing suburbs.

Congratulations to General Manager Treasa Lonergan and the White Oak team as well as Director of Operations Kraig Hoogland who refit the office space under an incredibly tight timeframe. Please if you are out in Scarborough, drop in, see the team and say hello.

White Oak also began a new partnership with RSLWA recently to better support veterans in the Perth metro area. Working with RSLWA CEO John McCourt, the agreement creates a pathway for veterans and their families to access our resources, information and services. See full story page 18.

As we move through the second quarter of this year I want to thank you all for your continuous hard work and passion, which makes every day and every challenge we face as a company worthwhile.

I look forward to celebrating more milestones with you all by the year’s end.

GRAEME PRIOR Chief Executive Officer

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NEWS IN BRIEF Shangri-La Wins TENA Each quarter Hall & Prior partners TENA, give out the prestigious TENA Award to the home in our NSW network that has best improved its systems and clinical effectiveness in regards to continence.

Congratulations to Shangri-La Residential Aged Care Home who won the TENA Award for the first quarter of 2019.

“Our link nurses have been a great help in achieving this,” Shangri-La Director of Nursing Bernice Anokye said.

“On behalf of our home management team, I’d like to say a big thank you to Marianne Lawson, Rukuma Shrestha, Mary Anne Naw, Stephanie Konjele, Barada Sigdel, Sally Lim, Tahmina Chowdhury and Preeti Gaire.”

Well done team Shangri-La!

New Diet Initiative Hall & Prior’s Speech Pathology team are rolling out a new International Dysphagia Diet Initiative (IDDSI).

The IDDSI is a world-wide change that affects the way modified diet and fluids are described, with the rollout across Australia commencing in May. As part of the IDDSI changes those residents who are prescribed a soft diet will now be unable to automatically receive bread as part of their diet.

Bread intake will need to be assessed individually by a speech pathologist for each resident on a soft diet; the reason for this is the number of choking cases that involve bread.

Training will commence around the new IDDSI as soon as possible.

Dementia Training Australia Working Group With a current focus on Dementia Training throughout Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group, a working group has begun to further explore responsive behaviours in residents living with dementia.

The working group is made up of a cross section of the business and includes Jayne Cummings, Mina Pindolia, Julie Warhurst, Sharon Magennis and Vicki Sorrenson.

The group will work closely with Dementia Training Australia (DTA) during an eight week responsive behaviours program.

The program has several expected outcomes including; • Introducing the concept of responsive behaviours; • Exploring a number of models to assist with understanding responsive behaviours; • Exploring individual behaviours, including assessment processes, strategies and evaluations that clinicians can use to reduce the effects of the behaviours; • Apply various models and evidence based interventions to case study scenarios; • Offer specific advice to managers and DONS on managing staff providing care to people living with dementia who express these responsive behaviours.

Team Shangri-La celebrate their win

Findings from the working group will be shared with staff when they become available.

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DON Appointments Mina Pindolia has been appointed as the Director of Nursing (DON) at Tuohy Aged Care Home, effective March 2019.

Mina has worked beside former Facility Manager Jayne Cummings at Tuohy for the past six-and-ahalf years and will be a valuable asset at Tuohy as she moves forward in her career.

Mina, Fiona and the Tuohy team will continue to work together to provide a fantastic care program for people in their area.

Jayne Cummings is now the Executive Manager at Windsor Park after having worked with the group for a number of years as the Facility Manager at Touhy Aged Care Home. As with all of the leadership team, Jayne is a real asset to the company and will continue to add to her experience at Windsor Park.

Jesusa Silverio has now taken on the role of Director of Nursing at Kensington Aged Care Home after the retirement of Cate Barlow. Jesusa previously worked as the DDON of Conorde and is looking forward to the challenges of her new position.

Laura Currie has also accepted a new role at Mertome Aged Care Home as Executive Manager.

Laura started at Mertome on April 1, when Hall & Prior took over the management and operations of Mertome. She will work closely with staff and residents to build our vision for Mertome going forward.

Congratulations and best wishes to Mina, Jayne, Jesusa and Laura in their new roles.

Great Place to Work survey launches

Don’t Forget Your Flu Shot

Hall & Prior and White Oak have announced a three-year commitment to participate in the Great Place to Work program. We aspire to become a great place to work by providing our staff with fulfilling work in a trusting environment.

Each year Hall & Prior supplies the influenza (flu) vaccine free of charge for all staff.

Through a partnership with Great Place to Work Australia, an independent research and education organisation, our staff will be asked to complete a confidential survey to identify how we can become a truly great workplace. By building on our strengths and addressing areas needing improvement, we are confident that we will make great strides in creating a better workplace for all.

For more information visit www.greatplacetowork.com.au

Having the flu (influenza) injection may cause a little discomfort for one to two minutes but having influenza will make you very unwell for one to two weeks.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, runny nose, cough, aching joints, sore muscles, sore throat and headache.

If you get the flu it is highly infectious and very easily spread to your family, friends, work colleagues and care recipients.

You can’t come to work if you have flu-like symptoms.

Having the flu vaccination every year is the best way to prevent getting the flu. Every year the strain of flu virus changes and the vaccine wears off, so you need to have the vaccine every year.

You can’t catch the flu from the vaccine.

The flu vaccine will be administered by Registered Nurses who run free clinics at all of our homes and clinics will also be held at Fresh Fields and Mayfair Street head office.

Flu vaccination clinics will start in mid-May.

ROBOTIC PETS BRING JOY TO RESIDENTS As part of a new Occupational Therapy initiative robotic dogs and cats are being welcomed to Hall & Prior’s WA homes to help spark joy with residents by reminding them of beloved pets from their past.

Any animal lover will tell you that having a loyal furry friend welcome you home after a long hard day is one of the best things ever.

With that feeling in mind, Hall & Prior’s Occupational Therapy team led by Senior OT Madelyne Glover has incorporated robotic pets into care sessions with residents at some of our homes in Perth.

Although the robotic pets are currently a trial – the proof is in the pudding at the homes where the robotic animals now live – resident’s reactions are always positive, often accompanied with much laughter, tears of joy and the telling of stories about

animals they had when they were younger.

The theory behind the therapy is that the robotic animals can be used to prompt fond memories; especially in residents living with dementia.

The pets are currently being used in a trial at Hamersley Aged Care Home in Subiaco and Concorde Aged Care Home in South Perth.

“The robotic pets not only provide companionship to our care recipients, they can also be used as a memory prompt to discuss pets that were part of their lives in the past,” Madelyne said.

“And for any of our residents who prefer to spend time alone, the cats and dogs can bring them an immense amount of calm and joy and help them feel like they have a companion.

“We’ve discovered that if someone is feeling agitated or a bit down, we give them one of the pets and it really helps lift their mood. They’re very beneficial for tactile sensory stimulation.”

The Hasbro Companion Pets come from the US and are used in aged care all over the world to give people contact with domestic pets without carers and aged care staff having to look after real animals on-site.

The pets feature state-of-the-art technology that make them appear incredibly life-like. Cats roll over when stroked on their tummies, and also purr and meow, while the puppy dogs bark, wag their tails and respond eagerly to both touch and movement.

Built-in sensors in the pets work to create an ‘experience’ for the residents, responding as a real animal would to petting, touching and to a person’s voice.

Madelyne said the pets had been very well received

Resident Valerie with a robotic dog

at the homes so far, and the OT team is aiming to have more of them available to residents in future.

“We have one resident living with dementia who was always distressed in the late afternoon and wanted her family; since we’ve introduced a companion pet to her she has engaged with both the therapy staff and the pet – laughing, reminiscing and stroking the dog. We’ve since found out that she grew up with Greyhounds,” she said.

“They work really well, but it’s important to point out that the robotic pets are not a toy and are only given to residents when assessed as an appropriate therapeutic intervention.

“Care staff don’t pretend that the pets are real and the majority of our residents with Dementia are also

aware that they’re just robots; but they still love them and they’re as good as real to them in that moment.

“The joy that we’ve seen on the resident’s faces when they have a companion pet on site makes us think that we’re definitely onto a winner with this - and we’d like to incorporate more pets into our homes in the future.

“Anything that makes our residents smile and laugh like that is something we want to get on-board with!”

More robotic animals will be rolled out by the OT team at homes across WA in the near future.

Concorde Aged Care Home residents Beryl (with Toby the dog) and Walter (with Marmalade the cat) and Senior OT Maddy Glover.

Image: Community Newspapers

HALL & PRIOR ACQUIRES MERTOME RETIREMENT VILLAGE Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group won a competitive tender process recently to take over the management and operations of the City of Bayswater’s Mertome Village.

Our plans for the site were considered to deliver the best outcomes for both existing residents of the village and the City of Bayswater.

Comprising more than 100 retirement village units and a 70bed residential aged care facility; Hall & Prior will invest heavily in refurbishing the facility.

“We are delighted that the City of Bayswater has selected us to redevelop the facility,” CEO Graeme Prior said.

“We’re also very grateful for the support of the City’s Councillors and Executive Leadership Team and pleased that we share the

same vision for Mertome going forward.

“This will deliver quality care outcomes for older people in Perth’s eastern region, and we are excited to be responsible for Mertome Village.

“At Hall & Prior we specialise in the delivery of high-level permanent care and respite including dementia support. It is this valuable experience we bring with us to the management of Mertome.”

City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said he was pleased to announce the transfer of Mertome Retirement Village to Hall & Prior.

“The decision was made with the best interests of residents in mind.

Hall & Prior have an excellent reputation for providing quality aged cares services,” Mayor Bull said.

“The City is confident that Hall & Prior is best placed to meet the needs of residents of Mertome Retirement Village now and into the future.”

As part of the transition, Hall & Prior is pleased to welcome Executive Manager Laura Currie, who has a significant amount of experience with nursing and management.

Residents at Mertome Aged Care Home will also benefit from Hall & Prior’s multi-disciplinary Resource Team, which includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, dietitians and clinical nurse specialists.

The acquisition of Mertome Village means that Hall & prior now manages and operates 25 homes in Western Australia and New South Wales.

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior with City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull.

WORKING TOGETHER TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE

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Fresh Fields cook Mani Mannuthambi and head chef Gemma Hickey with OzHarvest representative Paul Sangster.

The team at Fresh Fields Hospitality Services have joined Australian food rescue organisation OzHarvest to donate quality excess food to local charities.

Based in Carlisle, in Perth’s east, Fresh Fields is the linen and catering division of Hall & Prior, supporting our 13 residential aged care homes in the Perth metropolitan area.

OzHarvest operates across Australia and works with businesses across the hospitality industry such as supermarkets, hotels, catering companies and restaurants, picking up and redistributing quality surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away.

Fresh Fields Head Chef Gemma Hickey said she was pleased to support such a good cause.

“We don’t have often have excess food, but when we do, we don’t want it to go to waste,” she said.

“Working with OzHarvest to ensure it goes to people in need also aligns with Hall & Prior’s values and our aim of being compassionate.”

OzHarvest estimates that five million tonnes of food ends up in landfill each year, which negatively affects our environment and the economy, as well as wasting the energy, water and labour it took to produce the food. The team are working to support a sustainable food culture.

This is an exciting time for Fresh Fields, who are also rolling out a new and improved menu design, more environmentally aware working practices and an upgraded Kitchen Core Training program for all catering staff.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt breaks ground with Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior.

INNOVATIVE, CARE FOCUSED AGED CARE PROJECT FOR PENSHURST Construction has now begun on Hall and Prior’s newest project Georges Estate in Sydney.

With Hall & Prior’s continued expansion on the West and East coasts, comes the break ground of an important project in New South Wales; Georges Estate.

Formerly known as Kogarah, the project started construction early in April with Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt turning the first sod with Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior onsite.

The $65 million world-class Georges Estate Health & Aged Care residence in south-east Sydney signifies a momentous advancement in new and

innovative aged care provision in New South Wales.

It will offer high-level, 24/7 care services in accordance with world’s best practice; including 111 beds over three levels dedicated to caring for those with all levels of aged care needs.

Georges Estate will also offer specialist services including a secure dementia care wing with an initial 18 beds combined with a multitude of luxurious leisure and health-related services and amenities.

“As with all of our residences, Georges Estate Health & Aged Care is a purpose-built space for healing, providing quality care to soothe the soul,” Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior said.

Dignitaries and stakeholders braved the rain to attend the event.

Host Cameron Daddo with Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior.

“It will have access to state-of-the-art amenities including a day therapy centre, wellness centre, gymnasium, cinema, a heated swimming pool and a primary and allied health clinic.”

“We are committed to the local community and believe these truly unique, integrated residences will increase access to quality and relevant aged care in the St George region.

Georges Estate will also be home to a space for education, training and research.

“Our ultimate goal is to deliver premium health outcomes for local residents and the wider community in a safe, comfortable location that remains connected to the broader community.”

“Georges Estate will focus on the best possible care for residents and the continual betterment of staff,” Mr Prior added.

The fully financed, Hall & Prior owned and operated project also leverages its award-winning care program with mobile health professionals providing much needed in-home and community aged care services to people within the local region.

“We would like to thank the land owner, Georges River Council for its invaluable and ongoing support of this development,” Mr Prior said.

The Hall & Prior Georges Estate Team.

The break ground event was hosted by wellknown Australian television personality Cameron Daddo and attended by a host of government representatives, company stake holders and Hall & Prior staff.

The project is due for completion in September 2020.

Georges Estate is located at 1 Centre Street, Penshurst, NSW. For more information on the project please visit www. georgesestate.com.au

Gadigal Elder Uncle Allen Madden with Minister Ken Wyatt.

LAUNCH OF LGBTI ACTION PLAN

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt joined Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior at Tuohy Aged Care Home recently to celebrate diversity and launch the new LGBTI Action Plan.

The Action Plan addresses the specific barriers and challenges LGBTI seniors face in accessing aged care services.

It is one of a series of action plans underpinning the Aged Care Diversity framework which was launched in December 2017, and aims to help aged care providers ensure services are culturally safe for all consumers and assist LGBTI seniors in expressing their needs.

“This plan is very important to us; we know that many LGBTI people have faced discrimination and isolation their whole lives,” Mr Prior said.

“We listened to LGBTI people in the community who have shared their stories and experiences with us, we listened to experts in this field, and most importantly, we listened to the individuals who call Tuohy home.

“By listening with respect, and promoting choice and control for each person’s care, we are giving people back their power.”

Minister Wyatt said the plan was part of a bigger picture that would continue to strive for equality.

“This piece of work brings together a reflection of the strive to ensure the needs of the LGBTI communities are being recognised by aged care providers,” Minister Wyatt said.

The resource will assist people working in aged care, doctors, nurses, support staff and allied health workers to better understand the perspectives of LGBTI seniors.

“I want LGBTI people to have the same opportunities and options in aged care which are available to all Australians,” Mr Wyatt added.

“Everyone in Australia has the right to access quality, inclusive and culturally safe aged care services that cater to their individual needs and respect their background and life experiences.”

NSW PALLIATIVE CARE PROJECT BEGINS AT CAROLINE CHISHOLM Hall & Prior’s Caroline Chisolm Aged Care home in Lane Cove has recently been named as one of five residential care homes invited to take part in a new palliative care project.

Being part of the ‘Improving Access to End-of-Life Care Services’ project acknowledges both the reputation of the home and the commitment of its Director of Nursing Anne Curnow.

“Palliative care is an important part of our industry and one that needs continuous improvement,” Anne said.

The project was commissioned by the Sydney North Primary Health Network and will be run by specialist palliative care provider, HammondCare.

As part of the project a specialist nursing team will work with the residential aged care homes chosen to build skills, improve access to training and advice, and foster new networks and partnerships.

They will also focus on End-of-Life care, education and training.

Having a dedicated resource team to work closely with frontline aged care staff in the home will help develop a best practice approach when caring for people who are dying or nearing end of life.

The aim of the project is to upskill staff to ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs are met, that pain is managed appropriately, and that dignity and privacy is always respected.

“An active, engaged and happy life is the priority for our residents at Caroline Chisholm and one of the touchstones for care at Hall & Prior,” Anne said.

“Having a kind, compassionate and educated End-of-Life care program ensures that our residents are given the choices and options that mean the most to them.”

Predicted outcomes for the project include overall improvements to End-of-Life Care, opportunities to strengthen community based care and improve the coordination of care between existing services.

The ‘End-of-Life’ project launched in February and will run for six months.

NEW SCARBOROUGH OFFICE FOR WHITE OAK COMMUNITY CARE White Oak Home Community Care has opened a new office in Scarborough.

The West Coast Highway location opens up home care to people living in Perth’s rapidly growing north western suburbs and provides a much needed resource for older West Australians who need help to remain living in their own homes.

This is office number two for White Oak, who already have an office in Joondalup.

Part of the Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group, White Oak has been providing quality and affordable home care for more than 20 years in Perth, and is passionate about enabling people to live well in their own community and homes for as long as possible.

Services cater for both private and governmentsupported clients, and are offered in a range of flexible packages that can be tailored for individual preferences.

General Manager Treasa Lonergan said home care was not a one-size-fits-all service and the White Oak team was mindful of working with each and every person to find a solution that fits.

“We can provide a lot of care or a little bit of care; we work with clients to make sure we provide the right level of support with tailored packages that suit them, their families and their budgets,” Treasa said.

“There are so many options available; we can provide a range of support; from simple domestic assistance to helping people who need clinical or allied health services.

“We’re very aware that it’s often family members who also need help from time to time, so our respite services give these sons and daughters, husbands and wives, a bit of a break too.”

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Treasa said the new Scarborough office shows that the company is committed to working locally; in the neighbourhoods its clients live in.

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior said the expansion represented an exciting time for the White Oak brand.

“Our motto at White Oak is; ‘bringing our family to yours’ – and we really do pride ourselves on having the best interests of your family at heart,” Treasa added.

“This new office and White Oak’s continued expansion represents an exciting time for Treasa and her very dedicated team,” Mr Prior said.

“We aim to care for West Australian seniors like they’re an extended member of our family.

Whatever their need, our commitment to our clients is to make their lives easier.

“White Oak is a key part of our operations here in Perth and this represents the next phase of the brand’s development.”

For all White Oak enquiries please contact (08) 9301 0299.

“We also understand that people are often confused by the range of care options available, so we aim to provide a service that’s simple to understand, easy to arrange and straight-forward in its approach.”

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior with White Oak General Manager Treasa Lonergan.

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior with RSLWA CEO John McCourt.

WHITE OAK PARTNERS WITH RSLWA In the lead-up to ANZAC Day White Oak Home Care Services was delighted to announce a new partnership with The Returned & Services League of Australia WA Branch Incorporated (RSLWA).

The partnership is one of mutual collaboration and creates a pathway for veterans and their families to access White Oak resources, information and services.

RSLWA Chief Executive Officer John McCourt said the partnership contributed to the organisation’s objective to continue to provide important and helpful assistance to veterans and their families.

White Oak General Manager Treasa Lonergan said the partnership was a welcome opportunity.

“We hope this partnership will empower our members with knowledge and ultimately provide practical support that enables them to continue to live in their own homes and communities,” Mr McCourt said.

“We have been providing veteran’s home care and community nursing for 20 years, so this partnership makes a lot of sense,” she said.

“Our aim is to work closely with RSLWA at a grass roots and state-wide level to increase knowledge and awareness of the aged care system among the veteran community.

“We hope this partnership will simplify and demystify some of the complexities around aged care and how veterans are able to obtain services and support.”

“Aged care can be confusing and working with a provider like White Oak gives our members the power to make informed choices when it comes to their care.

“We look forward to working together to give our veterans and their families the assistance they want.”

White Oak is part of the Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group.

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CELEBRATING THE ANZACS Every year our NSW homes hold ANZAC Commemoration Services for residents and family members to attend.

It’s an important day for our residents to pay their respects, as many of them have been personally touched by the tragedy of war.

Services started at the picturesque Point Clare home, Aubrey Downer, which had the honour of hosting Liesl Tesch, the Labor Member for the Central Coast electorate. Sunny skies and impending Easter celebrations saw everyone in high spirits as we showed respect and gave remembrance to those who gave their lives so we can live in freedom.

There were services at Clover Lea, Fairfield, Caroline Chisholm and Sirius Cove which were attended by Returned Service’s leagues, church groups and community organisations.

Services also took place in all of our WA homes.

EDUCATION CALENDAR With 2019 rapidly approaching the half-way mark there’s still time to upskill through a range of courses available in WA and make the most of the rest of the year…

Therapy Assistant Link Day

MAY

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MAY

Responsive Behaviours

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TENA Room Mayfair Street - 8am to 4pm

Web based learning across eight weeks - 11am to 12pm

This full day session is hosted by Occupational Therapy Coordinator Maddy Glover and Medications and Lifestyle Coordinator Kath Whisson. A full day session, the Link Day is only held twice throughout the year, so don’t miss your chance to attend. External speakers will also take part in the day. Relevant to therapy assistants.

This web based learning program explores the concept of responsive behaviours in care recipients living with dementia. The course assumes a general level of knowledge of dementia and is relevant to RNs, DONs, PCAPS and OT staff. It aims to offer advice to recognizing and working with responsive behaviours as well as assessment processes, strategies and evaluations. Run in partnership with Dementia Training Australia (DTA).

Introduction to New Standards

MAY

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TENA Room, Mayfair Street - 8am to 12pm & 12.30 to 4.30pm General Manager Health & Care Services Jennifer Grieve and Coordinator Quality, Safety & Staff Development Julie Beaton will run an important training workshop in the TENA Room at Hall & Prior’s Mayfair Street headquarters on Tuesday, May 21 to go through new standards. The two four-hour education programs will run from 8am to 12 noon and 12.30pm to 4.30pm and focus on relationship centred and consumer led care, plus an introduction to the new standards. Relevant to all staff.

HP Share

JUN

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Fire Safety in Homes

MAY

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Fresh Fields Laundry and Carpark - 1.30pm to 3.30pm This fire safety course is relevant to all staff and important for those who need to know emergency fire evacuation and safety procedures for both staff and residents in our homes. Run by Fire WA’s Gareth Deeg (a career firefighter) this is a must for all staff to clearly understand processes and what needs to happen if a fire should start in any of our homes.

Business Fundamentals for Leadership Teams

JUN

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Resource Hub IT Training Room - 8am to 4pm

TENA Room, Mayfair Street - 8am to 12 noon.

The basics of the HP Share and SharePoint programs will be shared across this training day. If you use HP Share in your every day working life, but feel unsure of some of the web based collaborative platforms uses and how it can help make life easier this is the course for you.

HP Share is a state-of-the-art document management and storage system. Relevant to all staff.

This important business fundamentals course allows leadership teams to take time out from their every day tasks and focus on their visions for the future. Relevant to all those in leadership roles throughout the company this is also a chance to share learnings and workshop ideas

For more information on any of these courses please speak directly to your relevant DON.

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EDUCATION TEAM EXPANDS Vicki Sorrenson has recently joined the Learning and Development team as an educator.

Vicki comes to Hall & Prior with a wealth of knowledge in both the education and aged care space, having spent 10 years working as a carer and community care coordinator for Uniting Church Homes and an educator in other industry sectors.

She has also worked in the mining and resources sector in Perth for Compass Group as its safety manager.

Vicki says she’s looking forward to helping broaden the scope of education at Hall & Prior and feels it’s an interesting time to be back in the industry.

“With all of the upcoming changes to aged care and the Royal Commission shining the spotlight on the industry there’s a lot of changes coming and a lot to do around continued education for staff within the group,” Vicki said.

“I’m here to help the Learning and Development team highlight what we’re doing, bring in some fresh ideas and help us meet all the education requirements for the new standards.

“I’m loving Hall & Prior so far, there’s so much to do, a great bunch of people and we’re constantly redefining what education looks like for our staff and how we want it to look into the future.

“We have a strong focus on dementia care and education at the moment and there’s a lot of training that we need to do to around that.

“It’s an exciting time and I’m really glad to be back in the aged care industry.”

When Vicki isn’t at Hall & Prior, she’s volunteering weekly for Orange Sky, a charity that helps homeless people gain access to clean clothing and showers.

She’s also a massive fan of Stand up Paddle boarding (SUP) on the Swan River and walks her two Chihuahua’s Lola and Tess daily.

Vicki is based at the Mayfair Street, head office in Perth.

Education

SPOTLIGHT ON…

SENIOR DIETITIAN, JESSICA ZILUJKO.

Food is a big part of life… and we have both an emotional and nostalgic connection to it, which is why Hall & Prior has a team of dietitians on staff to make sure our resident’s nutritional needs are being met.

For Jess Zilujko food is more than just what we use to nourish ourselves, it’s also an important look back into someone’s past and the life they lived before aged care.

Jess is a Senior Dietitian for Hall & Prior and has been working with the company for the past three years providing clinical dietetic support and making sure our homes have the best menus possible.

“We’re in a really fortunate position at Hall & Prior as dietitians – not only do we get to provide individual nutrition support for residents, we also get to work directly with the chefs and the team at Fresh Fields to support the menus provided in our homes,” Jess said.

“There’s a lot of compliance and regulation that we have to consider when it comes to our menus, but we also realise that for most people there is an emotional connection to some foods because of their culture or fond memories of their families and the past.

“It’s really important that Jo, Lori, Fiona and I work with each home individually to give our residents what they both need and want – for many, food is one of the last aspects of their care that they can control or have choice in, so it’s vital that we get it right for them.

“If someone isn’t eating or they’re not enjoying their meals – there’s usually a reason behind it. Everyone has different tastes, preferences and even routines when it comes to eating, so we are always cognisant of that too.

“There’s also a lot of different conditions and medications that can impact individual appetites and the ability to eat adequately, so we work with doctors, nurses and other health professionals to identify when this is occurring and develop strategies to support those residents impacted.”

Having dietitians on staff is something that Hall & Prior takes very seriously – with the team growing steadily over the past 15 years.

Food satisfaction surveys are

conducted bi-annually in order to provide our residents with the opportunity to have input into what is and isn’t on the menu and provide feedback on our food service.

“Our standards are really high and we’re very proud of that,” Jess added.

“Food brings joy and comfort to people, so it’s really heartening to see someone improving when we work out what they need. It’s also about educating our staff on the nutritional needs and challenges of older adults and helping them pick up on someone’s foodrelated cues.

“We also work closely with the resident’s families to understand what foods their loved one enjoys and how their background may influence their food preferences.”

At the moment Hall & Prior’s team of dietitians are working on a full menu analysis – they’re also focussing on stream lining our procedures so new initiatives can be implemented as simply as possible going forward.

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This year, along with food service placements, the team will also be taking clinical placements from Curtin University to train Master of Dietetics students.

“Hall & Prior are one of the leaders in the field with their nutrition and hydration program and our nutrition and hydration program is evolving every day,” Jess said.

Dietitian Lori Crooks with Senior Dietitian Jess Zilujko.

“If we can continue to advocate choice for our residents and keep them as nourished and as happy as possible while supporting positive health outcomes and quality of life, then I think we’re doing a good job.”

If you would like to learn more please contact Jess via email at jzilujko@hallprior.com.au

IN OUR HOMES…

DINO: THE SMILE MAKER In early March Aubrey Downer Residential Aged Care home got a very special visit from a VIP visitor; Dino the Dachshund dog.

The adorable Dino pops in to visit residents when Exercise & Mobility Coordinator, Laura Marsh comes to do therapy with them.

well dressed!’ A recent sailor outfit was a particular hit and residents can’t wait to see what he wears next.

The delightful doggo always brings plenty of smiles and laughter to the home; reminding residents who previously owned pets of some lovely memories.

Dino’s special skill is his ability to encourage conversations with those residents who often have trouble interacting socially.

Dino’s owner Laura thinks he loves all the extra attention and looks forwards to his visits as much as the residents look forward to seeing him.

Always fashionably attired; Dino’s outfits had one resident commenting that he is; “always so

“I think Dino just loves all the cuddles and he loves residents – at least as much as they love him!”

“He always goes home very content after soaking up all that attention,” she said.

GLENWOOD PART OF GROUPLINKS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM Glenwood Residential Aged Care has been chosen to work with Grouplinks National and Primary Health Networks (PHN) as part of a new mental health program for people living in residential aged care.

It is one of 10 residential aged care homes that has been invited to take part in the program.

The program will see Glenwood’s management and staff work closely with teams of

external health professionals to provide group or individual treatment sessions to residents.

Activities such as art therapy aim to help settle new residents into their environments and assist those suffering from depression.

Treatments will be tailored to the needs of each individual.

The free therapy service will be delivered by teams of mental health professionals such as social workers, occupational therapists and psychologists.

Being part of the program will also improve staff’s skills and knowledge in the area of mental health.

Education sessions will be run for staff as part of the program that focus on identifying mental illness, referring people for ongoing management and appropriately supporting these residents in the residential aged care home environment.

This first phase of the program will last until July 30.

Harmony Day SHARING HARMONY IN OUR HOMES With a diverse work force that hails from all over the globe, Harmony Day 2019 was a special event to celebrate at Belmont Nursing Home in Rivervale.

Most of the homes’ staff took part in the day dressing in the traditional national dress of their countries and wearing the country of their birth on a sash.

Some care recipients also proudly dressed in their traditional costumes for the day.

Staff members enjoyed a bring and share lunch on the day with food from all over the world.

And Ethiopian staff members Tikdem and Meaza also demonstrated how traditional coffee was prepared and enjoyed in their country.

LIFESTYLE & WELLBEING:

MAKING MEMORIES FOR GRANDCHILDREN Grafton Residential Aged Care Home is helping to pass on important personal and family memories with a new Lifestyle & Wellbeing program.

Dorothy talked about how involved she had been in various crafts during her life time.

As part of the program residents participate in activities such as ‘doll making’ – to create special, personalised dolls to give to young family members.

Patterns were drawn up, which residents including Doreen Hunziker (pictured) worked on tirelessly to ensure perfect proportions, then faces were then drawn on the dolls as they started to take shape.

Resident Dorothy Ledwidge enjoys making dolls to give to her grandchildren.

Lifestyle Officer Cherie Onus, said it was great to see the residents getting creative.

“‘I like to make rag dolls as a gift for my grandchildren, so they have something to remember me by,” Dorothy said.

“It’s such a delight for our residents to get creative and build these wonderful dolls from scratch. They were thrilled to be making something ‘gifty’ with their own hands for their grandchildren,” Cherie said.

The doll making activity was the created by Lifestyle & Wellbeing officers at the home after

Dorothy Ledwidge

“Giving gifts is part of the magic of the grandparent and grandchild connection.”

Doreen Hunziker

ROYAL COMMISSION UPDATE APRIL / MAY 2019 The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues this month with public hearings taking place in Sydney.

Adelaide hearings in February and March heard from a number of witnesses, including users of the aged care system, government representatives, industry bodies, and advocates of the aged community.

A number of common themes were highlighted throughout the hearings including; • Inappropriate or excessive use of restraints, both physical and chemical • Understaffing and inadequate education/training for staff • The adequacy of dementia care and training, particularly considering the impact population growth will have on the number of people living with dementia • The wait times and cost barriers to receiving aged care; and • Adequacy of funding for the aged care sector, including the ACFI model.

May hearings will focus on specific case studies; with the spotlight on residential home care and the community, quality, safety and dementia.

Royal Commission community forums have now also taken place in Bankstown NSW and Bendigo in Victoria.

Hall & Prior welcomes the Royal Commission; and believes it will lead to long-term, sustainable improvements for the aged care sector.

If you would like any information regarding the Royal Commission or Hall & Prior’s submission, please email royalcommissionenquiries@hallprior.com.au

Starting to take shape‌

Work on our Karingal Green project continues with construction now 50 per cent completed.

The state-of-the-art aged care precinct in the Perth Hills region will be the new face of aged care in Western Australia and is already creating much interest in the industry.

More than an aged care facility, Karingal Green will also have a wellness centre, entertainment precinct

www.karingalgreen.com.au

and gymnasium; it has been designed by awardwinning architects Hassell Studio and is fully funded

by Hall & Prior.

The final concrete pour was recently completed on the project and the roof is now being constructed.

Practical completion on the project is due in early December 2019.

hallprior.com.au