17 minute read
A new cycle of consolidation and growth
In light of the Royal Commission’s comprehensive roster of recommendations, the Hall & Prior Group is currently engaged in a progressive program of consolidating existing facilities with an eye to future growth in WA and NSW. By David Holmes, Director Corporate Development Hall & Prior.
s the Federal Government begins to ramp up its compliance regime in light of the Royal Commission’s findings, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue A to ripple around Australia, a new wave of investment in Hall & Prior’s aged care homes and a strong commitment to create and grow new communities is already in progress. Whether this is a consolidation of more of the same - like the award-winning new Perth Hill’s aged care community at Karingal Green - or moving into new areas like creating independent living facilities, the Hall & Prior Group has its eyes fixed firmly on the future. Maintaining infrastructure is a constant, but also remains heavily influenced by markets of the day. The dynamics of the aged care industry even just five years ago was more conducive to growth; now it is much less predictable. Smaller operators and even some large providers are positioning to sell assets or scale up as the uncertainty created by COVID-19 and the Royal Commission’s findings continue to reverberate.
From our point of view, we are constantly working on new projects and our team is always seeking out new opportunities and creating responses to new challenges. Having an in-house team tackling these tasks gives the Group a competitive advantage, and allows us to have a long pipeline of projects to work towards. In many ways, chaotic times present opportunities for organisations well-positioned to benefit from - and there’s no doubt that in a post-COVID world, the aged care sector is a growth market. We have certainly seen other organisations scaling back and by maintaining a corporate development team - of which I have been a part of since 2013 - we’re prepared to ride out the various cycles the aged care sector is subjected to thanks to economic factors, global influences (like the pandemic) or local challenges. Since 2013, we have added two brand new assets to our collection of world-class aged care centres: Karingal Green in High Wycombe, WA and Georges Estate, Penshurst in NSW (opened in November 2021). We have an additional six planned over the next 10 years including Woodside, Sister Kate’s and Kelmscott among others. We continually screen potential target acquisitions in Sydney, Perth and regional areas in WA and NSW. We are often approached too by organisations keen to on-sell their facilities and are particularly interested in acquiring larger parcels of land. We are currently finalising new acquisitions in WA’s south west, with hand-over set for later in 2021 and one in NSW.
Residential care has become the backbone of Hall & Prior’s portfolio but we have expanded the traditional care offering to include day respite services, state-of-the-art wellness centres, primary health facilities and adjacent uses like independent living units which have proved popular for those clients who do not require intensive care but require nearby support. Our aim is to create space and communities for different stages of the ageing community. We enhance the overall outcomes of aged care which perhaps have not traditionally existed in the sector before, and are continually thinking of ways to add useful services, appealing to new demographics.
We are developing a new avenue with the NDIS and the desire to remove young people from residential care . . .
To this end, we are developing a new avenue with the NDIS and the desire to remove younger people from the residential aged care system. In many ways, it’s no longer suitable for these people to live in aged care accommodation but until now, there has been little alternative. We are looking at delivering NDIS services which are more efficient and independent of aged care with co-location of facilities being our driver. We will create the option to offer these younger clients access to care and services without being part of the ageing demographic.
The Royal Commission also highlighted the fragmented nature of much of what makes up the aged care offering in Australia. There are a high number of operators in the sector, each with a small number of facilities. As the Royal Commission gathered intel over three years since its instigation in 2018, many in the sector were waiting to see what the outcome would be. Now that the results have been revealed some operators have been able to assess what the future will hold as there is a little more certainty about whether they should continue in the sector or not. For those operators which remain, this creates an opportunity for consolidation as those small providers and not-for-profits struggle with staffing and succession issues come to market. This transformation of the sector is one of the results of what the Government is trying to achieve via the Royal Commission and as such, it means Hall & Prior is a consolidator and a developer of new builds. Now a rough road map forward exists, the next few years will be key in terms of consolidation and are consistent with what we’re seeing within the industry. We will continue to grow sustainably to reach an optimum scale, with the interim step to roll out a new generation of aged care facilities which are set to become a benchmark for total care in both WA and NSW.
RAISING THE BAR Award-winning aged care developments like Karingal Green (above) and Georges Estate (opposite) are transforming the sector, one build at a time.
WHEN
can be better
Understanding how magnification can help those with vision impairments can go a long way in improving the lifestyles of older people, says VisAbility.
Your eyes change as you get older. If you’ve been diagnosed with vision loss or a condition such as macular degeneration, magnifiers will help you to see more clearly and are available in all shapes and sizes.
They can come handheld, on a stand or as a video magnifier, and have zoom ranges from two times to ten times. Magnifiers are also available to download on your smartphone. At the top end of the scale, you can get a fixed desktop magnifier.
Shirley was born in Burma and grew up in India before moving to Australia fifty years ago. She has always led a very active and independent life, but a recent diagnosis of wet age-related macular degeneration had left her struggling to see. “I lost peripheral vision in my left eye and my confidence has also taken a knock.’’
Shirley came to see the team at VisAbility to enquire about magnifiers, and discover what would be best for her requirements. VisAbility has a Resource Centre in Victoria Park in Perth which has magnifiers on display. The items can be bought online as well. Shirley wanted a magnifier so she could read the small print on containers and jars. These type of magnifiers are commonly known as spot magnifiers and can provide up to four times the normal magnifying strength. Some have inbuilt LED lighting to provide extra illumination. These would enable Shirley to easily read her microwave, and oven dials as well as bills and letters.
Shirley loves watching sport events on the television as well as daily news. She’d heard about magnifier glasses that would give her a clearer image on the screen and improve her television viewing. The glasses are hands-free and head-mounted to provide a higher magnification. Each eye lens can be focused separately. “These glasses make such a difference, especially with any text that comes up on the screen along the bottom.”
VisAbility Occupational Therapist Katie gave Shirley a demonstration of electronic portable video magnifiers.
“Video magnifiers are perfect for people with vision impairment because of the additional magnification and the larger surface area they offer, which means you can read larger amounts of print,” Katie explains. “The high contrast options available at the touch of a button make the print clearer. One of the most popular video magnifiers is a touchscreen handheld magnifier that incorporates an eight-inch screen. It’s ideal for people who prefer a large screen but want portability,” she adds.
Shirley was impressed with the portable video magnifier and hopes it will help her to read her recipes and magazines. If she wanted to progress further, there is also a range of desktop magnifiers. These are ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy a hobby such as knitting or scrapbooking and mean you don’t have to hold a magnifier for a long duration of time.
There are also magnifier apps on smartphones which are free to download and use. Did you know the camera on an iPad or iPhone can be used as a video magnifier?
VisAbility has a range of specialists and services to support people with vision loss. If you live in Perth and want general information and advice about magnifiers, why not visit the Resource Centre? If you live elsewhere in the country, investigate what’s available through the VisAbility Online Living Aids shop. VisAbility offers a wide selection of vision aids, equipment and supports for people living with vision impairment which can be bought from our specialist shop. If you are interested in accessing support from VisAbility, contact 1800 847 466 or visit visability. com.au/oak. It would be helpful to provide a copy of a recent eye check report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You can also speak to your White Oak case service co-ordinator, so that it can be incorporated into your home care package or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funded services.
VISUAL AIDS PROVIDE ASSISTANCE VisAbility is able to provide magnifying devices to help the visually impaired.
FAST FACTS about magnifiers
Basic spot magnifiers and television glasses can be bought over the counter - up to three times the magnification.
For magnifiers greater than this strength, you’ll need to arrange an appointment with an orthoptist who can assess for the most appropriate magnifier.
An occupational therapist can also provide you with information about magnifiers up to approximately five times magnification.
with Roma Cokanasiga, Q+A 2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF HEALTH AND CARE WORKERS Assistant in Nursing at Montana Aged Care Home, NSW.
Proud Fijian Roma Cokanasiga brings an exuberant and warm approach to her work as an Assistant in Nursing at Montana Aged Care Home in NSW. And those residents in her care love her for it.
L&L: What made you become a care worker?
RC: My mother was a registered nurse in Fiji when I was a child. I always saw how she worked and I appreciated what she did for people. Personally, over my many years in life, I now understand that I like to serve people - especially elderly people. I like to look after people and help them find comfort.
I am Fijian - I have heard that many people say that our nation has a culture of caring for their elderly. This is correct, our culture has a great respect for the elderly and our children. We are a warm and loving community where we all look after each other and our families.
It is a privilege and a sign of respect to be able to care for our elderly and thank them for all they have done for us.
L&L: What does the World Health Organization's International Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you?
RC: I appreciate that the media is putting a spotlight on what we do. It’s a hard job and you have to have patience and compassion. You have to be the right type of person and have a gentle approach. I have learnt a lot doing this job and have worked in care my whole life - all in Australia, and I appreciate that there is a spotlight on the elderly and the people that work with them.
L&L: How long have you worked at Hall & Prior?
RC: Montana was taken over by Hall & Prior only this year, so I have only worked for this company for a few months. I have worked at this home for 11 years, and in aged care since 1995.
L&L: What does an average day look like for you?
RC: I like to bring a smile every day to the residents. I can’t wait to see them every morning and really enjoy their company. All the people I look after are part of me now - they are now part of my family. On an average day, I say hello/good morning and then check on them personally and start the showering routine, grooming and get them looking and feeling good, ready to start their days. I work five days a week from 6:30am to 3pm which means that I get to spend the whole waking day time with each resident.
It’s the people that make a place special
When I have everyone in order, I usually complete my paperwork and then have some fun with the one-on-ones. Later, I make up their rooms doing things like tidying the cupboard and folding clothes.
L&L: Tell us about one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for?
RC: I always say to the staff, when I finish work for the day and I know that I have done everything that I should have done and any little extras that I can think of, then I walk out the door and feel satisfied.
In this job, we touch people all the time. This physical touching really creates a bond and trust, I feel it is a connection to the soul. When you have your hands on people helping them, you really get to know who they are. I love that - I love getting to know my residents as they become my friends. When I get a new resident in my care at Montana, I always want to know what they did when they were young. I look at that person as someone, not just an older person who requires some help to manage a good day. I like to know their story and see pictures of them when they were younger or working to understand their personality better.
L&L: What is the best piece of advice you ever got about caring for others and from who?
RC: If you want to do this kind of job, you have to have compassion and you have to have patience to deal with another human being. Especially one that is relying on you to make them comfortable and feel happy and well. I got this advice from my family, especially my mother.
L&L: What is the best thing about working at your aged care home?
RC: It’s the people that make a place special. The residents of course, but also the staff. This is a very special home because we all work together and enjoy each other’s company - we’re just like one big family.
L&L: How would others describe you?
RC: The staff would say ‘here comes trouble!’ while the residents would say, ‘she’s a big personality, but she really cares’. It’s so funny, the residents always say that they know when I have arrived to work because they can hear my voice down the halls, and they say ‘here she comes!’.
L&L: What qualities are required to make a great care worker in your opinion?
RC: Patience and compassion.
FAST FACTS
If I wasn't a care worker I would -
be a psychologist.
What’s your favourite movie?
I like English TV series Louis Theroux.
What’s your favourite song?
Anything by ABBA!
When I’m not at work you’ll most
likely find me - at home. My children are away overseas so I see my siblings more often. I have a big Fijian family! Five words you live by - loud, funny, kind, generous and dancer!
with Matt Angel, care worker Q+A 2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF HEALTH AND CARE WORKERS at Mertome Aged Care & Retirement Village, WA
Matt Angel considers his colleagues to be like family at Mertome Aged Care & Retirement Village in WA - and is focused on offering empathetic, dedicated care to all those he looks after.
L&L: What made you want to become a care worker?
MA: I enjoyed doing Cert III in community services and wanted to apply my knowledge into practice. A close friend of mine suggested that I would enjoy working in aged care, so here I am, more than 10 years later.
L&L: What does the World Health Organization's International Year of Health and Care Workers mean to you?
MA: I feel strongly about our vulnerable elders and our care workers, who seem to not have enough acknowledgement and appreciation. It is a challenging and hard job, and it deserves more recognition for all that we as care givers do.
L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and when did you join Hall & Prior?
MA: I have been working with Hall & Prior for approximately seven years and I did have a little break to work in disability and mental health.
L&L: What does an average day look like for you?
MA: Every day in aged care is different. It is usually busy, enjoyable with some routines including medication rounds, supporting other staff by providing assistance for some residents, clinical tasks to support the Registered Nurses on duty, some maintenance, IT and miscellaneous jobs around the home to assure smooth operation.
L&L: Tell us about one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for.
MA: Seeing and making our elders laugh - and laughing with them is equally rewarding for me.
L&L: What is the best piece of advice you ever got about caring from others and from who? MA: The best piece of advice I have adhered to is to ”try putting yourself in our residents’ shoes in every single situation and to try to
understand why they are the way they are as best as you can”. This was given to me by my work mates at Clarence Estate in Albany, when I first joined aged care.
L&L: What is the best thing about working at your aged care home?
MA: It feels like home: we are all a big family here, from staff to residents and family members.
L&L: What have you learned about yourself and those you care for while you’ve worked for Hall & Prior?
MA: The list is a long one, but here are a few things. Empathy goes a long way. Some of the happiest elders
FAST FACTS
If I wasn't a care worker
I would - be a sports turf worker.
What is your favourite
movie? It has to be the Avengers series.
What’s your favourite
song? Jeez! There are too many to name!
When I’m not at work you’ll often find me -
playing cricket, at the gym or spending time with my two dogs.
I have cared for are those who have had the most traumatic past. Self-care is very vital; it is a reminder for myself and my colleagues that we need to slow down and look after ourselves to care for others.
L&L: How would others describe you, do you think?
MA: Hopefully they would say hardworking, empathetic and compassionate, a little cheeky and somebody who likes to have a laugh.
L&L: What qualities are required to make a great worker in your opinion?
MA: Empathy is arguably the most important quality along with compassion, in my opinion. Also we should be able to have fun at work and have a laugh with everyone.
