Summer 2019-20
Reynella Chaplain, Maureen Jennings, enjoying time with Leslie Farnham.
Beryl Harvey (left) and Agnes Curran enjoy a laugh at the recent carols event at Reynella Lodge.
Spiritual support of memories and expectations as we look to new year Christmas is a season of hope! Through Advent followers of Christ prepare to celebrate the coming of ‘Immanuel - God with us.’ This I am with you relationship is the foundation of our hope for today and the future. In our Life Care homes, Christmas is a spiritual time of the year, but also a period of memories and reflection. For some residents, Christmas can be tinged with sadness for those who have lost loved ones or may be distant from them. For others, Christmas evokes memories of childhood excitement and family traditions. The meanings people give to Christmas can be varied, and powerful feelings can be experienced. Our Chaplains and staff respond by engaging with people through quiet individual support and joyful gatherings. We bring residents, families, staff and volunteers together to celebrate life and enjoy the gift of knowing one another as valued members of a community.
Meanwhile, many readers of Church Link will be aware that the Aged Care Royal Commission is necessarily addressing the worst failures of some aged care providers. I want to reassure you that we - as members of Churches of Christ - can be proud of the high standard of care and genuine relationships that Life Care provides through the dedication and engagement of our compassionate staff and volunteers. Recently, I had the opportunity to address the Churches of Christ 2019 State Convention at Aldgate to highlight how Life Care meets the expectations of those reliant on our services, and the role of our chaplains in providing spiritual support and care. The New Year, full of new hopes and challenges, is an opportunity for the people we care for to consider how they will Live Every Day in 2020. Perhaps as you also look ahead, you may consider becoming one of our Life Care volunteers who in the past year dedicated around 26,000 hours of service to others. I also invite you to pray for our Chaplains, staff, residents and their families. Our chaplaincy team comprises Lorraine Croker at Gaynes Park Manor; Peter Bradley at Parkrose Village; Maureen Jennings at Reynella Lodge; Julie Simpson at Aldinga Beach Court; Randall Lawton, Bill Hall and Chris Williams as relieving chaplains; and myself at Glenrose Court.
INSPIRED LIVING
Like those for whom we care, may your celebration of Christmas strengthen and renew your hope. Nigel Uppill, Coordinating Chaplain
Quality assurance in our definitive model of care New Aged Care Quality Standards came into force for all aged care providers from 1 July 2019. The standards, developed by the Australian Government in consultation with the aged care sector, provide a framework to ensure providers deliver high quality care and services. They apply to all aged care services including residential care, home care, flexible care and services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. The standards embrace: • consumer choice and dignity; • ongoing assessment and planning; • personal and clinical care; • services and supports for daily living; • service environment; • processes for feedback and complaints; • human resources; and • organisational governance. Life Care’s Quality team, led by Quality and Clinical Governance Manager, Sharon Rickards, works diligently to ensure our organisation not only meets, but exceeds
the accreditation standards and expectations of residents along with clients of Life Care at Home. Sharon’s focus is on designing and implementing quality management systems and governance guidelines. She is assisted by quality support officers who engage with clinical teams and residents covering issues including auditing, reporting and change management. The Quality Team also includes a clinical systems analyst recognising that Life Care is advanced in utilising technology-based systems to support best practice. Sharon is a registered nurse. Prior to joining Life Care, she supported not-for-profit organisations in implementing governance systems and new accreditation standards. “I want to Live Every Day in the true meaning of those words, so it only makes sense that I aim to strengthen our teams and the people we support to do the same,” she said. “Life Care’s aim is to deliver services and standards of care fulfilling our mission to support older people to lead inspired lives.”
Vacancies in Life Care’s independent living units Life Care operates excellent independent living units presenting lifestyle choices in friendly community settings with support when you need it along with privacy, security and peace of mind. The units are located in Mitchell Park, Modbury and Reynella and at Hayfield Plains in picturesque Balaklava, a short drive north of Adelaide. Life Care manages maintenance of the units and gardens allowing residents time to relax and do the things they enjoy, rather than having to address necessary chores. The independent living options include rental units and homes to purchase with a wide range of styles from which to choose. For more information, call Life Care on 1800 555 990.
Church Link magazine is a publication of the Churches of Christ. 128 Greenhill Road Unley SA 5061 INSPIRED LIVING
Would you like more information about Life Care or to receive your own copy of Church Link?
Contact us T 1800 555 990 E enquiries@lifecare.org.au lifecare.org.au