02 DC Newsletter Apr 2012

DutchCare
news
quarterly newsletter of DutchCare Ltd
PO Box 8219 Carrum Downs VIC 3201
Volume 19 issue 2, April 2012
Living Longer, Living Better
STOP PRESS – AGED CARE REFORMS
Just as I was finalising this newsletter, the
Government finally announced its response to the
Productivity Commission‘s Inquiry into the Care
of Older Australians.
―The Australian Government is
reforming not just the different types of
aged care service delivery, but also
tackling how the system works together
– for consumers and providers, now and
into the future.”
A break-down of the key measures and funding
behind the aged care reforms announced by the
Government.
A $3.7 billion package over 5 years:
 $1.9 billion for better access to aged-care
services.
 $1.2 billion to strengthen the aged-care
workforce.
 $268.4 million for dementia.
(Continued on page 2)
Karen Buncle with Wil Graafsman and Anneke van den Hout
Aged Care Reforms,
two-thirds of the solution.
The aged care reforms have been positively
received but they neglect a significant portion of
the ageing population, namely those elders from
a non-English speaking background (NESBs)
who constitute a third of the ageing population in
Victoria.
Now is the time to insist that NESBs are
automatically included in the policies and
practices to be developed in connection with the
reforms. In fact, they should be represented in
aged care services in direct proportion to their
percentage of the targeted population. Read how
the reforms could achieve this.
(Continued on page 5)
Left: carer Sharon Bierman with Fien van der Vlies
Avondrust Aged Care
Facility gains another
3 years accreditation
see page 7
Camp Eden with kids
A new world opens for
DutchCare
See page 3
Avondrust Auxiliary
Klaverjas Drive
SATURDAY May 12 Noon
See page 10
DutchCare News
Page 2
Aged Care Reforms Continued
(Continued from page 1)
So that you can get an idea of what is planned, I
have attached a brief summary.
So far feedback has been positive. There are
certainly benefits for our Dutch Elders and
DutchCare itself but I have reservations about
what is proposed for people from a non-English
speaking background generally. More on that later
in this newsletter.
Because more detail is coming out gradually on
the reforms, I propose in the next 3 or 4
newsletters to describe more fully what the
reforms will mean to you and your Elders under
various headings such as community care,
residential care, consumer directed care etc, so
watch this space!
Home care:

$54.8 million to support carers.
 Home Care subsidy package to be means
tested from July 1, 2014; 'care fee' to be
introduced.
 Family home will be exempt from means test
 Means testing to reduce government funding
of package from 84 per cent to 76 per cent.
 Recipients to pay basic fee of up to 17.5 per
cent of the single basic pension.
 Full pensioners won't pay care fee.
 Indexed caps of $5000 and $10,000 will apply
to care fees of part pensioners and self-funded
retires respectively, together with lifetime indexed
cap of $60,000.
 Care fee cannot be greater than cost of care.
 80,000 new home-care packages by 2021/22.
 Annual government subsidy will range from
$7500 to $45,000.
 $880.1 million over next five years to expand
home care.
 On July 1, 2015, HACC
Program, the National Respite
for Carers Program, Day
Therapy Centres and the
Assistance with Care and
Housing for the Aged Program
will be consolidated under a
new Home Support Program.
 Home Care Support
Program to focus on prevention and reenablement.
 $6.7 billion over five years for HACC Program
for older people.
 $3 billion over five years for joint statecommonwealth Home and Community Care
Program in Victoria and Western Australia.
 $5.8 billion over five years for home care
packages supporting 58,000 packages a year.
 More than $1 billion over five years for the
National Respite for Carers Program.
 Hardship Supplement for residential care to be
extended to Home Care packages.
 $73.5 million to integrate Home and
Community Care (HACC) program with other
commonwealth programs to create and grow a new
Home Support program.
About 4900 new Home Care packages offered
through 2012-13 Aged Care Approvals Round
(ACAR).
Residential care:
 From July 1, 2014, residents can choose to pay
accommodation costs through fully refundable
lump sum or a rental style periodic payment, or a
combination of the two.
(Continued on page 4)
Halls available for Private functions
Avondrust Schumacher-Kramer & Beatrix Village
Are available for Private Functions. For more information about
the hire of the halls and catering options,
Avondrust Schumacher-Kramer
please telephone Jane on
business hours
Beatrix Village Hall,
please telephone Bernie on
business hours.
Page 3
DutchCare News
DutchCare’s First Eden Retreat for Kids
and talk to some Elders there. We asked them to
DutchCare has been a long and faithful supporter
think of some questions that they could ask the
of the Eden Alternative Philosophy, and Petra
elders in regards to their lives now in the home,
makes sure that we keep
centred around loneliness
apprised of all the new ideas
helplessness and boredom. They
and ways to do things better.
were also asked about their past
So when Petra last year went to
experiences in life before they
the Eden Conference in
came to DutchCare.
America and saw that they
So on the second day of the retreat
were now having Eden retreats/
we took the kids to Avondrust
training for children she knew
where they had a morning tea with
this was a great opportunity to
the Elders and were introduced to
pass some of the Eden
the Elder that they would be
principles and philosophies on
spending some time with and then
to our younger generation.
they were given an opportunity to
Therefore in the middle of
talk with the Elder themselves and
April, DutchCare completed its
for the Elder to show the child
first Eden retreat where the
their room if they wanted to.
staff were encouraged to bring
Afterwards they all shared a lunch
their children along.
of chicken and chips in which
We asked some of the Elders at
there was plenty of interaction
Avondrust if they would
between the Elders and the
participate so that the children
children.
would be able to talk to and
After everyone had dinner that
interact with Elders and
night we put on the movie UP
explained to the Elders what
we were trying to accomplish Kids, Staff and Leaders at Eden Retreat which is a great demonstration of
how a young child can have a
so they knew what their role
great time with a older person. The movie also
was.
helped to help them think of that concept of
At the retreat we ended up having 12 kids from
creating a relationship with some one of an Elders
9-13 years and 8 adults and while the staff where
age and I think everyone enjoyed that movie!!!
being trained about Eden, 3 designated trainers
The next day we went through with the children
were imparting a simplified version of the
what they had learnt from the Elders and to just
training to the kids to try and allow the children
help them with any questions and thoughts they
to get the basic principles without making it too
had. Before lunch we all went back to Avondrust
difficult for them. We also got them to do some
and had a sharing circle in the hall with Elders,
fun activities and included plenty of outside
children and adults. The sharing circle brought out
time, and a trip to the beach, so that they didn‘t
just how much the children had learnt and
get bored
appreciated the interaction with the Elders and
and would
likewise how much the Elders had enjoyed
enjoy the
imparting some knowledge and life experiences to
whole 3
the children…in the end I don‘t think there was a
days
dry eye in the place.
experience.
I think this retreat will be one of many that will
We
help train and encourage the next generation to
explained
see the rewards and knowledge that we can receive
to the kids
from our Elders. I know as a trainer I gained a lot
that they
out of this experience especially seeing the
would be
friendships the children have started to create with
going to
each of the Elders they met and talked to.
visit
Harrison in full flight on the flying fox
Jamie Neeleman
Avondrust
Page 4
Adults and kids, hard at work at Camp Eden
What is Camp Eden?
Eden was awesome there were so many things to
do, all fun, even the work was pretty good. Eden
was very interesting all the kids were nice. But the
best part was interviewing Gerry Langendam at
the end we had a talk and all the kids and elders
talked about the interviews that we had. This was a
camp to really remember.
Liam McNamara
Mr Langendam and Liam
DutchCare News
(Continued from page 2)
 From July 1, 2014 means testing arrangements
will be tightened by combining current income
and asset tests.
 New means-testing measures will mean people
with same level of income and assets as other
residents will pay the same fee.
 $486.9 million to increase the accommodation
supplement government pays on behalf of
residents who can't meet all or some of their
accommodation costs.
 Government will remove distinction between low
and high care.
 Providers won't be able to choose people based
on how person intends to pay for accommodation.
 Residents will be able to decide how they will
pay once in care.
 $65.4 million to enable residents to access
additional services in aged-care homes.
 Consumer Direct Care to be trialled in aged-care
centres in 2013/14, to give people greater say
over delivery of care.
 Aged Care Funding Instrument to be refined, to
ensure funding claimed by providers better
matches level of care being offered.
 Other measures:
 $192 million over five years to support people
from diverse background accessing age care.
 $39.8 million for consumer support and research.
 $256.4 million through Aged Care Reform
package.
 $26.4 million to establish new Aged Care
Financing Authority.
 $16.6 million for greater transparency, including
establishment of My Aged Care website.
Petra Neeleman
Page 5
DutchCare News
Aged care reforms OK
but room for improvement
You may well ask why I‘m a bit cautious about the
reforms announced by the Government on 20
April especially when feedback from the sector
has been so good.
It‘s true that lots of boxes have been ticked – more
community care and residential care places, more
choices, fairer costs, funding for staff, dementia
support, help for carers and so on. But if you zero
in on what will be done for people from a nonEnglish speaking background (NESBs), you will
note it‘s ‗more of the same‘. That is, NESBs
continue to be add-ons instead of being firmly
embedded in policy and practice.
Ethnic agencies will need to apply and compete
for miscellaneous funding to familiarise their
communities about aged care options and train
amenable mainstream providers on how to provide
culturally and linguistically appropriate care. It
shouldn‘t be this way.
So here‘s my take on how I would like the reforms
to pan out for the ethnic aged.
The Gateway
If this information and referral service is to be of
any use to NESBs, it will need to be advertised in
the ethnic media such as newspapers and radio so
that its existence is known.
Information on disease prevention, health, aged
care and support services needs to be developed in
first languages and be posted on the proposed My
Aged Care website where it can be accessed by
interpreters and staff working in the primary,
allied health, acute and aged care sectors. Ideally,
the national call centre would be staffed by
bilingual employees or have a subsidiary unit
which specialises in the provision of information
in languages other than English.
Supporting aged care and research
To quote the Living Longer. Living Better
document ―The Government will increase the
availability, accessibility and coordination of aged
care data for the community by establishing a
centralised data clearinghouse at the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare.‖ This is intended
to address the ―lack of evidence in aged care‖.
And about time too.
The Government could start by ascertaining the
degree to which NESBs are accessing aged care
and support services compared to their non-NESB
counterparts. From there, it would be possible to
set uptake targets for NESBs as a whole, or
specific ethnic groups, in each of the Department
of Health and Ageing‘s (DoHA) planning regions.
Access should be measured annually to ensure
NESBs get their fair share of the services.
Supporting Carers
Given the proposed increase in community care
places, carers will need all the help they can get.
Most of this will come from Alzheimer‘s
Australia, Carers‘ Australia and the Continence
Foundation of Australia who receive most of their
funding from the Commonwealth. Currently they
do not know how deeply they are penetrating
NESB communities. As a condition of funding,
they should now be required to submit data on the
use of their services by NESBs and their carers.
This would add to the evidence base in aged care,
and enhance the targeting of services.
Aged Care Quality
Submissions made by ethnic agencies to the
Productivity Commission‘s Inquiry into the Care
of Older Australians made it clear that NESBs had
difficulty in accessing services which were
culturally and linguistically appropriate. It was
also clear that that the current system of standards
assessment failed to measure this aspect of service.
The creation of the Australian Aged Care Quality
Agency provides an opportunity for practices to be
established which comprehensively include CALD
considerations across all the domains of the
standards. Benchmarks for NESB service
provision would assist in this regard. A set of
these has already been developed locally.
Standards compliance in respect of CALD
consumers should be reported to Government
annually.
Promoting better practice and partnerships
Research might clarify which service models work
for NESBs and under what circumstances, so that
all providers can adapt their services accordingly.
Incentives might be provided in funding rounds to
introduce variations and permutations in CALD
care to enhance NESBs‘ social, physical, mental
and spiritual wellbeing.
(Continued on page 6)
DutchCare News
Page 6
Your chance to help us make a difference -Tax Time is almost here
At DutchCare we are always trying to make life as
good as it can be for both the elders we serve and
the staff who make the difference every day to the
lives of those elders.
In this next year we want to considerably improve
the way in which staff do the paperwork
associated with all their duties. One of the biggest
complaints staff have is the time spent in
paperwork.
There is new technology which will help us with
medication management, recording events in our
care planning programs and make life for our
elders more palatable. In addition there are ways
to this use new technology items such as ipads and
YES, I want to donate to help elderly Dutch.
Mail to: DutchCare Ltd
P O Box 8219
Carrum Downs, 3201
Please find enclosed my donation of $_________
or
I would like to make a pledge gift of
$___________ per annum
for each of the next five years to make a total gift
of $_________
[ ]Please find enclosed my cheque as donation
[ ] I would like to pay by credit card:
[ ]MasterCard [ ]Visa
Card Number: _____/_____/_____/_____
Name on the card:__________________________
Expiry Date:___/___/___Amount: $ __________
Signature ________________________________
Name:
_________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________
Address: ________________________________
Suburb:
________________________
Postcode: _______
Email:
________________________________
similar devices for reducing loneliness out in the
community by allowing our staff to communicate
using telemedicine devices thus allowing people to
stay in their homes longer but still receive the care
needed.
Would you please consider making another
donation to assist us in reducing our debt and
allow the purchase equipment that will improve
both the health and safety of our elders and our
staff? We truly appreciate that you have been a
generous financial contributor to DutchCare in the
past.
Tax Time 30th June.
A donation before June 30th will assist us in
reducing our debt and give you tax relief this year.
Gifts to DutchCare are allowable
deductions for income tax purposes. You
may get as much as half of your donation
back in tax relief.
(Continued from page 5)
In the meantime,
to ascertain aged care preferences, options and
attitudes to aged and health care services,
consultative mechanisms involving NESB elders
and, separately, ethno-specific and multicultural
service providers, should be instituted. In the
absence of such mechanisms, mainstream and
support services are not adapted to suit this cohort.
NESB feedback could also inform the activities of
Medicare Locals who are tasked with identifying,
and acting on, gaps in service provision in their
geographical areas of interest.
Workforce
Initiatives to attract new workers to aged care
might include rewards for bilingual staff,
interpreters and relaxed visas to encourage
overseas staff to train and work in Australia.
Conclusion
The aged care reforms provide an opportunity for
the Government to recognise the size of the ageing
NESB population and put flesh on current access
and equity policies, practices and reporting.
DutchCare will do its best to hold the Government
to account.
Petra Neeleman
DutchCare News
Page 7
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING AT AVONDRUST?
You might have noticed that the
Congratulations to the Pain Management Program
roofs have been cleaned in recent Avondrust Team for again In the near future you will notice an
times, an enormous job to do it
achieving full marks—3 increase in our physiotherapists‘
presence. In conjunction with
in a safe manner. The roof
years in their accredita- PhysioCo an additional pain
needed some attention to remove
tion. Thank you Robert, management program is being
an ever increasing growth of
Ann, Willy, Nicole,
introduced at Avondrust. This
moss. It has been a little
involves identifying and diagnosing
disruptive to the Elders given the
Dorothy, Peter and
time it has taken as well as the
Christine for your leader- Elders with chronic pain issues. The
noise levels involved but
ship and all the staff for a physiotherapist will then be
attending to them four times per
ultimately the home looks more
job well done as always. week with pain management
appealing.
strategies that include the TENs
Another completed
machine, massage, ultrasound,
project is the
heat/cold therapy and so on. It is
refurbishment of the
a wonderful opportunity that
Keukenhof dining
depending on its‘ success, may
room. Once again, the
extend into a second program
process has been a
running together with the first.
little disruptive for
Transitional Support
Elders and staff but it
Program
was completed in a
The Resident Transitional
prompt manner,
Support Program (Peninsula GP
despite a few hiccups.
Network) continues to be very
The dining room is
Gerard Langendam tends to his pride & joy, the
helpful. Linda Biddle has been
beginning to look
veggie patch
providing additional assistance
more homely with
for Elders and families with their
wall units, ornaments
settling
in
process
and will be assisted by Sonia
and pictures in place. The refurbishment has
Kulyk from now. The support program is also
minimized the risks due to limited space and an
available to help Elders who have depression. If
increasing need for Elders to ambulate with
you feel this is a program that may be useful for
walkers to and from the dining room for meals.
your loved one, please discuss this with our
The extra dining space was gained from the
Clinical Care Coordinator.
removal of the Unit Manager and Lifestyle
Colds and sniffles
offices. The new Lifestyle office is off the main
As we approach the cooler months, it is timely to
dining room in Avondrust. The Lifestyle team
remind all families, friends as well as staff to
have moved in there and have some nice ideas to
avoid contact with the Elders if suffering from
incorporate a Dutch feel to the décor. You will
colds, the flu or other chest infections. Elders are
now find the Unit Mangers in ‗the link‘ between
more susceptible to ‗catch‘ these contagious
the Avondrust and Bierman Sajet areas. They
conditions and suffer with them far more than
have also settled into their new office.
people with better immune systems. Once again,
A current project yet to be completed involves
DutchCare has offered staff free flu vaccinations.
installing shade sails around the home. Shade
However, please be aware that your local GP can
sails will be placed in the main Avondrust
also offer many people the flu vaccination for free
courtyard, as well as in the courtyards around the
dependent on age and identified chronic
Bierman Sajet areas. This will provide nice
conditions. Staff suffering from colds and flu will
outdoor areas to sit for Elders, families and staff
need to take time off to recover. This has an
on those sunny days. Additionally, the shade
enormous impact on rostering so please think
sails will also help to keep the sun off the
about others and avoid spreading these nasty bugs.
windows and ultimately allow the indoor
Robert van Duuren
temperatures to be controlled better. Additional
external blinds will also be installed.
DutchCare News
Page 8
PRINCESS MARGRIET VILLAGE
As usual PMA is buzzing with energy and activity.
Our MRS Joke is on a well deserved holiday in
Europe, so we are all ―holding the fort‖ until she
comes back at the end of April. Luckily we‘ve got
a great bunch of people working at DutchCare who
are very supportive and help out where needed.
On another note our clinical care coordinator Jose
has resigned to retire after working for PMA/OL
for 10 + years. He will be missed by all. His job is
now shared by two new clinical coordinators Peta
and Trina.
There is never a dull moment here at PMA, we
celebrated Australia day and instead of our regular
Dutch cuisine our elders enjoyed a pie on the day.
In February we celebrated Valentines day with afternoon tea for our couples and finished the day
with a concert by the melody makers.
February also gave us an extra day so we made it a
colorful day, staff and elders dressed up in lots of
color and enjoyed fish and home cooked chips.
March brings us close to Easter everybody is busy
making Easter decorations and Easter cards. On
the 21st of March we celebrated ―Harmony Day‖ a
government initiative so we dressed up in orange
and wore an orange ribbon to show that everyone
belongs. PMA is busy with replacing the carpets in
the common area‘s. Waterlily is completed and it
looks great Sunray will be done in April followed
by Birdsong.
Staff elders and family coped very well with the
disruption and so thanks to you all. Best wishes
and keep safe!
Anny van Duuren
Alida Romeyn and Corrie Janssen dance the day away
during PAG at Kilsyth
Mr and Mrs Cummings that “the heart has no wrinkles”
It was a quiet start to the New Year for Overbeek
Lodge Elders after New Year‘s eve was celebrated
with our traditional fair of oliebollen and
appelflappen. Thankfully we had the help of our
wonderful volunteers who gave their time to cook
them fresh for our residents to enjoy throughout
the facility. Many of our Elders also had the
opportunity to spend time away with family during
the summer holidays in early January.
Australia Day was honored with a flag raising
ceremony and a moment spent in prayer to
remember those who had fought for our country.
On the lighter side, all residents indulged in
typically Australian food enjoying lamingtons and
ANZAC cookies for morning tea and meat pies
with sauce for dinner.
In February, activity increased. At Overbeek
Lodge we have five married couples in residence
who shared a special afternoon tea, complete with
a serenading guitarist to celebrate Valentines Day.
Obviously, we are never too old to be romantic!
Special thanks to our Elders and their families for
bearing with us whilst the foyer at Overbeek
Lodge was being refurbished. Doesn‘t it look
great!!
Other special days that are weaving their way into
our calendar are Rainbow Day, Red Day and
Harmony Day. Each one celebrated with Elders,
staff, volunteers and family members with special
morning or afternoon teas, appropriate colored
clothes or special entertainment for the occasion.
And then, let‘s not forget St Patrick‘s Day in
March. I would like to say a special thank you to
all our volunteers who come in regularly to
support our Elders and Staff. From the kiosk
ladies, to the craft ladies, hairdressing ladies, bus
drivers and friendly visitors. You bring the
spontaneity and joy to our Elders that makes
everyone‘s day!
Margaret Oudendyk
Page 9
DutchCare News
THE DUTCH & BEYOND -OUR FORGOTTEN NATION BUILDERS
Most of you reading this newsletter will be
familiar with the range of DutchCare‘s services.
What you may not know is that DutchCare has a
wider interest in the provision of ethno-specific
services. The hard slog in establishing services for
those who identify with the Dutch culture made it
realise how difficult it must be for other migrants
or refugees who try to access aged care services in
this country. If the locals are having trouble, what
must it be like for those who were born in a nonEnglish speaking country?
Over the past 2 years, DutchCare has been raising
the profile of the ethnic aged in Victoria with a
view to having them automatically included in the
planning of aged care services. Currently they are
considered as ‗add-ons‘ when in actual fact they
constitute a significant part of the population aged
65 and above. Close to 90% of aged people from
a non-English speaking background
(NESBs) live in the Melbourne
suburbs. In the Western and
Northern Metropolitan Planning
Regions (MPRs), they comprise over
50% of the population aged 65 and
over. In the Southern and Eastern
MPRs, this figure is 30%. With
statistics like these, Australia‘s
forgotten nation builders certainly
deserve better treatment.
To ensure the ethnic aged get their fair share of the
aged care cake, DutchCare has made its views
known to the Government on:

information services

planning of services

allocation of services

monitoring of services

quality of services

funding of services, and

language services.
DutchCare is a frequent correspondent with
federal Members of Parliament and a major
contributor to Senate Inquiries. It made 3
submissions to the Productivity Commission‘s
Inquiry into the Care of Older Australians. It is
the sole aged care provider and the only ethnospecific provider on the Department of Health and
Ageing‘s Cultural Diversity Working Group. It
recently made 2 submissions to the Department of
Immigration and Citizenship‘s Access and
Equity Inquiry.
This is an outstanding record compared to
other ethno-specific and mainstream providers.
At a time when aged care is on the threshold
of reform, DutchCare will continue to act in
the interests of the ethnic aged so that national
policies and practices reflect their interests.
Alexis Hughes,
Social Inclusion Officer
DUTCHCARE THUISZORG GIPPSLAND
We are excited to announce that in the last round
of available packages, 5 were given to the
Gippsland region, bringing Gippsland up to 35
CACP package. All 5 packages have now been
filled, however our current Dutch Elders waitlist
is quite low. Care Managers are available to
speak with any Elder about the CACP program
and services available.
Gippsland will also be going through a Quality
review site visit on June 26th 2012 and will be
seeking Elders to participate in this by being
available for interviews by the review team.
Elders may come to the Morwell office or be
contacted by phone.
Care Managers Louise Rutledge and Theresa
Mullucks will be explaining this process to all
Elders as we do our regular monthly visits. New
Care Manager Louise Rutledge has settled in
well and has now meet with all Elders.
Olga and Theresa have new additions to their
homes, Olga welcomed Cooper a Kelpie puppy
and Theresa has welcomed Tess Schnoodle puppy.
All Elders have enjoyed receiving their Easter
Eggs.
Theresa Mullucks
Our Community Care
includes many different
types of service; from
helping with the
groceries, personal care,
transport to/from medical
appointments
and of course always with
a smile! Here are SBS TV
News stars Fien and
Gerard van Laake at
Beatrix Village receiving
support from Janine
Hayen and Lisa van Hoof
DutchCare News
Page 10
AVONDRUST AUXILIARY
During our February social we presented Herman
clothing company will bring a great collection of
Frieling with a wall-plaque and a book. The book
outfits to the Schumacher Kramer hall on
on fishing in Victoria should be very appropriate
Thursday the 17th of May. Some of our volunteers
as Herman enjoys ―drowning a worm‖. After more will tread the catwalk to model some samples for
than 13 years service ,Herman resigned as a
you to choose from. There will be a choice of
member of our auxiliary committee. Herman is
more than 500 quality outfits at reasonable prices.
looking forward to spending some quality time
We‘ll be asking for a gold coin donation and this
with his family. We like to thank Herman & Betsy will include a cup of coffee/tea. The hall will be
for their valuable contribution towards the success open at 1.30 pm for 2.00 p.m. start.
of our auxiliary.
At the moment we‘ve got a great supply of
Many readers would have attended the Holland
liquorice and are selling it at a very attractive
Festival at Sandown in February, as volunteers or
price. Please pay our kiosk a visit and see for
visitors. What a terrific day it was with a great
yourself why our customers keep coming back. To
crowd and perfect weather. The Saturday after the
all our friends in and around Warrnambool, we‘ll
festival the temperatures were in the high 30s, this
once again have our trading table in the hall before
would have been too hot especially for the
your annual meeting and we‘re looking forwards
volunteers who had a stall outside.
to spending some time with you. See you soon.
Please note that next month‘s klaverjas drive has
To all our supporters in and around Melbourne
been brought forward a day because of Mother‘s
we‘re looking forward to welcoming you to our
day. The date therefore will be
functions in the
Saturday May 12, as usual the
Schumacher-Kramer hall
first games will start at noon. As
in Carrum Downs. Our
our Social for April happens to
kiosk is open an hour
be 1 day before the Dutch
before the start of all our
―Koninginnedag‖ we‘ll have an
functions. As the next
orange theme for that day. Even
DutchCare News won‘t
the meal ―Hutspot‖ will be
arrive in your letterbox
orange and we would appreciate
till the second half of
it if our supporters could wear
this year we advise you
something orange on the day.
to keep your eye on our
Next month will see the return of
stock take specials at the
our Fashion Parade & Sale. After
end of June.
a break of a few years we‘ve
Eef Nagengast
decided to give it another try.
Herman and Betsy Frieling
Terry Goodear of the Cliche
AVONDRUST AUXILIARY CALENDAR.
May 12 Noon
Klaverjas Drive. Please note: This is a Saturday!
May 17 1.30 pm Fashion Parade & Sale.
May 27 Noon
Social with: ―THE TEMPO‘S‖, menu: Nasi & dessert.
June 10 Noon
Klaverjas Drive.
June 24 Noon
Social with: ―THE TEMPO‘S‖, menu: Pea soup & Pancakes.
July
8 Noon
Klaverjas Drive.
HARF AUXILIARY
Contact: Connie Grannetia, 9762 7136. Klaverjassen 12.00 - 4 pm
BEATRIX VILLAGE
Everyone welcome. Contact: David or Irene Sanderson, 9728 8221
Every Tuesday from 9.00am-1.00pm Carpet Bowls,
Every Monday from 9.30am Over 50‘s Club
Kiosk open Monday (9-1) Wednesday & Saturday (9-12)
Every 3rd Sunday of the month (1-5)
DutchCare News
Page 11
DO YOU HAVE A WILL?
I have recently heard stories that
demonstrate how important it is for
a person to have a valid Will.
If you die intestate (without leaving
a Will), on your death, your assets
are frozen and your partner cannot
even access your bank account until
the Government gives permission.
It is particularly hard on a surviving
partner if all assets (house, car, all
bank accounts etc) are solely in the
deceased‘s name, especially if there
are children. It is always better to
have the family home and at least
one bank account in joint names so
that if one partner dies or becomes
incapacitated in some way and is
unable to sign cheques, documents, etc – the other
partner can still operate the account and still has a
place to call home.
In a Will, the family home can be bequeathed to
the surviving partner, and if the Title is in joint
names it goes to the partner, but if there is no Will
the Government has a very rigid formula to decide
who gets what. The Government may decide that a
sibling or child to whom you have not spoken for
many years is entitled to a share of your Estate.
This can be very distressing to your family at a
time when everyone is already emotional and
trying to adjust to life without the recently
departed loved one.
I also know of instances where a person has left a
large sum of money in a Will to a child or children
and the surviving partner has been forced to sell a
home they have lived in for many years because
the child/children insist on being paid the amount
Willed to them as soon as Probate was finalised
and there has not been enough money in the bank,
investments, insurance, etc to cover the bequest/s.
Planning Ahead Tools
The Planning Ahead Tools website has
information, resources and educational material
that can be used to assist people with Wills,
Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship and
Advance Care Planning.
The Planning Ahead Tools website is at
www.planningaheadtools.com.au
Over the years, I have had to
organise the funerals and sort out
the affairs of both my late
husbands, my parents and my
brother and I know how emotional
and confusing the experience can
be. You sometimes make decisions
based on well-meaning advice from
people because you think you are
coping better and thinking more
clearly than in fact you are.
You can go to the Newsagent a
purchase a ‗Will kit‘ which contains
a form you fill in and instructions
and it is better than nothing, but if
you have several assets (e.g. family
home, bank accounts, investments,
shares, expensive personal possessions)
I would advise that you involve a lawyer.
DutchCare does not, can not and will not, give you
advice or assistance in the preparation of a Will,
but there are lawyers who are experienced and
experts in this field listed on the internet and a
staff member will help you obtain this list so you
and/or your family can make a selection.
I have already paid for my Funeral. These days
most Funeral Directors have a scheme whereby
you can pay for your funeral either in a lump sum
or by instalments over several years.
Funerals are very expensive and, again, you are
asked to make decisions quickly about such things
as – did your loved one wish to be cremated or
buried, how much can you/will you pay for the
casket, will you have a church service or a
celebrant in a chapel. These decisions, seemingly
minor to some people, can split an otherwise close
family. (It is also a good idea to give a family
member/Doctor a Medical Power of Attorney so
they can decide if and when life support can be
turned off if it becomes necessary.) Write down
your preferences and give a copy to a couple of
family members so there are no arguments later.
Also, minutes after my father died at Heidelberg
Repatriation Hospital I was asked if they could use
his body for training purposes. Would you be
happy to donate your organs? Please think about
these things and let somebody know your
thoughts.
Death comes to us all sooner or later. Nobody
likes to think about it or discuss it.
Judy Overbeek
Page 12
DutchCare Ltd has a Bequest Society.
If you or a loved one is or has been a member of
one of our facilities or programmes and especially
if you have no family and you are happy with the
care received, you may like to consider leaving a
bequest to DutchCare so that we can continue our
work. Although we receive Government funding
for day-to-day care of our residents, DutchCare
Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation and money
received through bequests, donations, etc enables
us to provide extra comfort for residents and ongoing training staff.
Judy Overbeek
The Han and Judy Overbeek
Bequest Society
supporting the work of
DutchCare for the
Dutch community
in Victoria
…it takes a moment to fall in love
and a lifetime to forget
….forget me not
vergeet mij niet
I would like information on making
a Bequest to DutchCare Ltd.
Name................................................................................
Address............................................................................
Postcode........................Telephone.................................
DutchCare News
FRIENDLY VISITING PROGRAM
We have 140 volunteers visiting 184 elders in this
program. These volunteers visit the Elders once a
week to have a chat with them, play a game of
Rummikub or cards, some volunteers and Elders
do card making or go for a short walk. At the moment we have 13 teams within Victoria. These are
located in Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Bayswater,
Bendigo, Casey, Geelong, Gippsland - Inverloch,
Gippsland –Latrobe Valley, Mornington, Shepparton, Sunshine, Warrnambool and Wodonga. And
we are getting a 14th team together in Maryborough at the moment.
In February this year I was contacted by Yvonne
McLean, coordinator of the Maryborough Community House. She invited me to a meeting where
she asked if DutchCare could do something for the
Dutch people in Maryborough and surrounding
towns. We decided to hold a Dutch morning tea to
see if it would attract Dutch people.
This morning tea was held on the 19th March in
sunny Maryborough. Yvonne brought the Dutch
apple cake along from DutchCare‘s kitchen and
Yvonne Mclean organized the coffee and tea. We
also had our volunteer team leader from Bendigo,
Liesbeth and one of her volunteers Tina attending
the morning tea.
We decorated the hall with Dutch flags and had
some Dutch music in the background. Yvonne
Philips talked about DutchCare and also about the
friendly visiting program and answered many
questions that were asked. Liesbeth, the volunteer
team leader from Bendigo talked briefly about the
DutchCare FV team in Bendigo. We had 12 people
attending the Dutch morning tea and they enjoyed
it very much.
We had 3 people signing up to become volunteers
and 2 people who would like to be visited. We
even had a photographer and journalist from the
Bendigo newspaper attending and they wrote a
very nice article about our Dutch morning tea
which was published in the Saturday‘s paper.
Anyone interested in joining any of our volunteer
teams in Victoria, please contact me on 03 9728
7401 or by e-mail: [email protected]
Yvonne Philips
Mobile...........................................
...............................................................................
Please forward this form to:
The Chief Executive Officer, DutchCare Ltd, PO Box 8219,
Carrum Downs Vic 3201
Phone: (03) 9728 5299 Email: [email protected]
Right: Friendly Visiting Gezelligheid ten Top!
Mrs. Massuger welcomes visitor Mien Putts
DutchCare News
Page 13
An Abbreviated DutchCare’s History
As you know, DutchCare Ltd recently celebrated
40 years of aged care in the Dutch Community in
Victoria. At the various functions, I was often
asked questions I couldn‘t answer about our
projects, facilities, programmes and personalities.
So I thought it would be interesting to find out
some of details and I must thank Olaf Zalmstra
and Admin staff for their (very great) assistance.
BACKGROUND
In 1994, the Council for the Dutch Aged (a subcommittee of the Associated Netherlands Societies
of which HARF, Avondrust and DACA were
members) commenced discussions with the
Department in relation to building a nursing home
for the Dutch community. In early 1995, a
Steering Committee made up of 3 representatives
from each of HARF, Avondrust and DACA
organisations and our CEO was formed and a Five
Year Plan was developed and approved. In 1995
community consultations were held and approval
in principle was given for a 30-bed nursing home.
In 1996, DutchCare Ltd and the Dutch Care Trust
were launched, consultations with members were
held, and on 1st October 1996, HARF, Avondrust
and DACA amalgamated to form DutchCare Ltd.
HARF (Holland
2009. Princess Margriet Aged Care Facility
opened with 45 beds in 2001.
AVONDRUST
Incorporated in 1982, land purchased at Carrum
Downs and the building of the Hostel commenced
1991 and was officially opened in 1993. This was
followed by 32 units, which were completed in
1995 commenced. In 1994 Petra Neeleman
became CEO, on a 50/50 basis by HARF and
Avondrust on a 50/50 basis. On 8 February 1998,
the 30-bed Bierman Sajet Aged Care Facility
became the first Dutch-specific nursing home in
Australia.
DACA Incorporated in 1992, principally as a
Referral and Friendly Visiting organisation.
Initially DACA worked from a room at Box Hill
Council Offices, sharing a desk and filing cabinet
with members of another ethnic community. They
later allowed us half a kindergarten in Box Hill
The first team was the Bayswater Team. We are
presently trying to set up a Team in Maryborough.
In 1993 the first funding for the Friendly Visitors
Programme was approved and funding was
approved for a Telelink scheme for isolated
people. DACA received funding for a paid
Community co-ordinator.
Australian Retirement
Petra Neeleman joins the
Foundation
Committee as Treasurer
The first committee was
in early 1995, DACA
formed on 10 May 1971
receives funding for Adult
by some very forwardDay Care programme and
thinking Dutch people
Community visitors
who decided they should
scheme in 1996.
start planning for the
DutchCare Ltd received
future needs of the early
45 Community Aged Care
Dutch migrants to
Packages in 1997 and an
Australia.
additional 15 packages in
Land was purchased in
1998. Today we have
Montrose in 1978. In
Marion van Kooten making pompoms at PMACF
135 CACP packages and
1982, 35 two-bedroom
also have 15 EACH (Extended Aged Care in the
and 6 one-bedroom independent living units were
Home) packages.
completed at Beatrix Village. Another unit was
KITCHEN
added last year. In October 1986, Petra Neeleman
DutchCare provides approx. 516 meals on a daily
joined the Committee of the HARF and became its
basis for residents in facilities and sometimes
CEO in 1992. In 1989, 14 one-bedroom
caters for other DutchCare functions as well. Until
independent units were completed at Princess
the kitchen moved to a separate building in
Margriet, and in August 1991, a 30 bed hostel was
Seaford, meals were prepared in the main kitchens
also opened as Princess Margriet Lodge.
at Avondrust and Kilsyth. A long-time dream of
Following the addition of another 25 beds, this
Petra‘s was a Dutch meals on wheels – and this is
was re-named Han and Judy Overbeek Lodge and
now a reality with ‗Windmeals‘ providing an
officially opened by the Ambassador on 20 June
average of 220 ‗Lekker Tukker‘ meals per week.
DutchCare News
Page 14
Here are some statistics for you
Friendly Visiting:
In 2011, members
of 13 teams
regularly visited
155 elders
throughout
Victoria. In February 2012, 135 volunteers visited
185 elders in the Friendly Visiting and
Community Visiting schemes. It is estimated that
approximately 740 volunteers have visited about
810 clients since 1992.
Residential Care: Between 1996 and 2012,
The youngest person to enter one of our facilities
was 17.8 years and 19.4yrs on departure.
The average length of stay is 2.87 years, the
average age on entry is 83.4 and departure 86.3.
The longest stay with us is 14.51 years, the oldest
age at entry 98.2 years, and 101.3 on departure.
Independent Living Units: The average length of
stay is 8.75 years and the longest is 25.91 years!
About 227 families have lived in one of our units.
Community Aged Care Packages: We presently
service 45 packages in the Southern area, 55 in the
East and 35 in Gippsland – a total of 135.
EACH Packages: We presently have 5 EACH
packages in the Southern area and 10 in the East
Volunteers: DutchCare has always been
fortunate in having a large band of volunteers to
help in all areas; from Friendly Visiting to helpers
in the facilities and kiosks and two very active
Auxiliaries. We presently have 270 active
volunteers. However, it is a sad fact that many of
our former volunteers are now (or have been) in
one of our facilities or programmes.
ON A WEEKLY BASIS,
DUTCHCARE PROVIDES
CARE AND/OR SERVICES
TO OVER 1000 CLIENTS
IN VICTORIA!!!
From L-R back row Peter Vat, Tom Wilson, Frank Mangan
Wilfrid van Dorsser and at front Michael Gysberts, Judy
Overbeek, Petra and Peter van Duijn. Lying down on the job
is Chairman Ignatius Oostermeijer. Jennie Nagengast „s
photo now hangs permanently on the CEO‟s wall. (L)
The Board of Directors
The Board consists of nine members, and Petra
Neeleman as Chief Executive Officer.
DutchCare Ltd has had three Presidents – Ype de
Bruin was the first and he was followed by Menno
van Ruyven. These gentlemen are now
Consultants to the Board. (Under the Constitution,
a person may only serve 3 full consecutive twoyear terms as President.) The current President is
Ignatius Oostermeijer.
Our Vice President is Wilfrid van Dorsser and
Treasurer Tom Wilson. Other current Board
members are Michael Gijsberts, Frank Mangan,
Jennie Nagengast, Judy Overbeek, Peter Van
Duyn and Peter Vat
The average length of service of Board members is
7.30 years, the total years of service of all
members is 146 years and years of service for
current Board members is 87 years.
The longest serving Board members, at 16 years,
are Jennie Nagengast (who was previously
Secretary of Avondrust) and Judy Overbeek
(previously Secretary of DACA). They were both
members of the DutchCare Steering Committee.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Company
Secretary is Petra Neeleman. She is and has been
the driving force and guiding light of DutchCare.
That we are so well-known and respected in the
Aged Care industry in Australia and The
Netherlands is due to her.
Petra was instrumental in setting up Eden in Oz in
2001. When Prins Willem Alexander Village in
Brisbane requested assistance from DutchCare in
February 2006, Petra assisted them in recruiting a
new Management Team. She is now on their
board and attends their regular meetings.
She was given the Jonas Kreveld Award in 2006
‗as a highly professional participant in many
aspects of the general aged care industry having
frequent contact with Federal and State Ministers.‘
In 2006 she was elected Chair of the Finance and
Audit Committee of Aged & Community Care
Victoria. She was again elected Chairperson to the
Finance and Risk Committee of ACCV this year.
Petra was invited to Sydney in 2009 to help the
Juliana Village solve committee and accreditation
problems. Several meetings were held between
Juliana and DutchCare Committees with a view to
a possible amalgamation, but after several months
of discussion this proposal did not go ahead.
However due to Petra‘s involvement their
DutchCare News
Page 15
DutchCare History Continued
rebuilding plans were altered
significantly putting them in
a better position for the
future.
EDEN ALTERNATIVE
After attending a conference
overseas, Petra introduced
this care model into
DutchCare and assisted in the
setting up of ‗Eden in Oz.‘
Eden is based on 10
principles and recognises that most Elders die
from the plagues of loneliness, helplessness and
boredom rather than medical conditions.
DutchCare was the first Australian organisation to
gain 10 principles in all their facilities.
AWARDS
Over the years, DutchCare has picked up several
important awards.
In 1998 DutchCare was presented with the Award
for the Best Aged Care Newsletter in Australia at
the Aged Care Australia Conference. 2004 we
received Victoria‘s Award for Excellence in
Multicultural Affairs – Service Delivery to
Multicultural Victoria – Aged Care. In 2005
Finalist in the 2005 Minister‘s Award for
Excellence in Aged Care – Resident Lifestyle;
Aged and Community Services Australia. Awards
for Excellence: Training Innovation Award and
Organisation Award – Residential Care. In 2006
International Association of Homes and Services
for the Ageing. Excellence in Ageing Services
Award for the Polder Model.
CONCLUSION
DutchCare is a highly-respected organisation
providing care to the Dutch community in Victoria
in many ways. We are a not-for-profit
organisation and receive limited funding for our
facilities and programmes from Government. We
are fortunate in having very caring staff and a
large group of volunteers and supporters. It does
not matter how magnificent the buildings and upto-date the equipment – it is the staff who make a
facility and we are very proud of ours!!
But in order for us to provide the best possible
care for our elders, we need financial support. If
you have a few spare dollars, a donation you make
today is spent today. If you have no spare money
at the end of the month, a bequest is a gift you
make after you have passed on and is the last thing
you can do for someone.
Remember – DUTCHCARE DOES CARE !!
Judy Overbeek
HARF Auxiliary Shops
All proceeds go to DutchCare
Beatrix Village
843 Mount Dandenong Road - Montrose
Opening Hours: Monday 9 am till 1 pm
Wednesday and Saturday 9 am till 12 pm
3rd Sunday of the month 1-5 pm Card games
Oma and Opa’s Cafe
Opening Hours: Monday till Friday from 10 am
till 2 or 3 pm, approx.
Princess Margriet Aged Care Facility
722 Mount Dandenong Road - Kilsyth
Cafe “Delft”,
Han and Judy Overbeek Lodge
Monday-Friday 10 till 2
Have a cup of freshly brewed coffee
and a cake, purchase lots of Dutch goodies
while visiting your friend or relative in
the facility.
A wide range of delicacies is available at
reasonable prices.
Any queries regarding kiosks please contact
Reception: Ph. 9728 5299 (BH)
DutchCare News
Page 16
EDEN IN THE COMMUNITY
Gerda has been supported at home
through a CACP (Community
Aged Care) package with
DutchCare for 8 ½ years. From the
beginning she shared with us how
much she enjoyed doing craft work
and showed us the beautiful
embroideries she has made and
how she enjoys crochet and knitting. She says ‗It
keeps me alive...I can‘t sit still‘.
We were able to match Gerda up with a carer who
has the same interests and from then on they got
on like a ‗house on fire‘. Gerda had a spinning
wheel made by her son and although she knew
how to work it she was not as proficient as she
would like to be. Louise (her carer) and a great
lover of spinning, spent time with Gerda teaching
her. Louise went the extra mile, at times taking
Gerda‘s fleeces to be cleaned and combed ready
for spinning and supplying her with a new fleece.
When I spoke to Gerda she said laughingly ―I
think I‘ve worn the spinning wheel out and my son
is fixing it at the moment‖.
Gerda was born in Amsterdam and brought up in a
poor family, where they always had to ‗make do‘.
At an early age she learnt to knit, crochet and
embroider.
At the age of 15 she learnt to do the
Tunisian Crochet stitch and would
knit and crochet baby clothes for her
sister‘s babies.
Gerda and her husband came to
Australia in 1957 with 2 sons and
had another son and 2 daughters
since. She always knitted for them
and turned out beautiful work by hand and knitting
machine.
She read in the ‗Woman‘s Day‘ of a Dutch lady
‗Coby‘ who was asking for wool for knitting baby
clothes for premature babies. Gerda wrote to her
and said ―I can send it to you, but can make them
as well‖ and from then on Gerda has been making
the most exquisite tiny jackets and beanies for
‗premmie‘ babies using the Tunisian Crochet
stitch. Gerda has probably made about 100 outfits,
which she sends to both the Angliss hospital and to
Coby in NSW.
Gerda also sends Coby a Dutch Calendar each
year and Coby appreciates getting ‗something
from Holland‘.
She loves to live in her own home where she has
been for more than 30 years, surrounded by
supportive, friendly neighbours.
Liesbeth Bennetts
Blue Tip Billiard Club Moves into Aged Care
Over the last 12 months we have been in
discussion with one of our local Dutch clubs, the
Blue Tip Billiard Club. The club has realised that
as their members aged they lacked the ability to
maintain and upgrade the facilities they held, this
along with the cost required to do so made them
ask where to from here?
This is where DutchCare have stepped in, rather
than just let their site go to rack and ruin they
decided to "sell up" and donate the proceeds to
DutchCare. DutchCare offered the use an empty
space in one of the facilities to be built into the
new clubroom to maintain their love of the game
of Dutch billiards. Several months of hard work
some new paint, carpet and of course the
obligatory bar the 45 year old club relocated to
Han & Judy Overbeek Lodge Kilsyth.
The old building now empty was sold and voila
DutchCare has become the recipient of a fabulous
and well needed donation of $100,000 to enable
them to better service the needs of our aging
population both in the home and at our residential
aged care facilities. Thank you Blue Tip members
past and present for your wonderful donation.
Olaf Zalmstra
Photo Presentation of the cheque for $100,000 to president
Ignatius Oostermeijer (R)by club member and negotiator
Nico Reinhart (L)at the "grand opening” of the new billiard
hall April 2012 with Olaf in the middle.
DutchCare News
Page 17
WHY LEARN DUTCH?
Since January we have had Dutch
language classes at DutchCare. As
almost all elders at DutchCare speak
Dutch we find it important that our
non-Dutch-speaking staff have the
opportunity to learn Dutch. And it is
not just for staff. We have volunteers,
family members and some elders in
the community who also joined the
classes. In fact DutchCare welcomes
anyone interested in learning Dutch. I can see
how motivated the students in the first beginners
class are. They are very eager to learn and work
hard on it. However, it is not always easy.
Homework was a little difficult. As most students
have a busy full time job, some even two jobs, and
often with family and children at home to care for,
it became apparent that the majority could not
keep up with homework. Thus we abolished
homework. However, no required homework
doesn‘t mean you can‘t practise listening and
speaking at home and work. In fact I would love to
see everyone practising their Dutch as much as
possible.
Elders, family members and staff who speak
Dutch are encouraged to help our students. Do you
remember how it was to learn English as an adult?
Well, our students are going through the same
learning process.
And for the students it may be a little bit more
difficult as most of the time only people at work
can speak Dutch. The more people who speak
Dutch, the easier a student starts to pick up some
words. So help them, step by step, slowly but
surely.
Students not only learn Dutch for their work. Most
of them tell me that they do it to get closer to the
Elders. And many are first or second generation
children of Dutch immigrants wanting to pick up
the language of their family. There could be many
other reasons why you wanted to learn Dutch: you
might volunteer at DutchCare, or want to go visit
the Netherlands, maybe you want to try to find a
job there, or you want to apply for Dutch
citizenship because your spouse is Dutch, are
doing business with the Netherlands, one or more
of your parents is Dutch, or maybe you just want
to learn another language.
As the teacher, it is of course very warming to hear
that the students enjoy the classes. and that they
are progressing. After only a few weeks one
student told me that although she still
found it a bit difficult to speak Dutch,
she started to broadly understand what
some elders were talking about. Elders
beware of what you say! Dutch has a
lot of similarity to English. A bed is
―een bed‖, a hand is ―een hand‖, I sing
is ―ik zing‖, etc. Once a student learns
the sounds and pronunciation in Dutch
there is a good basis for a student to
learn Dutch more rapidly.
The Dutch course is purpose written for
DutchCare. It not only addresses language by
itself, it also discusses Dutch history and Dutch
immigrants in Australia. It does much more than
just some ―aged care‖ or ―medical‖ terminology.
The purpose is that the student can speak and
understand Dutch in the broadest sense; therefore
the course is called ―Living Dutch‖. However,
don‘t expect too much too quickly. As I said
earlier, it takes time to learn a (new) language.
With only one hour class per week it won‘t go
quick. Therefore, we do not focus on every
grammar rule and exception in the course. The
basic grammar rules are explained, but it is much
more important that vocabulary is learned and that
the student is encouraged to try their Dutch. We
allow mistakes. With practise and usage those will
be ironed out over time.
Not everyone was able to join the Kilsyth
Thursday morning, or Carrum Downs Friday
morning, 09:15-10:30 class. Thus due to the many
requests we are looking into starting another
beginner class at a different time. If you are
interested in learning Dutch let us know what the
best time is for you. Please complete this online
survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
WhenDutch. Spread the word, there are Dutch
language classes at
DutchCare, and lets all
help those students to
practise their new skills. If
you have any questions or
comments please do not
hesitate to contact Kris,
[email protected],
or call direct 0397889005.
Kris von Habsburg
DutchCare News
Page 18
MY YEARS AT DUTCHCARE
I first heard about DutchCare in 1997 on my return
from Holland, however it was in February 2000
when I commenced working here.
I arrived in Australia in 1960 with my parents and
8 brothers and sisters. My eldest brother stayed in
Holland and number 11 was born in Australia, so I
felt right at home in the Dutch community. Being
able to speak the language and understanding the
culture and migration from the beginning I fitted
in.
I started as a carer in the CACP program, my Care
Manager was Mary Kersting. Visiting elders at
home, I always loved to hear their stories, where
they came from, their migration experience and
sharing their joys and losses. I also understood
how the Dutch like their cleaning done and about
making our time together ‗gezellig‘.
In June 2001 I commenced working in the newly
opened Princess Margriet Aged Care Facility as
Team Leader. That was a real eye opener. With
the Eden Alternative in mind our new staff were
chosen for their attitude rather than qualifications.
From the beginning the atmosphere was totally
different to anywhere else I had worked in aged
care. With an eye on the Eden philosophy, we
always endeavoured to create an atmosphere of
‗gezelligheid‘, as much non-institutionalised as
possible when caring for a number of people;
allowing flexibility and choice and getting away
from too much routine, just as you would at home.
In July 2003 I returned to the ‗Thuiszorg‘ team,
this time as Care Manager with 30 elders and 6
care staff. I learnt on my feet and thoroughly
enjoyed this work environment, supporting elders
to remain living at home. Over the years the
program has grown enormously, with now 3 Care
Managers and a team of 17 Care Staff with 55
CACP and 10 EACH (Extended Aged Care at
Home) packages.
During this time my sisters also came to work at
DutchCare and my mum came to live here, so it
has become a family affair.
For 10 years I have been a member of the
Adhocracy, where Management gets together and
we share ideas, make plans and learn together how
to deal with complex issues.
Over the years I have been given the opportunity
to attend many trainings and meetings. My time at
DutchCare has been a tremendous time of personal
and professional growth. I have learnt so much
Liesbeth‘s sleephut
through my relationships with the elders and the
staff. I have also received much love and support,
especially during a period of illness a few years
ago.
During these years I also reared my son Leon to be
a self sufficient young man, my daughter Laura
has married and I now have 2 beautiful
grandchildren. My time-out was many hours spent
landscaping and developing my garden.
Now it is time for a new season in my life. Leon
has moved out, I have sold my house and bought a
camper trailer and I am off to live my dream of
many years, to travel Australia. Friday the 13th of
April will be my last day at DutchCare.
I would like to thank the elders, families, staff and
management for your valuable input into my life
and for the love and friendship I have received
during my 12 years at DutchCare.
Liesbeth Bennetts
$15
DutchCare Cookbook
Now for sale at all kiosks and Receptions;
70 pages full of recipes from Holland, Indonesia and many other cuisines.
DutchCare News
Page 19
THE BOARD GOES ABROAD
Recently I worked as a volunteer advisor with
PNG Ports Corporation based in Port Moresby.
The assignment was arranged through Australian
Business Volunteers, an AusAid funded
organisation which matches experienced business
people with companies and organisations in
developing Pacific Rim countries. I spent two
months working with the PNG Ports Learning and
Development section to modify and implement a
training program for dock-workers. Together with
his PNG Ports counterpart, I prepared the training
courses for submission to the PNG National
Training Council.
During our travel to some of the outlying ports I
caught up with PNG Ports sponsored students at
the PNG Maritime College in Madang (see photo).
These students are financially supported by PNG
Ports and undertake training as deck officers or
marine engineers. Upon completion of their
studies, PNG Ports arranges work placements at
one of the shipping companies based in PNG.
Whilst I was working in Port Moresby I arranged
secondment places for some PNG Ports Maritime
Compliance Officers with the Port of Melbourne
and the Victorian Regional Channels Authority.
There they will gain valuable experience in port
management, which will help facilitate the
growing vessel traffic in and out of the PNG ports.
PNG is currently undergoing radical changes on
account of the developing resources boom. In June
this year there is a general election scheduled
hence the political climate is currently somewhat
volatile. PNG (which became independent in
1975) has a large number of different landowners
who all want to lay claim to their share of the
revenue which is generated by the resources boom
and which sometimes causes conflicts between
competing landowners.
There are 800 different languages in the country
although the main language used and taught is
English whilst ―pidgin‖ is also widely used. Eighty
per cent of the population (which currently stands
at approx. 6.5 million) derives their income from
subsistence farming. The gross national income
per capita is just over A$1000.
There are no aged care facilities or nursing homes
to speak off. The government does not pay any
pensions or any other social security payments.
The health system is grossly underfunded and
what we would call rudimentary and is supported
Peter van Duijn with students and local instructor
by a large number of non-government
organisations (NGOs). Most elders are supported
by their families (sometimes under very difficult
circumstances). Currently the average life
expectancy is only approximately 60 years. The
median age is 22 years compared to Australia‘s 38
years and population growth is about 2 %.
Approximately 200 Dutch people work and live in
PNG. mainly in missionary roles and as volunteers
in NGOs.
I hope to go back later in the year for a follow-up
assignment to ensure that the proposed training
methods have been implemented. While the
environment is sometimes challenging the people I
met and worked with were all very friendly and
eager to learn.
Peter van Duijn
Thank you Wabe.
After some 7 years of assisting DutchCare produce
its newsletters Wabe Roskam has resigned and is
concentrating on his own business.
Wabe, we thank you for all your support over this
time. Enjoy the hours you have gained.
De Avondrust Kiosk
1105 Frankston-Dandenong Road,
Carrum Downs Melways 98 G11
Shop Open every weekday (incl Saturday)
10.00 am - Noon
Also open 2nd and last Sunday of each month
11.00 am - 1.00 pm
Kiosk Manager: George Vlug
Mobile: 0427 221 040
DutchCare Contacts
Head Office & Address for all
Correspondence:
DutchCare
P O Box 8219
1105 Frankston-Dandenong Rd
Carrum Downs, Vic. 3201
Tel: 9782 6633
Fax: 9782 0142
E-mail: [email protected]
ABN: 51 072 127 238
Office Hours: Monday—Friday
9.00 am—5.00 pm
Website:
www.dutchcare.com.au
DutchCare Auxiliaries
Avondrust Auxiliary:
PO Box 8219
Carrum Downs 3201
Contact: Eef Nagengast
Tel: 9799 1708
HARF Auxiliary:
PO Box 8219
Carrum Downs 3201
Contact: Connie Grannetia
Tel: 9762 7136
Hall Bookings:
Beatrix Village: Ph. 9728 5299
Schumacher Kramer: 9782 6633
Independent Living Units:
Contact: PO Box 8219,
Carrum Downs, Vic 3201.
For all enquiries please
Phone: 9782 6633
Avondrust Village
1105 Frankston-Dandenong Road,
Carrum Downs.
Beatrix Village
843 Mt Dandenong Road,
Montrose.
Princess Margriet Units
736 Mt Dandenong Road,
Kilsyth.
Board of Directors:
President:
Dr. Ignatius Oostermeijer
Tel:0418 567 991
Company Secretary:
Ms Petra Neeleman
Tel: 9728 5299
Chief Executive Officer:
Ms Petra Neeleman
Email: [email protected]
Finance & Administration:
Manager: Mr Olaf Zalmstra
Email: [email protected].
Fax: 9761 9899
Tel 9728 5299
Fax: 9782 0142
Tel: 9782 6633
Carrum Downs Campus
Manager Residential Services South:
Mr Robert van Duuren. Email: [email protected].
1105 Frankston-Dandenong Road,
Carrum Downs 3201
Fax: 9782 0142
Tel: 9782 6633
Avondrust Aged Care Facility:
Joint Unit Managers:
Willie Redfern and Ann van Dam
Tel: 9788 9001
Clinical Coordinator: Nicole Wellington
Tel: 9788 9059
Tel: 9788 9024
Delftplein, rooms 11-32
Keukenhof , rooms 1-10 and 33-42
Tel: 9788 9026
Bierman Sajet: Van Gogh, rooms 51-67;
Rembrandt: rooms 43-50 and 68-72
Tel: 9788 9037
Lifestyle Residential: Avondrust Village - Contact Christine Janssen Tel: 9788 9031
Kilsyth Campus
Manager Residential Services East:
Ms Joke van der Staay. Email: [email protected].
722 Mt Dandenong Road, Kilsyth 3137
Fax: 9761 9124
Tel: 9728 5299
Han & Judy Overbeek Lodge:
736 Mt Dandenong Road, Kilsyth 3137
Fax: 9728 7438
Tel: 9728 7450
Unit Manager: Margaret Oudendyk
Tel: 9728 7451
Clinical Coordinator: Kate van Duuren
Tel: 9728 7438
Tel: 9728 7490
Batavia, rooms 1-15
Amalia, rooms 16-30
Tel: 9728 7488
Vermeer, rooms 31-47
Tel: 9728 7459
Edam, rooms 48-55
Tel: 9728 7455
Princess Margriet Aged Care Facility:
722 Mt Dandenong Road, Kilsyth 3137
Unit Manager: Lee van der Werf
Fax: 9761 9124
Tel: 9728 7426
Clinical Coordinator: Anny van Duuren
Tel: 9728 5299
Zonnestraal Hofje, rooms 101-115
Tel: 9728 7421
Vogelzang Hofje, rooms 201-215
Tel: 9728 7417
Waterlelie Hofje, rooms 301-315
Tel: 9728 7413
Lifestyle Residential: Princess Margriet Village - Contact Unit Manager
Community Services:
Acting Manager: Penni Michael Email: [email protected]
736 Mt. Dandenong Road, Kilsyth
Fax 9728 7492 Tel: 9728 7402
Assessment /Admission officer:
Marijke Braun
Tel: 9728 7403
Thuiszorg, Community Aged Care Packages & EACH
Eastern Metropolitan Region: Care Managers
Tel: 9728 5299
Southern Metropolitan Region: Care Managers
Tel: 9782 6633
Gippsland/Latrobe Region: Care Manager:
Tel: 5133 0694
Friendly & Community Visiting Service, Telelink & Other Volunteers:
Social Support Coordinator: Yvonne Philips
Tel: 9728 7401
Planned Activity Groups:
Eastern Metropolitan Region: Connie Uilderks
Tel: 9728 7404
Southern Metropolitan Region: Christine Janssen
Tel: 9788 9031
DutchCare News:
Contributions to PA to the CEO Barbara Caulfield Email: [email protected]
DutchCare News is published in January, April, July and October by DutchCare Ltd.