ChurchLink Winter 2016 Issue No. 57
BEST PRACTICE IN MANAGING THE IMPACTS OF AGEING AND DEMENTIA Dementia is a combination of illnesses that cause a gradual decline in functioning, including memory loss. There are many forms of dementia, including the most commonly known Alzheimer’s disease. Each week, about 1,800 new cases of dementia are diagnosed in Australia. Three in ten people over the age of 85, and one in ten people aged 65-plus have dementia. About 1.2 million Australians are involved in the care of a person living with dementia, which is the second leading cause of death in this country and, despite global research on the condition, there is no cure. Life Care is dedicated to providing excellence in dementia services and it has searched the world for partners with an equal commitment. As a result, it has formed a partnership with the acclaimed Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), which is part of the Department of Social Sciences at Stirling University in the United Kingdom.
Leading the training program are Chris Hudson, Manager Clinical Governance; June Bennets, Clinical Governance and Accreditation Project Officer; Trish Kolberg, Recruitment and Utilisation Manager; Ranel Juanta, Manager Human Resources; and Bill Hall, Life Care’s Coordinating Chaplain. Further training is being implemented on Dementia in the Community and Best Practice in Dementia Care. Allen Candy said the training programs and annual Life Care Way workshops were evidence of the organisation’s commitment to developing and supporting staff members and their capacity to make a positive difference in the lives of clients, including those with dementia.
This follows a visit to the centre by Life Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, and General Manager Innovation and Service Development, Deborah Muldoon. Shirley Law, Head of Learning and Development at DSDC, recently spent time with some of Life Care’s key staff members providing training programs including the Impact of Ageing and Dementia. Impact of Ageing and Dementia workshops will be delivered to all of Life Care’s staff as part of an annual training program, and it will be extended to volunteers.
Shirley Law in a training session with Life Care staff
263 Melbourne Street North Adelaide SA 5006
T (08) 8239 9800
W lifecare.org.au
DEB AND PAUL BRING VAST EXPERIENCE TO OUR CHAPLAINCY TEAM Life Care’s chaplains play a vital role in our holistic approach to aged care and our cultural commitment to encourage people to Live Every Day. Two new chaplains have joined our team - Deb Likouras at Roselin Court and Aldinga Beach Court, and Paul Tyler at Glenrose Court. Deb’s background is in social work with Anglicare, HeartKids and Baptist Care SA.
Deb Likouras
She joined Life Care’s chaplaincy team in March to further develop her pastoral care experience and expertise.
Paul also joined Life Care in March after previously serving as a pastor at Westcare Baptist Church in Adelaide, West Beach Baptist Church and Rostrevor Baptist Church. He has also maintained a pastoral role with Baptist Church SA.
“I wanted to use my faith in such a role and the position at Life Care has been a perfect fit for me,” Deb explained. “I have a special interest in supporting people through loss and grief and my chaplaincy role has extended into palliative care. However, I am also really enjoying being among Life Care’s residents and joining them on their life journeys.”
Paul Tyler
“The position with Life Care has allowed me to apply and extend my pastoral care skills in the area of aged care,” Paul said. “Chaplaincy in aged care is at the cutting edge of the gospel and I am really enjoying supporting people through times of transition in their lives.”
SINCERE THANKS FOR 23,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS In May, Life Care celebrated National Volunteers Week with a luncheon at Pavilion on the Park in Adelaide for people who volunteer for us in aged care.
Deane said sharing communion and bible reading with residents gave them both a strong sense of belonging.
It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the skills, dedication and great work volunteers do for Life Care and the incredible number of hours they devote in supporting our staff and clients.
“We have received great friendliness here,” he explained. “Serving God in many ways has given Valmai and I so much joy. Our grandsons, Hugh and Guy, are also both eager to assist with hymn singing and indoor bowls when they stay with us.”
In 2015, volunteers committed 23,000 hours through a wide range of programs to help Life Care deliver its mission of partnering with people to embrace life and Live Every Day.
Valmai added: “No matter age, or place or experiences in life, there is always an open door to new joys, happiness and achievement, and we have found these things at Parkrose Village.
Life Care’s volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, but they share the same ideals of helping older people to wake up every day with a sense of contented reflection and expectation.
“When Deane and I were chosen for independent living here four years ago, it was not difficult to join in village activities, including church services in which I serve in various roles.
Among our volunteers are valued members from Churches of Christ parishes. For example, Deane and Valmai Radbone, independent living residents at Parkrose Village, were previously long-time parishioners at Hawthorn Church of Christ.
“This meant leaving Hawthorn Church of Christ and our many friends, but we have happy memories of our ten years there.
They now assist in church services, hymn singing and volunteering in lifestyle programs to support residents at Parkrose Village.
“It was an easy transition fitting into village life at Parkrose as we were made so welcome. I enjoy volunteering and am committed to activities that assist residents to enjoy their time here and to Live Every Day.”
For more information on volunteering with Life Care call 8239 9800.
www.lifecare.org.au