Feros Care

Contents
CEO’s Word – Jennene Buckley
1
Feros Care overcoming boundaries
2
Sevenstar© graduation
4
My Health Clinic At Home in full flight
7
Top Tips
8
Feros Hero - Margaret Fisher
10
Feros Friendly Visitors Program
13
Community
14
Residential
15
Feros Family Fun
18
Feros Community Gateway
Contact & Referral Centre
Ph: 1300 763 583
8
10
Feros Village Bangalow
LifeLink Telehealthcare
Fax: 1300 850 770
Email: [email protected]
6 Byron Bay Road (PO Box 329)
Bangalow NSW 2479
Ph: 02 6687 2379 Fax: 02 6687 2286
Email: [email protected]
Feros Care Business Centre
Feros Village Byron Bay
Showcase on the Beach
72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)
Coolangatta QLD 4225
Ph: 1300 851 771 Fax: 1300 850 770
Email: [email protected]
Showcase on the Beach
72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)
Coolangatta QLD 4225
Ph: 07 5669 0555 Fax: 07 5536 7520
Email: [email protected]
www.feroscare.com.au
Cnr Marvel & Cowper Streets (PO Box 585)
Byron Bay NSW 2481
Ph: 02 6685 7676 Fax: 02 6685 5176
Email: [email protected]
At Home Services Regional Offices
Hobart Melbourne Port Macquarie
Pottsville Sydney Tewantin
Ph: 1300 763 583
www.feroscare.com.au
Join us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/feroscare
Feros Village Wommin Bay
McKissock Drive
Kingscliff NSW 2487
Ph: 02 6674 4177 Fax: 02 6674 4171
Email: [email protected]
Feros Care Health & Wellness
Showcase on the Beach
72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)
Coolangatta QLD 4225
Ph: 1300 085 181 Fax: 1300 850 770
Email: [email protected]
CEO’s
WORD
Welcome to the Summer - Autumn edition of Feros Magazine.
I have recently celebrated my 13th year with
Feros Care. Like all milestones, it is a chance to
reflect and commemorate. I’m proud to celebrate
my journey with Feros Care but particularly want to
acknowledge the achievements of 2013, which was
surely the most successful year in the 23 years of our
organisation.
Our success in 2013 was highlighted by winning the
single largest allocation of new community home care
packages nationally. Staff, volunteers, managers and
the Board have dedicated themselves to creating
something different and special in aged care which
is being acknowledged with this significant
achievement.
In 2013 we also saw the commencement of a number of
programs including new home care package services
in Victoria, Tasmania, Sydney and Darling Downs.
We also pioneered the rollout of our My Health Clinic
At Home telehealth technology; launched a new Allied
HomeHealth Service, began the community volunteers
program and proudly held the first graduation
ceremony for the sevenstar © Staff Development
program.
Shirley Nelson
Keith Castle
We also celebrated the achievements of our two
longest serving board members and past chairs
Shirley Nelson (served 23 years) and Keith Castle
(served 20 years) who retired in 2013. Both Shirley
and Keith’s dedication and leadership has shaped
Feros into a well governed, strategic, mission focused,
international award winning not-for-profit company.
Two outstanding people who will be sadly missed. We
congratulate and thank them for everything they have
contributed to Feros Care.
2014 is set to be another exciting year, with the
2013 – 2016 strategic plan set in motion. Stay tuned,
we will be unveiling our new bold, exciting initiatives
in our next issue.
In the meantime, Happy New Year and a big thank
you to the Feros community – we look forward to
celebrating ageing with you throughout 2014.
Regards
Jennene Buckley, CEO
My Health Clinic At Home
Allied HomeHealth Service
Feros magazine
1
SMALL PLAYER punches
above its weight.
Feros Care overcoming boundaries
From humble beginnings in Byron Bay just over 20 years ago, Feros Care has grown into one
of Australia's most successful non-profit aged care providers. It is leading the way, showing how
a local Byron Bay community organisation can think big, overcome geographical boundaries,
be a technology leader and still retain its Byron Bay character of doing things differently.
While far from being the largest provider, Feros Care has
become an aged care industry leader, especially in the use
of Telecare and Telehealth technologies, having identified
early on that technology was the most cost effective way
to improve community aged care services to seniors in
their own homes.
The organisation has already fitted out over 1000 'smart
homes' with Telecare and Telehealth technology that helps
their elderly occupants continue living at home by providing
a higher degree of independence, control and safety.
As a Telehealth leader, Feros Care has also provided over
100 clients in NBN-enabled areas with computers so they
2
Summer/Autumn 2014
can speak face-to-face with their healthcare professionals
(including our Telehealth nurses), family and friends, and
the equipment to monitor their vital signs and wellness
remotely.
IN THE 2013 AGED CARE APPROVALS
ROUND (ACAR) FUNDING
ALLOCATION, FEROS CARE WAS
AWARDED THE SINGLE LARGEST
FUNDING AMOUNT IN AUSTRALIA
The medium sized aged care organisation began as a
single nursing home in 1990, serving Byron Bay, and
is named after George Feros, a migrant from the Greek
island of Kythera. George was a well known Byron identity,
spending much of his later years walking around Byron,
ringing a bell and asking for donations to build the care home.
While Mr Feros sadly died before his dream was realised,
it was completed by a group of committed locals led by
Shirley Nelson, the matron of Byron Bay's hospital at the
time, who earned an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) two
years later for her dedication to nursing and the community.
FEROS CARE IS NOW DELIVERING
HOME CARE TO 8 NEW SERVICE
AREAS
In the 2013 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) funding
allocation, Feros Care was awarded the single largest
funding amount in Australia, allowing it to expand delivery
of its innovative, award-winning home care services into
new regions.
Following the Department of Health and Ageing's competitive
ACAR process, which favours the provider who best
demonstrates it can meet the needs of an area's ageing
population, Feros Care is now delivering home care to
8 new service areas covering Toowoomba and surrounds,
northern Sydney, Melbourne, Bendigo, Geelong, and
Tasmania.
George Feros
Feros Care can now deliver its own unique Byron Model of
care to older people in 17 regions across Victoria, Tasmania,
New South Wales and Queensland.
Feros Care's Byron Model combines the latest thinking on
how aged care should be absolutely client-centred, helping
older people live their chosen lifestyle to the fullest by staying
independent, active and socially connected.
This holistic approach supports overall wellness in every
sense, drawing on the principles of positive psychology
including restorative care and active ageing, well known
approaches to aged care based on combating three key
concerns – boredom, helplessness and loneliness – that
commonly affect people in older age.
Bundaberg
QLD
Hervey Bay
Gympie
Toowoomba
Caboolture
Brisbane
Ipswich
Nerang
Murwillumbah
Bangalow
Kyogle
Grafton
Noosa
Redcliffe
Surfers Paradise
Coolangatta
Tweed Heads
Byron Bay
Ballina
Yamba
Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie
NSW
Forster
Sydney
Bendigo
VIC
Melbourne
Geelong
Our expansion into new regions meant
new Care Managers and cars!
Launceston
TAS
Feros Care now delivers
services in 17 regions
across four different
states of Australia.
Hobart
Feros magazine
3
CLASS OF
2013
SEVENSTAR PROGRAM
GRADUATES
4
Summer/Autumn 2014
c
Graduates (from left) Suzanne Knight, Elizabeth Morris, Carol Taylor, Jo Williams, Shirley Scott, Sharyn Poole,
Andrea Dower, Wendy Anderson, Diane Hall, Susan Lowe.
FEROS CARE RECENTLY CELEBRATED THE
INAUGURAL GRADUATION FOR OUR UNIQUE
SEVENSTAR© STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
THIS INVOLVED 20 STAFF GRADUATING FROM
A 3 YEAR, 21 SUBJECT, 38 WORKSHOP COURSE
BASED SOLELY ON FEROS CARE’S CORPORATE
VALUES.
The first graduates participating were from a cross section
of the organisation including nurses, residential care staff,
community care staff, managers, chaplain and administration.
The Sevenstar program is a course that supports Feros's
commitment to promote lifelong learning and to invest in
staff both personally and professionally. The program builds
skills in innovative thinking, mentoring, project management,
lifelong learning, sustainability, service excellence and covers
many topics including positive workplace strategies and
wellness.
Sevenstar challenges staff from all levels of the organisation
to build skills that are not normally in mainstream aged
care education programs. The program is focused on
Feros Care’s core company values with the intent of
strengthening our staff members’ skills, knowledge base
and building our future company leaders.
We are very proud of our Sevenstar
graduates! Congratulations to all!
With a new Sevenstar class enrolled for 2014 - this
innovative program is destined to produce some new
shining Feros stars!
Graduates (from lef) Back row: Jan Coughey, Devina Kustic, Ingrid Gottschalk, David Horner, Karen Smith,
Kerrie Campbell, Karen Frankel. Seated: Jo Cooke
Feros magazine
5
FEROS CARE CLIENTS
SERVICE
The Department of Health and Ageing
conducted their regular Quality
Reporting Audit of Feros Care in
September 2013.
Over two days, two staff from the Department conducted
audit meetings, interviews and reviews. The auditing staff
specifically reviewed the quality of the service provision
for Feros Care’s NSW Community Care services including
Home and Community Care (HACC), all other community
packaged care and the National Respite for Carers
Program (NRCP).
Justin Wall and Anthony Bacon met with the
Department's auditors
Feros Care received fantastic results and feedback from the Department auditors. They were particularly
impressed by the way in which Feros Care delivers its services and the quality of care provided, as evidenced in
the comments received from clients, interviewed by the auditors.
Whilst this is a fabulous result for Feros Care as an organisation, it is more importantly a very strong result for
clients and their families who can have full confidence that the service and experience delivered is of Feros
Care's superior quality.
Below is just some of the feedback from the auditors:
1
Feros Care is an organisation focused on continuous quality improvement.
2
Feros Care client assessments are very comprehensive. The way Feros Care
Managers translate the assessment into service delivery plans with clients who outline their goals is the best they have ever seen.
3
Feros Care IT framework is astounding.
4
Feros Care’s NBN Telehealth, My Health Clinic At Home program is fantastic and
breaking new boundaries.
5
Feros Care workers interviewed, demonstrated commitment to their work with clients
and they feel supported by their managers.
6
Many of Feros Care clients interviewed gave scores including 100/10 and 12/10.
7
Feros Care clients also reported that care staff go above and beyond.
In summary the results again showcase Feros Care's ongoing commitment to
outstanding industry performance and leadership.
6
Summer/Autumn 2014
My Health Clinic
at home
pilot PROGRAM IN FULL FLIGHT!
Feros Care’s NBN (National Broadband Network) Enabled Telehealth pilot in
Coffs Harbour has now been in progress for over six months. The pilot program is
being staged in Coffs Harbour involving 200 senior participants with a chronic
condition, monitoring their vital signs from their home.
Seniors participating in the pilot are provided with the
NBN connection, health monitoring service and required
computer and equipment for free. This backed with fully
supported education and training on how to use the
equipment, allowing participants direct access to Telehealth
nurses, and other health professionals via video conferencing.
Feros Care is thrilled by the community demand to
participate in the pilot and has received 262 referrals to go
onto the “My Health Clinic At Home” (MHCAH) pilot.
Of those, 153 clients have had their assessment
completed and over 100 have already been connected to
the NBN and are using their “My Health Clinic At Home”
computer and monitoring equipment to take their vital
signs on a daily basis. The remaining assessed clients
are ready and waiting to get the NBN connected to their
home to participate in the trial.
WE ARE HAPPY TO REPORT OUR PILOT SENIORS
ARE MYTHBUSTERS!
IF YOU THOUGHT OLDIES AND TECHNOLOGY
CAN’T WORK TOGETHER, THEN THINK AGAIN.
All of our participants are actively using their touchscreen
tablets with ease. They are taking their own vital signs
at home, interacting via video conferencing direct to our
Telehealth nurses almost every day, and some
are even doing “virtual consultations” with their doctor.
In the first 6 months of the pilot our seniors had
conducted 255 video conferences, once again defying
all misconceptions that seniors are not tech-savvy!
From our mid pilot survey interviews conducted by
Southern Cross University, results are showing that
participants are having a positive experience and most
importantly feeling more in control of their health condition.
Jennene Buckley demonstrates MHCAH to
referral agencies in Coffs Harbour.
The “My Health Clinic At Home” pilot continues until
the end of June 2014 and we look forward to updating
you on the final evaluation by the end of 2014. If you are
interested in our Telehealth service or have any questions
please call the Feros Care LifeLink team on 1300 851 771
Feros magazine
7
TO
BEAT
5
tips
the
HEAT
Summer heat can be scorching in Australia and many people fall victim to heat-related
illnesses including heat stress and dehydration. Don’t let the heat beat you.
Follow these simple tips to staying healthy during long, hot days.
1 Drink water - Rising temperatures can
increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related
illnesses, so it’s vital to keep hydrated by drinking
plenty of water in the summer months.
Drink constantly throughout the day - waiting until
you feel thirsty may mean you are already becoming
dehydrated. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as it
can dehydrate your body further.
2 Eat well - It’s important to maintain a
healthy diet, even if your appetite decreases in the
hotter months. Australian Government guidelines
recommend daily serves of protein, vegetables,
fruits, cereals, and dairy. Eating foods like fruits and
vegetables which have a high water content can also
increase your fluid level. Eat small meals throughout
the day to keep up energy.
3 Stay cool - Stay indoors during the
warmest hours of the day (between 10am and 2pm),
with blinds or curtains closed to keep rooms cool.
Make sure you use a fan if you have one, or if you
do use an air conditioner, set it at 24 degrees. This
will reduce the effect heat has on your body if you go
outside. Taking cool baths or showers during the heat
of the day, or swimming in the early morning can help
keep your body temperature from rising too high.
4 Wear light clothing - Avoid leaving
the house during the hottest hours of the day. If you
have to go outside, wear loose, breathable clothes
and a wide-brimmed hat. Remember to apply
sunscreen and carry a water bottle with you.
5 Keep in touch - Stay in regular contact
with friends and neighbours who can monitor you.
Also consider a personal alarm linked to a 24/7
response centre in case you need help at any time.
8
Summer/Autumn 2014
HOME ALONE OVER SUMMER?
Don’t Fret
The summer holiday season can often see your
family and friends away, which can leave you feeling
anxious, lonely and isolated. But with a bit of planning with your family, friends and other
social services, those feelings can be alleviated to make sure you are monitored and
supported while loved ones are away.
Here are some simple tips:-
•
If you live alone, one vital tip is to ensure you have a personal alarm.
Personal alarms can provide 24/7 contact with a response centre who
will assist you with any mishaps, anxiety or serious illness you may
experience. You only need to press the button on your pendant or the
base alarm and the operator will speak to you in your home and stay
on the phone until your need for help is resolved. This back up provides
peace of mind 24/7, particularly if your normal support networks are
away or not contactable.
•
You and your family may wish to consider respite – either in your home or
at a residential village. Generally you will need an Aged Care Assessment to access respite, however you may wish to investigate private services
as well.
•
Be sure to notify other family contacts who may be able to check in with you regularly, provide company or just simply call to make sure you are well.
In addition to the above tips, here are some practical steps you can make yourself to boost
your mood whilst family are away:-
•
Keep active: It can be hard to find the motivation during the hot summer
months, but studies show the benefits aren’t just physical. Exercise releases
endorphins which produce feelings of happiness and can reduce anxiety
and stress. If it’s too hot to take a walk outside, try strolling through an air
conditioned shopping centre if you’re mobile, or even do some gentle
exercise at home in front of the fan. Make sure you drink plenty of water
to stay hydrated.
•
Stay in touch: Feeling lonely over the holiday season can lead to a decline
in your overall physical and mental wellbeing, so it’s important to keep in
contact with close friends and family who are still around your neighbourhood. If you have neighbours or friends who are also alone, plan activities
you can do together to keep each other company.
•
Spoil yourself: Take time to treat yourself to something you enjoy. It may
be watching your favourite movie, completing a large jigsaw puzzle or
reading that book you’ve been meaning to start for ages. Whatever you
do, it will have a positive effect on your mood.
•
Get Creative: If you are crafty now may be the time to release that creativity.
But your imagination does not have to be limited to craft. Consider starting
a new hobby or project – what a great way to start the new year!
If you’re alone at home and feel you need more assistance, Feros Care’s dedicated team can help keep you healthy,
active and motivated while your family is away. Services may include domestic, personal or nursing care, wellness and
lifestyle activities. For more information about the eligibility requirements for Feros Care At Home, ring our Aged Care
Advisory Team on 1300 763 583.
Feros Care’s LifeLink service offers a range of products including personal alarms. Please call them on 1300 851 771
to arrange for a quote and installation.
Feros magazine
9
Feros Heroes
Margaret Fisher
At Feros Care, we are all about Celebrating Ageing. 2014 sees the launch of our Feros
Heroes - a new initiative recognising & celebrating those individuals who as role models
are contributing to our community in an active and positive way. Our Feros Heroes are
recognised for inspiring us, surprising us and embracing our “get bold, not old” ethos.
This edition we celebrate 83-year-old, Feros Hero Margaret Fisher. Margaret competed in the
World Super Seniors Tennis Championships in Austria this past September. She competed in the
singles, doubles and mixed doubles, reaching the singles quarter finals. Guest feature journalist,
Mick O’Regan caught up with Margaret and gives us a better insight into this inspiring character.
T
he way Margaret Fisher moves across a tennis
court you can tell she’s no novice. There’s a
spring in her step and quickness to her pace.
She sums it up in a moment. “I’m fitter now than I was
in my fifties!” Her smile becomes a laugh as she adds,
“You can be too, you just have to keep doing!”
At 83 she retains the style and agility of a player from
a younger generation. Not to mention the competitive
spirit! So it comes as no surprise to learn she once
played at Wimbledon, striding the courts at the
All England Tennis Club.
10
Summer/Autumn 2014
“Oh, it was magical!” she laughs, “Free strawberries
and cream, a lift home after the game in a brand new
Daimler and dancing at the Players’ Ball. What a time
it was!” Sixty years later Margaret is still on the move
and that’s the way she likes it.
Being fit, focused and energised by her interests is
the way Margaret Fisher lives her life. As far as she’s
concerned being in your eighties offers some truly
precious gifts. “What you’ve got to look forward to in
your eighties is peace of mind. And you can be fit and
get fitter,”she declares.
It comes down to attitude and having a healthy sense of
self-respect. On this point Margaret is without a doubt:
“You must be interested in yourself and your
life. You must be interested in asking
‘what next today, what am I going to
do today?’ That’s when you spark
that interest in yourself.
You can be alive and alert and
you can do new things or renew
old interests. There are just so
many things that older people
in their eighties can do.”
She insists you shouldn’t limit
yourself, but instead get thinking
about the opportunities that await:
“You can visit people, you can pick up
your knitting even if you thought you’d lost
the skill. Try crocheting, it’s just beautiful the work you
can do. Try everything! Learn to paint, learn to draw.
There are so many things you can do just by picking
up your pastels. You’ve just got to keep doing though,
that’s what you’ve got to do.
Above: Margaret Fisher and over 80s doubles
partner Marj Niccol at the World Super Seniors
Tennis Championships in Austria last year.
Growing older has other, less tangible gifts as
well. For Margaret the wisdom of her senior years
has let her reflect on what’s really important.
She’s typically resolute on this topic as well.
You have to show kindness, generosity and,
where you can, look after people.
Leaning back in her chair she pauses for just a
moment and says with great conviction, “Kindness
keeps you level. Kindness gives you perspective
on where you sit as regards where the others sit.
Kindness is being able to look at those asylum
seekers and think, “Well, we all came here to this
country.” Kindness is being able to think ‘Yeah we
can move over a bit, we can allow this to happen.
We can be a bit generous.’ It’s a gentle thing
kindness but it’s also a firm thing. It’s being able
to reach out and just give a lift to someone if
they need it.”
Margaret sums it all up in this way: “There’s a
whole world out there. It’s just so lovely to wake
up each morning and get up and go. Just do.
And be kind to others. I know it sounds corny but
it’s true.”
Feros magazine
11
Feeling
Blue...
Depression Isn’t
A Normal Part
Of Ageing
In the last edition of FEROS Magazine we featured an article on “Why Depression isn’t
a normal part of ageing” – an article that was very well received by many of our readers.
With the holiday season upon us it is a timely reminder to be aware and in tune with
how you are feeling emotionally.
Looking after your mental health is just as important
as your physical health as they complement each
other. One great user friendly resource available to all
seniors is www.beyondblue.org.au with easy access
to information and support. Beyondblue is an
organisation that is working to reduce the impact of
depression and anxiety in the senior community by
raising awareness and understanding, empowering
people to seek help and supporting recovery,
management and resilience.
If you are suffering sadness or feeling down, can’t be
bothered participating in activities you once enjoyed,
experiencing unexplained aches and pains, then these
could be signs of depression.
Don’t ignore it.
At Feros we want to remind our clients that
help is always available. If you are a Feros
Care client and think you may have signs of
depression or anxiety speak to your
Care Manager today or call us on
1300 763 583.
www.beyondblue.org.au
12
Summer/Autumn 2014
health & wellness
FEROS FRIENDLY
VISITOR’S
PROGRAM
We are very excited to announce our new Feros Friendly
Visitor’s program which will see our community volunteers
spreading across the east coast of Australia. The program
involves Feros volunteers spending real or ‘virtual’ time giving
back to older people living in their own homes.
Our Friendly Visitors have endless possibilities available to
make a difference! Cards and chess are all-time favourites
and so is having a great chat. Feros Friendly Visitors can
also be innovators - connecting using new technologies like
Skype, creating life story books and finding new ways to bring
laughter and joy to our clients.
If you are a Feros client who would like a friendly visitor, call
our volunteer coordinator today on 1300 085 151
‘I’d love to make a difference’
Do you enjoy cards, movies or a good chat?
Feros Care is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers that are genuinely interested
in bringing laughter, companionship and purpose to the lives of our clients.
Being a Feros Care volunteer means:
• Sharing your skills and experience
• Giving back to your community
• Meeting new people
• Opportunities to meet new people
With advancements in technology you could volunteer from anywhere by phone
or using virtual communication like Skype.
How much time is required?
This is completely up to you. It could be as little as 1 hour a fortnight.
Do you need experience or qualifications?
Training and ongoing support is provided, to ensure you are confident in your new role.
How do you apply?
Visit www.feroscare.com.au and click on the ‘Volunteer’ link on the home page,
or Phone 1300 085 181 and register your interest today!
Be the change you want to see in the world
Feros magazine
13
C ommunity
Mark your diary
1-3 August 2014
Byron Bay Writers Festival
The Byron Bay Writers Festival is a popular festival,
attracting crowds of over 45,000 annually to its event.
Held at the beautiful beachside location of Belongil, Byron Bay, this event
showcases respected contemporary writers participating in lectures, panels,
launches and readings. Feros Care, which also has its origins in Byron Bay, was
a Platinum Sponsor of the 2013 event.
Feros Care sponsored one of three main event marquees and utilised the
opportunity to provide expert guest speakers on author panels, hosted an
information tent and provided topical articles 'Celebrating Ageing' in the writers
festival newsletter, in the lead up to the event.
Gabriele Taylor, Feros Care Director of Community Services participated as
a guest on several author panels discussing issues relating to dementia and
ageing well: living well. Gabriele’s expertise on dispelling some common myths
around ageing was well received and opened interesting forums for discussion.
Feros Care's sponsorship of this event also provided an excellent opportunity to
educate the “adult children” demographic and promote the lifestyle choices their
ageing parents have available to them through organisations such as Feros Care.
Feros Care will continue
celebrating ageing at the
2014 Byron Bay Writers
Festival with plans already
underway for an exciting
program of authors, topics
and discussion forums.
New Community Volunteer Service Launches
Our first volunteer led transport service began in August 2013, providing a
friendly and convenient door-to-door shopping bus service to clients living in
Tweed Heads, Northern NSW. Planning is already underway to extend this
service to other regions.
The minibus service supports our clients living in their own homes by helping
them to meet new people and gain easy access to shops and services.
One of our shopping bus regulars Mrs Davidson says she “looks forward to the
shopping bus trip and thoroughly enjoys it”. Another bus regular Mrs Barber
agrees that the “service is excellent”, and she encourages other Feros clients
to come along and get involved.
Our newly recruited and trained volunteers are extraordinary people who
genuinely care and have compassion for others. Volunteer minibus driver Kevin
and volunteer transport assistant Marie often join the group for a cuppa after
a hard day of shopping! “It’s a great group of people, very friendly” says driver
Kevin. “It’s nice to be able to give back to the community”.
Due to the popularity of the new shopping bus service the program also
commenced a second community group outing to FABS – Fun Activities for
Banora Point Seniors program. FABS is an enjoyable afternoon of arts and
crafts, card games and exercise classes providing another outlet for seniors to
meet new friends, learn new skills or revisit old ones.
Would you like to be a part of these community activities? Are you a Home and Community Care (HACC) client living in the Tweed Heads
NSW region? Could you spare some hours to volunteer support for
this program?
To find out more or to book on the minibus, please contact
Allied Health & Wellness on 1300 085 181.
14
Summer/Autumn 2014
R esidential
pets welcome too
For most people the thought of losing or being
separated from a beloved pet who provides
companionship and unconditional love, is heartbreaking. For those considering care either in
their home or moving into residential care the
worry of being forced to give away their pet can
be traumatic. Decisions as to who will look after
their pet can be very upsetting.
Times have changed and that’s good news for pet owners,
particularly for those seniors considering moving into aged
care. No longer does it necessarily mean having to say
goodbye to your furry companions (or not so furry as the
case may be!). Feros Care’s Positive Living Coordinator,
Jacquelyn Atkins explains how aged care and pets can
work together, and the clear benefits of living with pets.
“Caring for a pet can keep you mentally and physically
healthy, with research suggesting pet owners are less likely
to suffer from depression and, on average, have lower
blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Pets also offer love
and companionship, decreasing stress, anxiety and
feelings of loneliness or isolation,“ Jacquelyn explains.
She says pets can also ease the transition from home to
aged care. “Caring for a pet also maintains a sense of
purpose and responsibility at a time when you may feel a
loss of responsibility for day to day life.”
Pets can also keep you fit and healthy through exercise.
“The fabulous benefit of exercising your pet encourages
you to remain active,” says Jacquelyn.
She explains that getting out and
about with your pet “often opens up
opportunities for social connections
with other residents or other pet owners
in the community.”
For example, going to the dog-walking section of the
beach or park regularly, or sharing pet stories with other
pet owners opens up conversations and friendships.
Studies have also shown that simply playing with pets
can be beneficial, boosting neurotransmitters which help
us feel loved, calm and relaxed. Staying active and playful
with a pet will keep you feeling energised.
Feros Care encourages pets at all
residential villages and can also
support clients living at home
with pet care. Across our three
Feros residential villages we
have dogs, cats, budgies,
rabbits, chooks,
guinea pigs – all of
varying size, colour
and personalities –
just like life really.
So if you are
considering care,
remember to ask
any potential
providers about
their pets policy.
David Horner and
resident pet Brutus
Feros Care is committed to promoting your right to lifestyle choices and take great pride in including your
pet pals! To find out more or arrange a visit to one of our residential villages please call us on 1300 763 583.
Feros magazine
15
Feros Care Celebrating Ageing and Christmas!
Every Christmas the Feros Care staff and their children
participate in a Christmas carol tour visiting the three Feros
residential villages of Byron Bay, Bangalow and Wommin Bay
at Kingscliff. The “talented” staff carollers travel to each of
the villages to sing to the residents. For the staff it is a heartwarming event and a time to connect with residents – and for
residents it's an opportunity to share in some Christmas spirit
and enjoy traditional carols.
Feros Care, Positive Living Coordinator, Jacquelyn Atkins
reported that the 2013 carols were once again a huge
success for staff and residents alike.
“Beginning at Byron Bay, the choir wove their way through the
corridors of the cottages bringing cheer to the residents who were
very forgiving of the lack of practice and keen to join in with the
old favourites. Buoyed by their success, the carollers moved onto
Bangalow where the vocal warm-up was paying off. The residential
village burst with song and smiles. Completing the tour at Wommin
Bay, the carollers were feeling as uplifted as the grateful audience”
Madagascar Project >>> Gains momentum
For the residents of Feros Care, the Madagascar Project has taken on a life of its own. What started as
a heart-warming activity for the children of an orphanage in Madagascar has migrated back onto the
shores of Byron Bay with brand new initiatives.
In 2013 the “Madagascar Project” won the Positive Living in Aged Care Award for
its many benefits around socialising, learning new skills, passing on “my old man”
skills and giving purpose to the day. Today, those positive outcomes are still being
enjoyed by the Feros residents and in turn, those who are the beneficiaries of their
crafty gifts.
The most recent initiative by our residents was the creation of knitted “snuggle”
bags for orphan babies of a different kind – this time baby joeys and wombats
under the care of Animal Rescue Organisation WIRES. The knitting continues, with
larger blankets and teddy bears donated to the local Salvation Army centre along
with felt hand-sewn toiletry bags, wooden toy cars made by the men and other felt
and fabric bags for the homeless.
The evolution of the Madagascar project has been such a great example of our
residents taking ownership of the activities they value, who they want to help in
the community and actively contributing to helping those in need - a sensational
initiative impacting the lives of many.
16
Summer/Autumn 2014
A LETTER FROM...
Ruby
On 2 August I had the pleasure of visiting Feros Village, Wommin Bay.
I was warmly welcomed by Amanda Harvey who showed me over the
village. It was such a thrill to hear Amanda talk so passionately about the
achievements of Feros at Wommin Bay. It is now 32 years since George
died and left a legacy for his vision of aged care in Byron Bay.
I was pleased to read Jennene Buckley's Word from The CEO in the last
issue of the Feros Magazine. To think that Feros is wishing to remove
geographical boundaries and pursue targeted opportunities across Australia is wonderful.
Perhaps by the time I require aged care, Feros Care may be as far south as Bateman's Bay. It would be
lovely to think that the organisation my father had a vision for, will provide care for me in my older
senior years.
Wommin Bay is a credit to the Board of Directors and the staff who all work
tirelessly to maintain the high standard that has been achieved since Feros
acquired this new establishment. When visiting Feros, one of the lovely things
was seeing the passion of the Care Manager and all the staff. I am sure George
would be very pleased to know that Feros Care has upheld his wish to provide
care for the aged by their fundamental mission of 'Celebrating Ageing'.
By Ruby Feros
George his passion, written by his daughter Ruby, can be purchased for $50 from Feros
Care or from Ruby Feros by emailing [email protected] All proceeds go to Feros Care.
WATER WHEELCHAIR beach adventure
On Mondays and Thursday at Feros Village Byron Bay residents are given the oportunity to have
a beach adventure. Residents can either take a beach walk at Clarkes Beach or hitch a ride in the
council owned, Sand Cruiser Beach wheelchairs!
Volunteers John & Jo with
resident walkers Graham
and Hugh take Glennis
for a stroll.
Tom advises “This is how we
do it at Byron—I love my
volnteering role”
Resident Doreen,
Volunteer Tom and Positive
Living Assistant Beck Duffy.
Feros magazine
17
FEROS FAMILY
Fu n
Team Feros ENTERS THE
Gold Coast Marathon
Go Team Feros!
Another milestone for Team Feros in 2013 was the entry of 26 staff members competing in the
Annual Gold Coast Marathon – an awesome personal achievement for many in our organisation.
As part of the ten week Fitness @ Feros Forever staff wellness program, Team Feros members were
sponsored to compete in the 5.7km and 10km events. For many of the staff this was their first time in a fun
run event and for some the first time they have ever attempted such distances. Some staff charged across
the line in record breaking times – while others achieved personal goals never thought possible before
Fitness @ Feros Forever.
Team Feros certainly stood out amongst the thousands of race
participants in their bright orange, newly branded Team Feros
sport shirts and you couldn’t hide the big proud smiles all round
at the finish line, albeit beaming from rather red, sweaty faces!
Of course the real finish line was a big breakfast post-race
celebration for Team Feros, where race tactics were discussed
for 2014.
WATCH OUT GOLD COAST, TEAM FEROS ARE ON A MISSION!
DRAGON BOAT REGATTA
Team Feros has a proud tradition of every year heading down to Jack Evans Harbour, Tweed Heads to do battle on
the sea – all in the name of charity and of course, good Feros Team fun!
Picture this – 44 staff members all giving up their Sunday, both males and females, all shapes and sizes, armed with
wayward wooden paddles and ready for battle to thrash it out with other community-minded dragon boat teams doing it for the Kids In Need fundraising group.
Each dragon boat has a team of 22 paddlers, a sweep - who controls the dragon boat from the rear and a drummer who sits atop a little stool at the front of the boat beating the drum to a rhythm to help the paddlers keep pace.
The fun filled day consists of round robin dragon boat races, a BBQ hosted by Rotary Club, some swimming, lots of
laughs and HOO HAA team chanting.
Fortunately Team Feros shows much better form in aged and community care services than it does in dragon boat
races! Let’s just say we are gracious in accepting defeat and what we lack in speed we make up for in enthusiasm!
One of the great rewards of participating in this event is drawing inspiration from the other competitors including a
breast cancer survivor’s dragon boat team, brilliant in pink, displaying such strength and speed, synchronised timing
and an unstoppable spirit. Way to go ladies!
18
Summer/Autumn 2014
2013
STAFF AWARDS
DINNER
It’s no secret that Feros Care loves a party and any excuse to get
dressed up! The Annual Feros Staff Awards Dinner celebrating the
achievements of our staff was held at Tweed Coolangatta Golf Club
in a spectacular academy awards style event attended by 179 staff.
The 2013 gala night theme was “The Love Boat”; a
favourite television show from the 80’s which
provided plenty of scope for ship captains, cruise
leisure staff, showgirls and badly-dressed tourists.
The event specifically acknowledges those staff
members who truly live the Feros Care values with
nominations in six categories representing each of
those values. The Employee Choice Award winners
for 2013 were:
ABSOLUTE INTEGRITY
Anthony Bacon from the LifeLink
Telehealthcare team.
EVERYONE MATTERS
Becky Duffey from Feros Village Byron Bay.
INNOVATIVE THINKING
IT and Communications team.
LIFELONG LEARNING
Robyn Kirk from Feros Village Wommin Bay.
POSITIVE ENERGY
Cheyne Burns from the IT and Communications team.
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Kerry Stonestreet from Community Services team.
Long-serving staff members are also recognised with a special
jewellery item button to go on their name badges for 5, 10, 15
and 20 years of service.
We also recognise our many volunteers with a special Volunteer
of the Year award for a significant contribution in time and ideas
to the organisation and our clients.
VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
John and Beth Anderson.
The FITNESS @ FEROS FOREVER craze was also celebrated
with four fitness awards won by Elaine Brewster,
Chloe Wotherspoon, Debra Crook and the Red Hot
Oompa-Loompas team.
Feros magazine
19
FITNESS
Feros Care’s Staff
FEROS
FOREVER put their fitness to the test
2013 CHALLENGE
Have you noticed any changes in Feros Care staff
members recently? Perhaps they are looking fitter, leaner,
happier and most significantly healthier.
Well that could be because just recently 172 Feros Care
staff committed themselves to improve their health and
wellness by participating in our inaugural Fitness @ Feros
Forever (FFF) Challenge. Right across the entire Feros
network, staff working in the community, residential
villages, Community Gateway and the business centre,
donned their lycra, runners and deodorant to participate in a
gruelling 10 week fitness and health challenge.
Participating Feros staff took the challenge very seriously
– each setting themselves individual healthy living goals,
changing their diet to a more “clean eating” approach and
committing themselves to regular exercise. The program
was engaging, exciting, educating and motivating...
encouraging participants to make positive changes
including healthier choices and behaviours. And the results
speak for themselves, with a cumulative weight loss of
172kg and waistbands shrinking by over 680cm!
But aside from the weight loss and nutritional education
the improvement in personal fitness was most significant.
Each participant undertook strenuous before and after
fitness assessments – the result was an increase in
sustainable activity levels, now forming part of their
everyday behaviour.
Participating staff were accountable to physical activity and
adopting a healthy eating plan. Staff were encouraged to
make simple changes like powerwalks from work, recording
exercise activity, utilising the FFF Challenge social media
site and watching videos from our own personal trainer on
computers and smartphones.
Not only have the bodies of our staff changed, energy
levels are buzzing, morale and team relationships have
also strengthened and best of
all staff are reporting they
feel great.
20
Summer/Autumn 2014
Over 70% of participants reported having new energy and
vitality and over 60% reported being much healthier than
the same time last year.
Staff feedback from the challenge was overwhelmingly
positive:
“FFF Challenge got me exercising in new and different ways - I love going to the gym with other Feros staff.”
“I enjoyed feeling like part of a team with
everyone doing the same thing and talking about it which gives people
motivation, and of course losing weight.”
“Kick started weight loss, diet & exercise regime, my appetite has been curbed
successfully.”
“It has given me the motivation to make exercise part of my daily routine.”
The Fitness @ Feros Challenge is another example of
Feros Care managers and staff living our values, and
committing to our service principles of promoting healthy
ageing and empowering positive lifestyle choices for both
staff and clients. Watch out for more updates as we
continue to rollout Fitness @ Feros Forever Challenges
in 2014.
Agencies and Government Information
Contact List
AGED CARE COMPLAINTS SCHEME
EMERGENCY SERVICES
1800 550 552
000
AGED CARE INFORMATION LINE
FEROS CARE
1800 500 853
1300 763 583
www.feroscare.com.au
THE AGED CARE RIGHTS SERVICE
02 9281 3600
1800 424 079
www.tars.com.au
GUIDE DOGS QLD
CARERS AUSTRALIA
02 9412 9300
02 6122 9900
www.carersaustralia.com.au
CANCER COUNCIL HELPLINE
13 11 20
THE DEMENTIA HELPLINE
1800 100 500
DEPT. OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
133 254
www.dva.gov.au
DISABILITY AND AGED INFORMATION SERVICES
1800 800 340
www.daisi.asn.au
DEPT. OF COMMUNITIES, CHILD SAFETY AND
DISABILITY SERVICES
13 74 68
www.communities.qld.gov.au
EMERGENCY RESPITE SERVICE
1800 052 222 during business hours
1800 059 059 outside standard business hours
1800 810 122
GUIDE DOGS NSW
FEROS CARE LIFELINK (TELEHEALTHCARE
SOLUTIONS)
1300 851 771
www.lifelinkresponse.com.au
NSW FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES
(OFFICE FOR AGEING)
13 12 44 (Seniors Information Service)
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
NSW HEALTH
02 9391 9000
www.health.nsw.gov.au
OFFICE OF HEARING SERVICES
1800 500 726 (Client Contact Line)
1800 500 496 (TTY users)
www.health.gov.au/hear
QLD HEALTH
07 3234 0111
13 HEALTH (13 432 584)
www.health.qld.gov.au
Helping you achieve
the life you want!
Allied HomeHealth will support you to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Build strength and balance
Prevent falls
Manage pain
Improve mobility
Create a safer home
Care for your feet
Access aids to easily move around and continue
doing daily living activities and other practical tasks.
Phone: 1300 085 181
health & wellness
Fax: 1300 850 770 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.feroscare.com.au
Feros magazine
21
lifelink telehealthcare
“Mum was on her own when
she fell…but she wasn’t alone.”
1300 851 771
www.lifelinkresponse.com.au