Autumn 2017
About Life
At Life Care we view aged care differently. A key focus in all that we do, is the personal connection we make and the one-on-one relationship we develop with our clients.
About Life Autumn 2017
Mission Our purpose is to partner with people to embrace life and ‘Live Every Day’. Vision Life Care is an innovative provider of quality services to the ageing. We are recognised as a preferred option of choice for active ageing and an employer of choice for staff. This is achieved by an outstanding team working in a flexible and integrated approach with volunteers and partners. Values Integrity · Respect Innovation · Excellence Teamwork
WHAT’S INSIDE... Welcome from our CEO Allen Candy Joslin re-development on track Empowering clients using innovative technology Home Care reforms Our people New Life Care Program Office A new view... Facilitating dementia best practice Global Study for our local leaders ‘LIVING with Dementia’ Life Care at Home... where the heart is Not just another cog in the wheel... Mitch Creek scores points at Glenrose Banksia Lounge opening Supporting training & knowledge Creating smiles Expos at work Recognising excellence within Teamwork at Life Care Active
Welcome from our CEO Strategic Plan 2016-2021 Abraham Lincoln once said...
‘if I were given six hours to cut down a tree I’d spend the first four sharpening the axe,’ and this reflects how Life Care approached the development of its 2016-2021 Strategic Plan which will guide and shape our direction over the next 5 years. Large parts of 2016 were dedicated to reviewing our operations, customer expectations now and into the future, national and international trends in service development and architectural design. While recognising that aged care is and always will be a human-tohuman endeavour, the world in which we operate has changed significantly in recent years and the rate of change is only going to increase in coming years. Delivering an outstanding customer experience, rather than meeting basic Government regulations will become the expected norm and has shaped and driven the development of our strategic plan.
At Life Care, we believe that ageing isn’t a disease to be cured, but rather a natural part of life that should celebrated. Accordingly, we believe that everyone’s ageing journey is unique and only by understanding all of our customer’s individual goals, aspirations and challenges can we support them, by tailoring services to provide the customer experience they desire. To achieve this ambition, the Board has reinforced Life Care’s commitment to no longer be a traditional aged care provider but rather a true service partner with people, as they age. This will be achieved primarily by commitment to the Life Care Service Model which places the customer at the centre of all decision making, and offers an integrated continuum of services and prompts people to make their own decisions. Underpinning the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, is our Strategic Planning Framework and our 7 areas of Strategic Focus:
1. Our People Life Care is committed to being an employer of choice, by developing a highly skilled, well trained and supported team and ensuring that our workplaces inspire confidence, creativity and a sense of fun. 2. Innovation & Quality To provide innovative and sustainable processes to support the delivery of quality services that our customers value, we are focused on identifying, rewarding and disseminating innovation throughout the organisation. 3. Master Plan & Environment Planning for the future to ensure that our physical footprint and the communities that we create, support the delivery of a ‘Live Every Day’ experience for our clients. 4. Strategy & Planning Effective sustainable strategies and plans are developed and deployed with our Risk and Change Management Framework. 5. Leadership The creation of systems and processes which nurture the development of an agile and innovative organisational culture dedicated to excellence and success. 6. Customer & Market Focus The focus of our activities on the current and future needs of our customers and the wider community to ensure that we deliver on the essence of ‘Live Every Day’ thus strengthening the Life Care brand.
“The Life Care Service model which places the customer at the centre of all decision making, offers an integrated continuum of services and prompts people to make their own decisions”
7. Knowledge & Information The acquisition, analysis and application of knowledge throughout the organisation, which in turn will shape and inform our future strategy and service model. However, the very best plan is next to worthless if it is not implemented. To this end, we have developed a Project Management Office to oversee the strategic work imperatives necessary to make the plan a reality. Further, once the plan was endorsed by the Board, a complete review and organisational restructure was undertaken to ensure that the organisation had the necessary alignment, capability and resources to deliver on the Strategic Plan.
Master Plan Developments Acknowledging the importance that environment plays in providing quality of life for people, regardless of age, is fundamental to achieving our strategic goals. Life Care remains fully committed to the implementation of our Master Plan, ensuring our built form plays a significant part in proving the best possible customer experience for all our clients. Our Master Plan is a portfolio-wide approach to building communities to support people to ‘Live Every Day’. This is consistent with our strategic plan and a central plank in our determination to redefine the ageing experience of those who live in our communities.
By 2021, our ambition is to be a true service partner to all our customers offering:
Over the last six months, significant research and design work has been undertaken across our portfolio. As Winston Churchill once said,
· Fully integrated campus style communities
“We shape our buildings, but thereafter they shape us.”
· Aged care facilities based upon “greenhouse” principles
The first project to emerge from our Master Plan is the re-development of Roselin Court, Joslin and I am very pleased to advise that the project is on track with completion scheduled for late November 2017.
· Dementia excellence in partnership with DSDC Stirling University · A superior customer experience (based upon our ‘Live Every Day‘ principles) · The embracing technology and innovation · Organisational and cultural agility
This project represents Life Care’s first development in conjunction with architects, Marchese Partners and builders, Mossop Construction and Interiors.
This very exciting development, with input from dementia specialists from the DSDC Stirling University, promises to be Adelaide’s most dementia friendly aged care facility, and will form the blueprint for of our facilities into the future. I am pleased to announce that the second project arising from the Master Plan will be a 30 room expansion of Reynella Lodge. In conjunction with our project architects, Walter Brooke, an innovative design addressing topography and space has been developed. This project will incorporate many of the dementia design elements included in our Joslin project. Construction is expected to commence in May 2017 and be completed by March 2018. Stage 2 at Joslin is expected to begin in February 2018 and will incorporate a wellness centre and serviced apartments in a vertical Independent Living environment to complete the Payneham Road campus. I look forward to sharing the progress of these developments and other initiatives in the coming months.
Joslin re-development on track Life Care’s Joslin’s build is on track with many exciting developments coming to fruition across the past 6 months. In September 2016, early work commenced including the demolition and upgrade to the facade of the existing building to now include a large viewing window and observation area for clients to watch the build as it progresses. Many clients have taken advantage of this opportunity with something new to see each week. Stage One was well and truly underway by October 2016, however the unseasonally wet weather and major storms did cause some challenges. However, Mossop Construction, still managed to make significant progress to the basement excavation earthworks. By November 2016, excavation of the basement and sub-basement was completed as was the installation of the storm water and trade waste tanks. Footings were poured and the continuation of steelwork fabrication progressed.
Throughout December offsite fabrication of structural steelwork went ahead arriving on site for installation mid-month ahead of the Christmas break. In the New Year, an example of a resident bedroom and bathroom was created to confirm and embrace design concepts. These shop drawings were finalised and available for feedback and approval in February. A ‘Furniture and Equipment Show Day’ was held on Wednesday 15 March, providing an ideal opportunity for staff as well as clients and their families to offer their input on the choice of furniture and equipment proposed for the new building and other Life Care locations in the future. Throughout the ’Show Day’, information was provided with supporting evidence as to why items had been chosen, including selections that aim to create the best possible environment for older people and for those living with dementia.
LOOKING AHEAD April Commencement of installation of steel work for Level 2 Commencement of steel work for roof structure Deltacore flooring installation Basement carpark flooring completed May Commencement of Level 2 concrete flooring Precast walling installation for Level 2 Roof structure and roof decking expected to be complete December We are still on target to open before Christmas
Empowering clients using innovative technology Life Care has created a new partnership with technology companies Sonitor (Norway) and Zulafly (USA) in an effort to bring the latest global technology to Life Care, allowing Life Care’s Nurse Call systems to become mobile and much more user friendly for our clients. Traditionally within the aged care sector, “call” buttons are located on walls and at bed-sides creating more of a clinical environment than a homely feel. Now with the support of Sonitor and Zulafly, Life Care will reduce the need for hard wired buttons by providing clients with a call button in the form of a wrist band. (Prototype shown here) Clients will be able to “call” for support from anywhere within their Life Care home. Most impressive, is the ability the wristband provides to pinpoint the location of the person and connect them with the closest staff member. Life Care Joslin will be one of the first aged care facilities in the southern hemisphere to introduce this technology as our primary client assistance system.
As well as measures to improve personal care, Life Care will also be installing a hotel style ‘infotainment’ system at Joslin that will give residents access to information such as menus for the day, activities within the facility, the ability to book hair and massage appointments and access to latest movies all streamed directly to smart TV’s installed in client rooms.
Continuing Life Care’s philosophy of doing things differently, we are also committed to ensuring clients benefit from the latest social technologies, connecting clients to family Instagram accounts on television screens for example, thereby creating a digital photo album to keep up with family holidays, birthdays and every day life.
Home Care reforms The Australian Government has rolled out major changes that will improve the way home care services are delivered to older South Australians. Life Care at Home currently supports close to 1,000 older South Australians requiring support in their own home as well as assistance outside of the home such as transportation to and from appointments. The Department of Health’s Increasing Choice in Home Care reforms have a direct impact on the aged care sector giving greater choice to the individual’s seeking support once they are approved for a Home Care Package (HCP). Essentially the individual will be provided with funding based on their needs and encouraged to seek out the best care options to suit those needs – giving the individual complete control and choice over their care. Life Care is accustomed to doing things differently and the Increasing Choice in Aged Care reforms are a welcome change. The changes in the provision of HCPs will allow a person who has been approved for a HCP to choose which provider they want to partner with that best meets their needs, rather than being dictated by which provider has HCP’s available, which was the traditional method.
It is important that our clients and their families understand what they need to help maintain their independence and community connections and to make their own choices. If the provider they are talking to can’t give what they want, then they need to speak to another provider. The reforms move financial risk to the providers and in doing so provide the client with more choice and control over how they spend their allocated funds. The changes will also create a healthier competition between providers with a greater expectation to ensure robust and adaptable services to meet individual needs for all people. The current system which has supported our elderly for the last few decades is no longer financially sustainable and we need to adapt to keep up with an ageing population. Life Care is hopeful that the resulting increased exposure of the aged care sector will encourage families to consider their own needs ahead of time. It is important that as a community we are openly talking about the challenges that might face us as we age, so we can plan for the future and be clear on our individual choices. Too often families do not plan until there is a crisis or an event that requires urgent decisions and little time for consultation and choices.
82 year old Margaret is living independently and looks forward to the support of Life Care at Home. Margaret explains that it is wonderful having a Life Care support worker visit her house to get some cleaning done and share a cup of tea. “I can ring them at any time and about anything and they also get me out and about,” says Margaret.
Our people Supporting our leaders
LORETTA RETTIG
We choose Accountability Leadership Program.
Life Care has introduced the role of Independent Living Coordinator and welcomes Loretta Rettig to the position.
Life Care is committed to the professional development of its people and has embarked on a process to re-design and develop a progressive The Independent Living Coordinator role is an Leadership Program with an aim to empower emerging extension of Life Care’s commitment to quality leaders with choice and flexibility. and individual outcomes for all people, with Loretta becoming the contact person for all This activity is key to ensuring best practice for Independent Living and Serviced Apartment Life Care clients and their families. clients. In conjunction with Adam Thompson from the Lorretta is on hand to respond to client needs, Working Journey, the program focusses on building a queries, comments and concerns as well as leadership culture of accountability and sustainability promote extended Life Care services that can by increasing capacity and capability across Life Care. improve quality of life such as Life Care at Home, Life Care Active and Residential Living. The Leadership Program encourages staff to take ownership of their personal development promoting As well as fostering positive relationships with all a two-way partnership between themselves and clients, Loretta will also be responsible for the Life Care. Learning is directly relevant to current continual review of Independent Living policies issues faced in their work place, ensuring appropriate and procedures to ensure Life Care continues to outcomes across Life Care. provide best practice service. To date the program consists of 12 modules with Loretta comes to Life Care with a wealth of 33 participants involved and will be rolled out to other knowledge in Independent Living having worked staff over the next year. in the sector for many years.
MARIANNE HELLERS Marianne Hellers is our Senior Project Manager and brings over 25 years of experience within aged care, health and disability. Experienced in the Government, education and not-for-profit sectors, Marianne specialises in projects that have a strong focus on organisational change management and her achievements include leading the set up of the $200m South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). At Life Care, Marianne is enjoying the delivery and set up of new major projects including our Joslin re-development, Reynella extension and ongoing consideration of Residential Living services for the future.
NEVILLE WATSON Neville Watson is Life Care’s General Manager, Operations. Neville has a background in medical science specifically focussing on pathology services and eight years in the aged care sector. He has worked with Opal Aged Care as Regional Manager, TLC Aged Care as Chief Operating Officer and has also held management positions with Healthscope. Neville says that how Life Care has embraced the true intent of consumer directed care, and adopted an innovative approach to residential health and adoption of new technology for care was impressive.
PAULINE BLANE Pauline Blane is our Manager of Roselin Court. Pauline is a Registered Nurse with a Professional Diploma in Dementia Care and has extensive leadership experience, having held management positions in the aged care sector in Scotland before migrating to Australia in 2003. Prior to her current position, Pauline was Director of Clinical Services at Ramsay Health Care, which encompassed the commissioning of a new Ramsay hospital in Sydney as well as directing the operations at three private hospitals here in South Australia. Pauline is delighted to return to the aged care sector at an exciting time when the system is transforming into a more viable and sustainable future.
New Life Care Program Office Life Care has recently introduced a dynamic Program Office which has fast become the hub for Life Care’s planning, management, monitoring and progress reporting for the many strategic projects that are currently in progress. The Program Office supports Life Care’s General Managers who are charged with the responsibility of overseeing and reporting on key activities within their portfolio areas.
Working within the Program Office are: Allan Quire Director of Strategy Marianne Hellers Manager Senior Projects Paul Phillips Manager Governance and Risk Deborah Muldoon General Manager Innovation & Service Development Neville Watson General Manager Operations
Currently the Program Office is managing numerous major strategic projects that are preparing Life Care Michael Rasheed General Manager for the next 5 -10 years, including: People and Culture · How residential and community Warren Ortmann services will meet the future General Manager needs of clients and continue to Corporate Services focus on improvements to their quality of life The Program Office looks forward · What the workforce will look to continuing to provide leading like and what we need to do to aged care services for Life Care ensure Life Care has the workforce clients and their families. needed to best support the goal of delivering ‘Live Every Day’ experiences · What enabling technology will improve care and what IT business systems will be required · How innovation and marketing can be utilised to ensure we are at the cutting edge of new approaches that will help people find Life Care easily · How we will deliver dementia excellence services across the whole of Life Care’s communities into the future
A new view... Life Care’s corporate office has moved and is now located at 128 Greenhill Road, Unley. The offices on Melbourne Street, North Adelaide have served the organisation well but the decision to relocate was based on a need to allow for future growth and more space. The new offices on Greenhill Road offer an open plan environment which will assist in improved internal communication and a new boardroom including high tech audio visual equipment, again allowing for greater communication with suppliers, partners and other sites. Life Care is also excited about the relocation to a higher traffic area and better street visibility. An emphasis on environmental responsibility has been factored into the move with the new office becoming less paper reliant and allowing for improved electronic project documentation and record management systems. The Life Care corporate office contact details remain the same.
Facilitating dementia best practice In November 2016, Life Care welcomed Shirley Law, Head of Learning and Development at the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) Scotland, back to Australia. As part of Life Care’s commitment to dementia excellence, Life Care introduced the Best Practice in Dementia Care accredited program designed by Shirley Law. The program is 6 modules undertaken over 6 months and this process commenced with Life Care in February 2016.
Shirley originally trained 12 Life Care staff to act as facilitators who could continue the process of rolling out the learning throughout all of Life Care. Participants complete a reflective exercise which is sent to DSDC to be evaluated.
Upon her return to Adelaide in November, Shirley was able to present a number of Life Care staff with their certificates in recognition of successfully completing the Best Practice in Dementia Care Program. Over the past 6 months more than 100 Life Care staff have participated in the program.
From Shirley Law… “Life Care is an organisation that is committed to providing excellence in dementia services in South Australia where they aim to provide each person they support with a quality of life that has meaning and purpose. We have worked with the Life Care team to give them the necessary evidence based knowledge on best practice within both a community and residential setting. As well as carrying out consultancy work, I have had the pleasure of teaching many of the Life Care front line team, volunteers, senior management and Board members themselves. I was impressed by everyone’s compassion for the individuals and families they support and the commitment to support each other.
One year on, DSDC has now formed a partnership with Life Care to help them to continue to deliver excellence. The learning which has taken place over this past year has been significant and continues to be rolled out by the Life Care team in and around Adelaide. I had the pleasure of visiting my new colleagues in November 2016 where I also spent time with residents and family carers on site, attended community teaching sessions and witnessed first-hand some of the excellent care and support delivered by the team. I was honoured to represent The University of Stirling and present certificates to the staff who had successfully completed their studies in 2016. I would like to wish everyone at Life Care best wishes for 2017.”
Global study for our local leaders Merridy Schofield (Manager, Aldinga Beach Court) and Heather Fraser (Manager, Reynella Lodge) are studying their Masters in Dementia Studies at Stirling University in Scotland and have just finished their first year. Merridy and Heather are undertaking the learning externally whilst continuing their roles at Life Care and are expected to finalise their studies in December 2018. This higher learning will be a great asset to Life Care and complements the partnership that Life Care has developed with Stirling University and the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) Scotland. The study will better equip Merridy and Heather’s approach to critical and creative dementia care, dementia and the environment, as well as understanding and evaluating evidence in dementia studies. For Life Care, this means a greater ability to share knowledge and information to enhance the lives of our clients and support our staff. Heather and Merridy explain that Dementia and the Environment was a great topic allowing for direct input into the planning and developing of the Life Care Joslin re-development and Reynella extension. The study also provides access to the latest and most up-to-date dementia theoretical frameworks and current resources in dementia care.
‘LIVING with Dementia’ Flora is LIVING with Dementia
Ivy is LIVING with Dementia
91 year old Flora loves to help.
Ivy likes to make sure everyone looks their best at Life Care!
In late 2016, Life Care launched the ‘LIVING with Dementia’ campaign delving into the history and current lifestyle of eight Life Care clients, in an effort to challenge public perception and encourage a greater understanding of people living with dementia. The campaign also provided direct evidence of the efforts currently being undertaken by Life Care to ensure the organisation is a leader in dementia care. ‘LIVING with Dementia’ campaign is an acknowledgment of the client’s life, their family unit, their career and the events that have made them who they are. The campaign was and is viewed on Facebook by thousands of people with encouraging commentary from members of the public. LIVING with Dementia can be viewed on Life Care’s Facebook page and online www.lifecare.org.au
She’s a part of the Life Care community and altering hems and mending clothes gives Flora a sense of purpose. She also enjoys preparing soup from the vegetables grown in the garden which she sells in the coffee shop at Aldinga Beach Court, or shares with other clients at dinner time. She is LIVING with Dementia.
No doubt a testament to her many years of service within the fashion industry both locally and in Perth. Ivy worked with wedding dresses, making sure each garment was perfect before it was delivered to the waiting bride. To this day, Ivy still appreciates a quality fabric. At Life Care, Ivy likes to do the ironing for other clients, and cheekily explains that her work is never done. Ivy’s sons tell us that she is happy at Life Care, “We’ve seen a huge improvement,” they explain. Ivy certainly brings a great deal of joy to any room that she enters. After the ironing is done, Ivy enjoys a good cup of tea. Ivy is LIVING with Dementia.
Dolores is LIVING with Dementia
John is LIVING with Dementia
Clarice is LIVING with Dementia
86 year old Dolores is described as a strong personality with a wonderfully cheeky smile!
Speaking English, French, Italian and Polish, 86 year old John, is a citizen of the world‌John was born in Italy and raised in France before moving to Australia at age 39 with Michelle and their two children in 1969.
Born in Streaky Bay, 90 year old Clarice worked at Parafield Airport during WW2. As a teenager, her role was to support injured soldiers when they returned home and also get the planes ready to go back out. These memories are still painful for Clarice but she is proud of the men and women she worked alongside.
The greatest champion for her 3 daughters and 1 son, whenever you needed her, she was there. In her career she worked as a legal secretary with the added responsibility for debt collection. Dolores’ daughter Gaye explains that she always got the job done, but remained compassionate at the same time. At one stage, Dolores also made teddies and china dolls. Dolores enjoys making a house a home. At Life Care she enjoys the role of sweeping and vacuuming the living areas, something she took on spontaneously. She is a delight to be around. Dolores is LIVING with Dementia.
In his younger years, he delighted in having an active social life with plenty of time for fishing! A shepherd and mushroom grower earlier in life, he uses these life skills today to tend to the gardens at Aldinga Beach Court. John shares his language skills with the Life Care staff and teaches other skills through small construction projects that he likes to get involved in. John is a quiet achiever and a wonderful teacher. John is LIVING with Dementia.
After WW2, Clarice went on to become an avid golfer, respected for her scratch rating across SA country courses. Clarice has 4 children and 11 grandchildren. At Life Care, she loves taking care of the animals, particularly Ruth the Rabbit who she is often spotted spending time with. She is LIVING with Dementia.
Life Care at Home... where the heart is Valda and Grant have been married for 51 years. 88 year old Valda owned an Ampol fuel depot in Myponga when she was younger and Grant tells of her incredible strength when she would cart around 44 gallon drums of fuel. Grant who is 82, retired in 1991 after many years working for the Postmaster-General’s Department as a phone technician covering Kangaroo Island and McLaren Vale for over 30 years. Grant says Valda is always laughing at him and never stops reminding him to have a shave. Grants says that in their 51 years of marriage he has managed to grow just 3 beards. The couple call on the support of Life Care to keep their home the way they like it and to ensure they are still getting out and about. Valda excitedly explains, “They take us on great trips, recently we’ve been to the movies, Victor Harbor and Monarto Zoo!” “They are just that good, no one is as friendly as they are,” says Grant of the Life Care support workers who regularly come to assist with keeping the couples immaculate gardens maintained, getting the washing done, vacuuming and keeping the kitchen and bathroom in good working order.
Not just another cog in the wheel... 86 year old Myra was born in Queensland in 1930 and moved to Adelaide with her ABC cameraman husband, Lynton, in 1961, “He filmed the Olympics in Jamaica and every rocket that went off from Woomera which was syndicated all over the world,” explains Myra of her late husband. Married for almost 60 years they had 2 children and now, Myra also has two grandchildren. A dedicated wife and mother, Myra also worked part time for the lottery commission. Myra wasn’t allowed a bike in Queensland because her father was worried about the heavy traffic. It wasn’t until she moved to Adelaide that she jumped onto two wheels and began to explore her new neighborhood. “I’ve always gotten around on my bike, it’s helped me make friends and meet new people. I even sold Avon products for a while on my bike!” Some heart issues and a hip replacement threatened to halt Myra’s love of riding, so she joined Life Care Active in 2013 and now credits the team for making sure she’s still able to ride to this day. “Everything runs so smoothly at Life Care Active and the staff are so caring, they’re always making sure your technique is right. You’re not just another cog in the wheel - you’re an individual and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to do the things that I like, such as riding my bike, gardening and knitting bed socks which I sell to raise money for the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Mitch Creek scores points at Glenrose
Life Care welcomed basketballer Mitch Creek, NBL Adelaide 36ers team captain to Glenrose Court.
Mitch, clients and a number of children spent an hour together interacting and making the most of a unique opportunity to shoot some hoops with the 36ers captain. Mitch said that there were a couple of sharp shooters in the room and plenty of skills on display! Life Care CEO Allen Candy said that Creek’s visit demonstrated Life Care’s commitment to doing things differently and ensuring clients have variety and abundant opportunity to engage in something new and dynamic each day.
Banksia Lounge opening Life Care recently launched the new ‘Banksia Lounge’ at Glenrose Court. The new lounge has been refurbished using dementia friendly design principles, providing a cosy setting for clients to participate in activities or relax by the fireplace. You’ll also find a large screen television and wide range of DVD’s, gorgeous fish tank and kitchenette. It’s a very homely space where clients can spend time with friends and family. Life Care worked with Pesbuild Design & Construction to complete the new lounge and they explain, “We are so proud to have had the opportunity to be involved with this project from concept to design and finally construction. We hope that our passion and dedication on this build comes through with the final product because we enjoyed putting it all together. Of course, our job was made easy with the great Life Care staff that had much input and were easy to work with. We trust that all residents truly enjoy this tranquil and unique space,” adds Rino Pesaturo (Project Manager)
Helping clients ‘Live Every Day’
Supporting training & knowledge
A number of Life Care Hotel Services staff have transitioned to ‘Live Every Day’ and Life Care at Home positions with the support of Life Care. In June 2016, 5 staff members commenced their Certificate three in Aged Care training culminating in a presentation on 1 February 2017.
Life Care CEO Allen Candy and Reynella Manager Heather Fraser were on hand to congratulate Lauren Swincer, Jody Creedyn, Rebecca Driscoll and Marie Freer who are now working with Life Care as ‘Live Every Day’ Assistants and Kristen Fauser who is now part of the Life Care at Home team. Congratulations to all.
Norgrove students join Life Care Life Care has developed a relationship with Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Norgrove Training, a boutique RTO with a focus on quality and results driven philosophies. Most recently 5 students completing their Certificate III in Aged Care underwent a one week placement at Life Care Reynella providing an opportunity to put their learning into practice and gain real world experience within the sector.
A testament to Norgrove training, all five students made such an impression that they have gone on to become ‘Live Every Day‘ Assistants with Life Care. Congratulations and welcome to Life Care Chloe Stockhall, Precious Mapfumo, Jayani Ranawaka, Bilha Kirau and Daisy Kemboi.
Creating smiles Annmarrie Howlett and Jan Vivian are good friends and a great support to each other as both of their husbands are living with dementia at Life Care. Naturally they found themselves spending a lot of time at Life Care, specifically at Reynella’s Hamilton House where their husbands Kelvin and Kevin live. Wanting to give something back , Annmarrie and Jan have become invaluable volunteers making a huge difference in the lives of all clients at Reynella’s Hamilton House. The dedicated duo help celebrate special occasions by dressing the dining area, creating table centrepieces and organising gifts. They also work hard to ensure there are plenty of opportunities such as regular craft get togethers, but they do explain if any craft actually happens, it is a bonus, “Really it’s getting together and giving people a reason to smile and have a laugh that’s the real focus,” explains Jan.
Expos at work Life Care participated at the Uni SA’s Careers Expo in March with over 2,000 students in attendance. It was a fun filled day, full of inquisitive and enthusiastic students seeking to understand the aged care industry and Life Care. It was an opportunity to promote the Life Care brand and aged care sector as an industry that is vibrant and positive, with many career opportunities spanning nursing, allied health, finance, information technology and human resources. Life Care was able to connect with a number of students that already have an interest in the sector to promote future employment as well as current placement or volunteering opportunities. A number of students completed a volunteer application on the day and many others indicated they would take advantage of the online registration option. We look forward to engaging students that will add to the quality of life of our clients.
Recognising excellence within The 2016 Life Care Staff Awards Night was held on Friday 11 November 2016 at the Stamford Grand, Glenelg. It was a fantastic evening with over 260 staff attending. The event was an opportunity for Life Care to acknowledge the efforts of all Life Care staff, recognise those who have reached their ‘Years of Service’ milestones and announce the winners for the 2016 Life Care Staff Awards. We thank all staff for embracing the black and white theme and congratulate all Award nominees, winners and runners up.
The ‘Life Care Way’ Award
The Unsung Hero Award
The Life Care Way Award recognises an employee who conducts themselves in a manner which exemplifies the Life Care Way in their daily work routine.
The Award for Unsung Hero is awarded to an employee who willingly goes above and beyond in their duties without thought of personal gain, recognition or reward and enthusiastically takes on responsibilities and generously donates their skills and time.
WINNER Tania Thompson Senior Community Advisor Life Care at Home RUNNER UP Darren Bassham Property Services Glenrose Court Customer Service Excellence Award The Award for Customer Service Excellence is awarded to an employee who is recognised for their high standards of customer service through their dealings with customers in any setting. WINNER Jacquie Hatzigeorgiou Enrolled Nurse Roselin Court RUNNER UP Tenzin Chokey Registered Nurse Parkrose Village
WINNERS Ben Liu Revenue Accountant Corporate Services Bernadette Seddon Care Coordinator Aldinga Beach Court Chaplain’s Team All Life Care locations Team of the Year Award The Team of the Year is awarded to the team that has demonstrated their ability to deliver clear benefits through working together effectively and efficiently. The definition of a team in this context is two or more members of Life Care sharing the same goals, in either their day-to-day work or on a particular project or task. WINNERS Aldinga Beach Court Catering Norman House Roselin Court Hotel Services Glenrose Court Lifestyle Parkrose Village Kitchen Life Care Active Allied Health Reynella Lodge
Teamwork at Life Care Active Jordan (pictured with Claire) works with Life Care Active as a physiotherapist, holding a Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy. He explains that his role involves seeing clients for assessment and treatment and leading a number of different exercise classes both at Life Care Active and out in the community. “I really enjoy being involved in active management which might involve exercising with clients to help empower them to return to tasks of daily living. Claire is fantastic to work with and we always have a good laugh together. She has come a long way with her overall strength and mobility and has maintained an active lifestyle very well,” says Jordan. At Life Care Active our aim is to help you to become and remain fit and active like Claire. We provide a range of specialist health and wellbeing services through to individual and group fitness programs tailored to ensure you have the flexibility, strength and overall good health to be ‘active’ every day.
Life Care Active Life Care at Home Respite Independent Living Residential Living
Would you like more information about Life Care or to receive your own copy of About Life? Contact us Call 08 8239 9800 Email enquire@lifecare.org.au www.lifecare.org.au
About Life magazine is the official publication of the Churches of Christ Life Care Inc. Corporate Services 128 Greenhill Road Unley SA 5061