Life&Love HALL & PRIOR
ISSUE 19 | AUTUMN 2019
H E A LT H & A G E D C A R E G R O U P
SOUL CONNECTION How technology is helping shape spirituality
Manager Corporate Development David Stroud on-site at Karingal Green
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IN THIS ISSUE 4
From the Chief Executive Officer
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News in Brief
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Leading the way with Meaningful Ageing
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Celebrating our Nurses
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Thank you & Goodbye
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White Oak connects with Mertome Residents
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Minister visits Leighton
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Georges Estate
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Health checks & vaccinations
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Improvements to our homes
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Education Updates
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Spotlight On....Environmental Services Manager, Phil Bedford
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New aged care quality standards
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 Its been a busy time for us here at Hall & Prior as we surge forward with purpose and passion into the second half of the year.
The Australian Single Aged Care Quality Framework Standards encompass both home care services and residential aged care homes.
In other news the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues, you’ll find an update on page 27.
There are some big changes happening in the industry currently – one of them the new Aged Care Quality Standards which come into effect on July 1, 2019.
There are eight standards and 42 requirements in all that we must now adhere to. (See page 26)
We’re also making solid progress with our Karingal Green project (please see back page) and look forward to unveiling a display village there soon.
This important government reform means that how we care for our consumers is changing. And so is the way we refer to them. As part of the changes we will now refer to our care recipients
This is a time of significant change for our organisation and one that we ask for your patience in. It’s very important that we get this right. or residents as ‘consumers’ and we’ll work with them and their family or chosen representatives to discuss their ongoing care goals.
Created by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the new standards focus on quality outcomes for consumers and encourage choice and independence. Hall & Prior’s focus has always been on providing evidencebased practice and person centred care for all those who live in our homes. This will continue under the new standards, but there will also be a fundamental shift towards greater consumer choice and decision making. Staff training for the new standards has already begun (see page 21) as has a new approach to care in our homes; we are moving away from the idea of doing something ‘to’ or ‘for’ our consumers and instead doing things ‘with’ them. This is a time of significant change for our organisation and one that we ask for your patience in. It’s very important that we get this right.
This issue of Life & Love is packed to the brim with news and events that have been happening around our homes, as well as a Spotlight On our Environmental Services Manager Phil Bedford (pg 22) and a look at Meaningful Ageing Australia and how technology can positively impact the spirituality of senior Australians. As always, thank you for all that you do.
GRAEME PRIOR Chief Executive Officer
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CEO Graeme Prior with outgoing Senior Speech Pathologist Pamela Windram and Director Nutrition & Hydration Program Joanne Flannery.
NEWS IN BRIEF Royal Commission highlights Cultural Care
Autumn Executive Management Team Twice a year Hall & Prior’s NSW and WA management teams come together to share ideas and discuss what’s happening in both the aged care industry and the business.
Wendy (right) and her sister Pat
Hall & Prior’s Aboriginal Health Coordinator Wendy Ashwin was called to The Royal Commission recently to speak on best practice models in regards to the care of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Wendy spoke at a Royal Commission Round Table meeting on May 28 in Adelaide regarding the social and economic factors that influence Aboriginal people, barriers affecting them from accessing aged care services and how the industry can better provide more culturally appropriate care. She also spoke to more assistance being needed to help Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders navigate the aged care system and highlighted funding requirements needed along with the importance of working hand-in-hand with Aboriginal community organisations.
Important themes for our April EMT focussed on transitioning to the new quality standards, the Royal Commission, changes of government, Hall & Prior development projects, staff education and shifting towards a more consumer centric care model. CEO Graeme Prior said the EMTs are an important way for staff to share information and look at the bigger picture.
“The work we do in WA is very highly regarded. We deliver fabulous care to many vulnerable people and we really do our best work in the homes,” Mr Prior said. “We’re not the biggest aged care provider in Australia, but we are one of the leaders. The future looks bright in aged care and it’s our job to pursue excellence and innovation.”
Fresh faces join H&P We’ve had a plethora of new people join our company in 2019; so look out for our Fresh Faces email, hitting your inbox on June 28.
Goodbye to Brian Cregg It’s with a heavy heart that we say farewell to our Manager Corporate Development Brian Cregg, who after three years with the company, is moving back to Ireland. Brian has been integral in many of our developments up to this point; securing finance and helping the corporate team fine tune new projects. Brian’s expertise has allowed us to take much needed next steps in our plans for the future of aged care in WA and NSW and for that we thank him. He will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
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DON Appointments - NSW
New South Wales welcomed two new With a wealth of experience between them, Directors of Nursing to its Senior both DONs are looking forward to their new roles and embracing challenges in the industry. Management Team in May.
Eva brings more than 25 years of experience in the health care industry to her new role. With frontline, senior, executive management and board level position experience Eva is also a Captain Specialist Nursing Officer in the Australian Defence Force and a fellow member of the Australasian College of Health Services Management. Eva’s character will contribute greatly to her success within her new role at Fairfield as she embraces it with enthusiasm, loyalty and commitment to both consumers and staff.
Eva Ballai - Fairfield
Having worked most recently at Mount Wilga Rehabilitation Hospital, Fraser joins us with strong experience of working with the elderly post falls and post Orthopaedic and Neurological surgery. She also spent nine years at the Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN) in Wahroonga gaining valuable experience on the medical and surgical wards while completing her RN studies with University of Western Sydney and James Cook University. Fraser said she was inspired to work with the elderly through her love and respect of her Grandparents and enjoyment of getting to know the stories of those within her care. “My most cherished moments in nursing come from getting to know the stories of the people I care for and making genuine connections. Nursing is my job but connecting with people is what I love to do,” she said.
Fraser Wunsch - Sirius Cove
A very warm Hall & Prior welcome to Eva and Fraser Life&Love Who we are Content inspired by the wonderful residents and staff at Hall & Prior. Collated, written and edited by Beverly Ligman, Brianna Johnson and Jacki Downs. Designed by Sean Baker. If you have any story ideas please contact lifeandlove@hallprior.com.au or (08) 9321 1388.
FEATURE Hall & Prior was recently chosen as one of five aged care providers to take part in a testing program for Meaningful Ageing Australia; aimed at developing an online app to help carers understand our consumer’s spiritual wellbeing. It’s important that the people we care for in our homes are allowed to connect with whatever faith or beliefs they have lived their lives by. Whether that’s a recognised religious faith or a more spiritual approach, Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group prides itself on being ‘spiritually aware’. With this is mind Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in New South Wales is now working closely with Meaningful Ageing
Australia (MAA); the national peak body for spiritual care and ageing to develop an app that makes the conversation around spirituality more organic for both carers and consumers. MAA defines spirituality as integral to, but not confined by, religion and faith. As “what gives our lives purpose; about our sources of meaning and hope, which in turn is intimately related to our connectedness to ourselves, to others and to the world.”
Their work with selected aged care providers such as Hall & Prior allows them to help staff and carers who are supporting our ageing population to provide conscious care that connects with both body and soul. They offer a wide range of practical resources for organisations; to help build empathy, kindness, compassion and respect into care. All of which are fundamental to contemporary models of spiritual and pastoral care.
LEADING THE WAY WITH MEANINGFUL AGEING By Jacki Downs
For this new project with Caroline Chisholm MAA has engaged digital design and technology company Portable to develop a ground breaking ‘Spiritual Orientation Tool’ which focusses on engaging personal carers in their consumer’s spiritual journeys through the use of portable devices. Hall & Prior have been members of the Meaningful Ageing Network for the past few years engaging in workshops and ‘Play Back Sessions’ - where several professional actors deliver an
improvised performance to the workshop audience based around their shared emotions and feelings. Being part of the network has allowed Hall & Prior to take this next step and be part of the app trial program.
building new ways that our staff can reach out to consumers and connect to them as individuals in a spiritual and emotional sense,” Anne said.
Caroline Chisholm Director of Nursing, Anne Curnow and staff member, Tilley Tupou have both been actively involved in testing the new apps useability.
“This has always been a part of our philosophy of care at Caroline Chisholm, and we’re very excited to see new tools being developed to combine clinical care needs with ‘care of the soul’ as we move into a new age of technology assisting with our consumer’s emotional needs.”
“It’s wonderful to be part of
Tilley was guided through the
Caroline Chisholm resident Tony Atkins with Director of Nursing Anne Curnow.
app by Portable and asked a series of questions which she was encouraged to think out loud to answer. She was also required to share her thoughts of how a resource like this might fit into the everyday work life of an aged care home staff member. Meaningful Ageing Australia CEO Isla Hampton said the organisation was grateful for Hall & Prior’s support.
“We’re delighted to have such strong support from Hall & Prior and our other members in the development of this unique resource for the largest part of the aged care workforce,” Isla said. “We are determined to make it as attractive and user-friendly as possible. The feedback on the prototype was so positive, so we are greatly energised for the next phase.”
With prototyping now complete, MAA will now work with Portable and reference group members to progress to the final stage of release. Funding permitting, this expected to be late in 2019.
is
Connect with Meaningful Ageing Australia today by visiting www. meaningfulageing.org.au.
ANZAC DAY 2019 ANZAC Day is special time at our homes; time to stop, come together and remember those who made sacrifices for our county. The spirit of mateship runs strong through the ANZAC legend and so we invite friends and families of our residents to come and share these special commemorative services with us. Please enjoy these images from some of our WA ANZAC Day services. Lest We Forget.
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CELEBRATING OUR NURSES ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead, Health for All’
Hall & Prior’s nurses were celebrated on International Nurses Day (May 12) with a commemorative pin and many thanks from the residents they care for. This year’s IND theme was - ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead, Health for All’ and Hall & Prior had special pins made that highlighted the positive impact nurses have on the lives of those they care for. To celebrate the day and honour Florence Nightingale’s birthday the words ‘Helping Hands: Healing Hearts’ adorned our pins with the Hall & Prior butterfly.
A big thank you to all of our nurses.
Thank you to the team at Clover Lea who put together this photo project.
THANK YOU & GOODBYE
In 2019 we bid fond farewell to two valued members of our resource team; Jo Flannery our Director of Nutrition and Hydration and Pam Windram our Senior Speech Pathologist.
Jo and Pam were both instrumental in implementing essential care programs into the business; Pam for the Dysphasia Program and Jo for the Nutrition and Hydration Program. Both ladies have also seen many changes since they first started at the company six (Pam) and 15 (Jo) years ago respectively. Life & Love spoke to them about their highlights from a combined 21 year tenure at Hall & Prior. “When I first started there were seven homes, all WA based. I think its been wonderful to see how the company has evolved over the years,” Jo said. “Now there’s 25 homes across two states and it’s an incredibly dynamic business.” “I’m sad to be leaving, but it means that members of my team can step-up and that’s a really satisfying thing to see. “Its been such a privilege to provide the team with mentorship and support and see them grow.” Pam agreed, saying the legacy left behind was a solid base for the company to build upon. “Part of what I’ve really loved about this role is the supportive team environment – we all work together and there’s been a lot of opportunity to grow over the years,” she said. “There’s been incredible personal and professional development for me along the way,” Jo added. “I’ve always felt very supported and encouraged by the management teams. The programs we’ve implemented and the teams we’ve created are what I’m proudest of at Hall & Prior.” Both women said they would miss their teams and the wonderful residents they got to work with. “The home teams are wonderful to work with and do such an amazing job with often complex
residents. I’ll also miss the DONs and RNs, they’re such a wealth of knowledge and you learn so much working with them,” Pam said. “Early on I worked with a lady in Rockingham who came in and was nil by mouth (being fed by a peg). We worked really closely with her, her husband and other members of the team and she’s now living a fulfilling life at the home on a normal diet. It’s those kinds of stories that I’ll take away with me. “There’s so much collaboration required in this role, we all work together for a common goal.” “I remember a man in NSW that we really helped too,” Jo said. “He came in as palliative care, but with the right support, care and intervention he was actually able to go and live in the community again. He improved dramatically and the DON at the home was instrumental in that.
what I’ve really loved about this role is the supportive team environment – we all work together and there’s been a lot of opportunity to grow over the years
“It’s that whole team approach that I think really sets Hall & Prior apart.” From all of us at Hall & Prior a big thank you to Jo and Pam for all your hard work - we wish you the very best in your future endeavours.
WHITE OAK CONNECTS WITH MERTOME RESIDENTS
Accessing in-home care just got simpler for residents of Mertome Aged Care & Retirement Village with White Oak operating an office from the facility every Wednesday. General Manager Treasa Lonergan will be on-site on Wednesdays to help residents navigate the often complex aged care system and understand the various eligibility criteria and paperwork involved to access services. Morning teas are being held to answer any questions residents may have and introduce the White Oak team to the residents.
Mertome Retirement Village resident Tedi Young with White Oak General Manager Treasa Lonergan.
Resident Tedi Young who has lived at Mertome Village for 16 years welcomed the change. “It makes it so easy for us having White Oak here, we can get all our questions answered quickly and we feel very supported,” Tedi said. “It’s wonderful.” Hall and Prior took over the management and operations of Mertome Aged Care & Retirement Village in April 2019. White Oak is part of the Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care group.
For more information or to make an appointment to see Treasa at Mertome please contact (08) 9301 0299.
Mertome Retirement Village resident John Maddison with White Oak’s Bianca Smilek.
MINISTER VISITS LEIGHTON As part of National Palliative Care Week (19-25 May) Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Mental Health Roger Cook paid a visit to Leighton Aged Care Home in West Perth. While the Minister was there he observed a palliative care link team meeting between Hall & Prior staff at the home and Bethesda Health Care’s Mobile Palliative Care Consultancy Service (MPaCCS). He was also on hand to celebrate with the team members the 3000th education session provided by MPaCCS in the community. Education sessions are provided to staff in aged care as training, but also to give family members, loved ones or appointed guardians support and information on palliative care. Bethesda has now provided palliative care to the WA community for the past 13 years. MPaCCs is a mobile specialist palliative care service, funded by WA Health and administered by Bethesda Health Care. Used as a support service for staff in residential aged care facilities MPaCCs ensures that those living with cancer and other life limiting conditions have equitable access to timely and quality end of life care.
The capacity building support service provided by MPaCCs aims to support Hall & Prior’s existing workforce with advance care planning and avoidance of unnecessary hospital admissions through good planning, education, communication and coordination of care. Hall & Prior’s General Manager Health and Care Services Jennifer Grieve said that working with MPaCCS allowed her staff to provide the best possible care to palliative consumers. “Our internal palliative care support services work hand-in-hand with MPaCCS to help support our staff through the palliative care process,” Jennifer said. “They work with us to provide the best possible care – which includes attending meetings at aged care homes, facilitating extra education and support for families and staff facing challenges in the palliative care space and using evidence based recommendations to provide best practice.”
LEARNING HOW TO EXERCISE RIGHT As a first for Hall & Prior’s NSW homes Exercise & Mobility Coordinator, Laura Marsh is inspiring all levels of staff to move more. We all know the drill, exercise is good for you, but we don’t always find the time. Which is why Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) runs an annual Exercise Right Week campaign.
Being active throughout your life is the best way to maintain health, well-being and quality of life. It can help to: •
Prevent & manage chronic conditions
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Stay socially connected
The campaign aims to encourage Australians to be more active, and help people understand where to find the right advice when it comes to exercise.
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Stay Independent
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Maintain brain function & memory
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Reduce risk of falls
Exercise Right Week (May 20-26) saw Laura visiting our NSW’s homes to run two exercise programs; one for staff and one for residents to enjoy active ageing. This year’s theme was ‘Active Ageing – move more, age better!’
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Improve balance
“The aim of Exercise Right Week is to motivate those who don’t exercise to move more and demonstrate to all Australians the importance of finding the right exercise expert for their requirements,” Laura said. Despite the benefits of regular exercise, only 17.2 per cent of those aged over 65 are meeting the physical activity guidelines. Exercise Right Week aims to change that. “Being physically active and staying fit and healthy will help you to get the most out of life, whatever your age,” Laura added.
NSW staff were given Hall & Prior branded stress balls during Exercise Right Week to increase hand strength; Laura also used these with some consumers at Glenwood and Caroline Chisholm to supervise strength exercises. “As an Exercise Scientist, it’s my aim to inspire everyone I interact with to be healthier and more active. I’m very passionate about spreading health and wellbeing, which is why I’m committed to further study through my Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University,” Laura said. “I feel so lucky, I get to work with the most amazing people in our staff and resident mix and hopefully motivate change in a positive health and fitness way.”
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PROJECT UPDATE
GEORGES ESTATE (PENSHURST, NSW)
Construction has now officially begun on Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group’s newest project; Georges Estate in Penshurst, New South Wales. Georges Estate Health & Aged Care will be a worldclass, care-focused addition to the local Penshurst community. After breaking ground earlier this year, site works have rapidly progressed and this much-needed local aged care development is now underway. On completion Georges Estate Health & Aged Care will be a purpose-built space for healing and wellbeing. It will include state-of-the-art services and amenities and 111 aged care beds dedicated to caring for older people in the local community. A range of health and lifestyle related services will also be available to the wider Penshurst community.
Over the next eight weeks specific site works will include: •
Completion of bulk site excavation works
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Installation of storm water and sewer diversions
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Progress of retaining walls and footings and;
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Commencement of concrete slabs.
This unique, integrated residence will increase access to leading, quality and relevant aged care. Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Residence will deliver better health outcomes for local residents and the wider community in a safe, comfortable, connected location. Georges Estate is due for completion in September 2020.
To find our more visit www.georgesestate.com.au
HEATH & LIFESTYLE
BUPA SKIN CHECKS Looking after your skin and making sure any moles you have are ‘safe’ was all part of the service from BUPA recently when they conducted free skin checks at Freshfields. Kylie Laverty from BUPA said it was important in WA’s climate to make sure that moles hadn’t changed shape or colour. “The Skin Care Council recommends a full body check annually,” Kylie said. “Early detection really can save your life. Two out of three Australians will develop skin
cancer in their lifetime, so it pays to be vigilant. “If you work outside or if you’re in the sun a lot it really does pay to have your skin checked annually.” The cooler months are the perfect time to get your skin checked as in winter skin is more settled and trauma free, making it easier to examine.
For any further info about skin checks or BUPA services please contact Ben Carrick on bcarrick@hallprior.com.au
Freshfield’s Environmental Services Supervisor Brent Jones gets his skin checked by BUPA’s Kylie Laverty.
VACCINATION PROGRAM IN FULL SWING Winter is here and Hall & Prior’s influenza vaccination program has begun. Launched in 2011, the program aims to reduce the risk of staff and residents contracting the flu. The people we care for are some of the most frail and vulnerable in our community, and influenza can be extremely damaging to their health. Australian Government guidelines recommend a
95% vaccination rate in order to best achieve herd immunity. Developed by our multidisciplinary Resource Team our immiunisation program combines education, centralised acquisition of the vaccine and coordinated distribution. Having the flu vaccination every year is the best way to prevent getting it. Each year the strain of flu virus changes and the vaccine wears off, so you need to have it annually. Good hand hygiene is also an essential part of reducing the spread of germs. There’s multiple hand washing stations throughout our homes and offices, as well as antiseptic hand gel. Staff member Henry Burke receives his flu shot.
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After
HOME IMPROVEMENTS Its been a busy six months for Hall & Prior’s operations teams who have been renovating up a storm at several homes in WA and NSW. At the helm of all of these renovations, refurbishments and improvements is Director of Operations Kraig Hoogland who said the improvements are now all starting to take shape and are looking great.
In Western Australia Mosman Park Aged Care Home has had its living spaces refurbished, along with bedrooms, bathrooms and en-suites receiving makeovers.
“Around 10 of our homes have been undergoing significant renovations and maintenance in the past six months,” Kraig said.
While Concorde, Belmont, McDougall Park and Windsor Aged Care Homes have all had new security cameras installed along with living space, kitchen and bedroom makeovers.
“It was time for the homes to have a refresh and we find that our consumers love the new look and feel of their homes as much as we do. “The operations teams have been working really hard on all of this since Christmas 2018, so it’s great to see it all coming together and taking shape now. “I’m really proud of how hard the teams have worked to pull this all together.”
Before
Leighton Aged Care Home has also had a significant garden makeover with a new perimeter fence to secure the site. In New South Wales Aubrey Downer and Glenwood have also had bedroom makeovers and new fixtures and fittings installed throughout to freshen up the space.
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…
DTA Advancing Practice of Care
JUNE
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Being a better buddy
JULY
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TENA Room Mayfair Street - 8am to 4pm
TENA Room Mayfair Street - 8am to 12 noon
This is an e-learning one day workshop run by Dementia Training Australia (DTS) – it condenses six hour long learning modules into one concise workshop. Aimed at Leadership teams, this workshop focusses on distinguishing the common types of dementia, demonstrating an understanding of the diagnostic process and looking at treatment and intervention options. It will also look at the impact of diagnosis on dementia patients and their families and discuss social and lifestyle issues that may arise for a person with dementia.
This is a half-day session aimed at PCAPs. Held throughout the year it focusses on topics such as; positive leadership, coaching, professionalism, communication, learning styles and building rapport. The course will also look at measuring competency and how customer satisfaction affects our everyday work life. A PCAP must if you haven’t already done it in 2019!
Kitchen Core Training
JULY
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ACFI Documentation Workshop
AUG
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Fresh Fields, 165 Raleigh Street, Carlisle 8am to 4pm.
TENA Room Mayfair Street - 8am to 4pm
This is a full day session that targets home kitchen staff. Topics will cover; Hall & Prior values and lifeworks, diversity and inclusion: ATSI, LGBTI and Meaningful Ageing. There will also be a component on quality, safety and compliance, infection control, OSH, manual tasks, fire and evacuations and hazardous substances. A portion of the day will also focus on dementia training and overall food safety.
This is a full day session aimed at employees whose roles require them to deliver both assessments and documentation. High quality documentation is an integral part of all care. And documentation of care plays an important role in evaluating effective care delivery and ensuring appropriate funding for the care is provided to those living in our homes.
My Roster – Shift Manager Training
AUG
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ICT Computer Skills
AUG
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TENA Room, Mayfair Street - 8am to 12 noon.
Resource Hub IT Training Room - 8am to 4pm
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
If you’re new to Hall & Prior, firstly welcome! Secondly why not book into this half day session to learn all of the IT tips and tricks you’ll need in your new role? This is a half-day session that targets new employees or anyone who needs a refresher with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Outlook, keyboard shortcuts or basic computer trouble shooting
For more information on any of these courses please speak directly to your relevant DON.
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INCREASING STAFF SAFETY WITH MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING
Working to reduce risks in our residential aged care homes is a key part of keeping our staff and residents safe. At each of our homes, staff can elect to become Manual Handling Leaders and receive additional training to identify and assess risks around the facility. They act as champions for the program, working to educate and inform other staff members about potential risks. In May our Manual Handling Leaders met with the team from equipment provider Unicare Health for a full-day training session.
Staff were able practice using all of the equipment they may be faced with in the home, such as slings, hoists, belts, slide sheets and different models of chairs and beds. Getting all of our Manual Handling Leaders from our homes across Perth together was a valuable experience, as they were able to discuss what they had seen and learned in their own homes, as well as share ideas.
New Aged Care Quality Standards training is in full swing at Hall & Prior to prepare for July 1. Led by Coordinator Quality, Safety & Staff Development Programs Julie Beaton and General Manager Health & Care Services Jennifer Grieve, the training at Mayfair Street helped staff understand how the changes would affect the industry going forward. Julie and Jen used real life care examples to illustrate the changes with a strong focus on safety – making sure staff understand that consumer’s choices must always be made with their safety and general wellbeing top of mind.
Education
SPOTLIGHT ON…
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MANAGER, PHIL BEDFORD By Brianna Johnson
Keeping an aged care organisation running smoothly, requires many roles that contribute in different ways. While our clinical staff and carers are often featured, this issue we shine the spotlight on those who work hard in the background to keep things running smoothly. These shining stars ensure our facilities are well-maintained, clean and set up to best benefit the people who live there. Hall & Prior’s Operations Department are responsible for keeping our homes running smoothly. In his role as Environmental Services Manager, Phil Bedford oversees the Western Australian asset management, contract delivery and environment programs. This varied workload sees him manage maintenance, capital investment, landscaping, cleaning, waste management, contract management, and renovations and expansions to our existing properties. Working under Hall & Prior’s Director of Operations Kraig Hoogland, this leadership role also sees Phil manage the landscape and maintenance teams, as well as coordinating all maintenance and cleaning contractors for the organisation. Originally hailing from the city of Preston in north-west
England, Phil previously worked as a Regional Manager for a maintenance company. In that role he led the development and resurgence of a regional area of the United Kingdom. Overseeing 70 staff members and contractors and managing repairs for 5000 properties in and around London. After living in Perth briefly while travelling in 2008, Phil, his wife and two children moved here permanently in 2016. “In the UK, the company I worked for was centred on maintenance,” Phil said. “Working for an aged care company, meant I had to learn to shift my focus and see the role of maintenance as a smaller part of a large organisation. “We play a supporting role to our homes.” The role threw many challenges at Phil, who said he had to do a lot of thinking on his feet. “There are parts of my role that I didn’t have experience
in before, such as cleaning and landscaping,” he said. “I’m a firm believer in taking ownership of what you know, and getting support for the things you don’t know. “That’s why it’s great to have people on my team like Brent Jones, our Environmental Services Supervisor. He takes care of coordinating the landscaping because that’s his strength and it works really well.” While the majority of the Operations Team’s work is centred on planning ahead and implementing long-term changes and renovations to our sites, there’s still the occasional urgent issue that pops up. “When I first joined Hall & Prior, we were doing a lot of reactive maintenance, meaning that something would happen unexpectedly and needed to be fixed urgently,” Phil said. “This could include things such as a pipe bursting, issues with wiring or the installation of new sinks, toilets or light fittings.”
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While each home has a designated maintenance officer, when a task exceeds their skill level, Phil and his team will organise for a contractor to compete the job. “An achievement I’m proud of from my time at Hall & Prior was working to reduce the instances of nonroutine maintenance contractor spend by more than half, which meant we could better manage our budgets and be proactive with maintenance,” he said. “We’re looking to the future now, with big projects like Karingal Green on the horizon.
“At the end of the day it’s about effective management, leading change and playing to the team’s strengths. We’re also constantly reviewing processes and changing them if they aren’t working. “We have a great team in place and as the company expands, so too will the way we manage contractors, sites and scopes of work. “We’re continually learning and that’s what makes this role so rewarding.”
IN OUR HOMES…NSW
AGED CARE PUMPKINS WIN AT GRAFTON SHOW Every year the Grafton Show brings together the Clarence Valley community to enjoy the regions rural activities and interests.
Many of our consumers in residential aged care have long been a part of the region supporting the show for many years and always participating to show the region their support and ‘home grown’ individuality. This year’s show, which took place on May 10 and 11 had our residents in a frenzy of preparation for the ‘Decorated Vegetables Display’ competition. Margaret Pocock, a former resident at Grafton Aged Care home for three years prior to her recent passing, was previously a Chief Steward of the Pastoral and Agricultural Society and a big enthusiast of the ‘Decorated Vegetables for Display’ competition. This year it was decided that pumpkins would be our canvas vegetable in Margaret’s honour. Volunteer residents spent a wonderful afternoon painting and laughing at the pumpkin creations that made up the entry display. Winning pumpkin creations in memory of Margaret Pocock.
The activity was worth it just for the laughs, but what a surprise when Clarence Valley found out it had been awarded first place for its efforts! Margaret would be so proud. A group of residents also attended the Grafton Show on a bus outing along with staff. There was so much to see and do including arts and crafts and floral creations in the heritage listed barn as well as a delicious ‘show lunch’.
PONY UP! OUTBACK ADVENTURE HEADS TO MENAVILLE Each year Menaville Aged Care Home enjoys an ‘Outback Adventure’ which allows our consumers to enjoy some light hearted country animal fun. This year many family members came along to enjoy a lovely Aussie-style barbecue luncheon, a show from a country and western singer and petting various animals with their loved ones. There was lots of interest in the baby ducklings and chickens, which are a part of the ‘Hatching Chickens Program’, these fluffy little friends always bring a smile to our consumer’s faces. But the show-stopping animal visitor had to be miniature pony Kit Kat (Kitty for short). Owned by Michele Laing, Kitty is part of ‘Velma’s Pets as Therapy Program’ which Menaville has been involved with for the past 15 years. Everyone at the home enjoyed interacting with Kitty, who delighted residents and their families by performing tricks for them. A big highlight was the room visits – the joy on peoples’ faces when a pony came into their room was priceless to witness. A big thank you to all involved with our great ‘Outback Adventure’.
TRAINING
NEW AGED CARE QUALITY STANDARDS LAUNCH IN JULY Across Australia, aged care organisations are preparing for the upcoming changes to the Aged Care Quality Standards. Led by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the industry’s regulatory body, the new single set of standards will be for all Commonwealthfunded providers.
of the changes, how it affects the way we provide care and how we will proceed in the future. Hall & Prior’s WA Coordinator Quality, Safety & Staff Development Programs Julie Beaton said everyone has worked hard Engage to prepare for the Empower incoming standards. Safeguard
Ongoing assessm planning with co ent an nsu d me rs
“It represents a culture shift for the whole organisation, because Servi ces we have to focus more on for d and aily sup constantly engaging liv po ing rt with the consumer to s consider their needs and preferences,” she said. s ser vice ation’ anis ment Org environ
The six-month transition period that began in January will are al c care n come to a close on July rso ical Pe clin 1, and residential d an aged care home and home care providers will be accredited against the new criteria.
“It does present challenges as we have to balance the consumer’s wishes against potential risks. We will work together with the consumer so they are empowered to live the life they choose while still staying safe.”
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Focusing on improved outcomes f o r consumers, m er d the new d ig nit y a n standards promote consumer c h o i c e and enable consumers to have ve k rn ac b an an active role in ed ce Fe the care they receive. Julie said the process We will always consult involved revising all of the Human re ources s with the consumer and their organisation’s policies and chosen representative to discuss procedures and ensuring they cater their care, as well as the ways in which we for consumer choice and a holistic approach to can optimise their wellbeing and quality of life. person-centred care.
Aged Care Quality Standards
In the lead-up to July, our staff have taken part in training sessions to ensure everyone is aware Be ready for July 2019
If you have any questions about the new standards and what they mean for you, speak to your Director of Nursing or go to 1800 951 822 https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/ agedcarequality.gov.au
ROYAL COMMISSION UPDATE MAY/JUNE 2019 The next stage of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety began in early May with a public hearing in Sydney. This hearing focused on the quality and safety of residential aged care, with the spotlight on care for people living with dementia. It aimed to provide fresh insights into whether the residential aged care system was coping with the challenges of dementia and, if not, why not? There was also a focus on the key elements of quality dementia care. The hearing began with direct accounts of the experiences of people living in the residential aged care system, and accounts from people living with dementia and their carers. These personal accounts provided powerful and compelling insights into the experience of residential aged care, particularly for those living with dementia. In May the Commission also looked into allegations of poor care and mistreatment by certain providers, and heard evidence from those providers. These case studies were expected to shed light on
particular issues relevant to the quality and safety of care provided to residents living with dementia. Evidence was also given by aged care workers, nurses, clinical experts, innovative provider organisations, policy advocates and representatives from the Department of Health and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. This stage of the commission also delved further into the use of physical restraints and overuse of psychotropic drugs (in particular antipsychotics and benzodiazepines) in residential aged care to manage the behaviour of people living with dementia. Clinical evidence about these practices was a focus of the hearing. A host of experts also gave evidence at the May hearing. 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
Construction continues‌ Hall & Prior’s exciting Karingal Green project continues to take shape in the Perth foothills. Upon its completion at the end of 2019 the worldclass aged care precinct will provide a multitude of residential options, specialist services and in-home and community aged care services. The 1.6 hectare planned community will have 160 aged care beds catering for high and low care needs residents and offer world-class health and wellness
www.karingalgreen.com.au
facilities including a wellness centre, primary and allied health care clinic, cinema, private dining, cafe, gymnasium and a heated swimming pool. Contractor Broad Constructions recently commenced installing the roof trusses and roof sheeting on the project with roof and wall framing expected to be completed by the end of July. Practical completion of the project is due by early December 2019.
hallprior.com.au