Winter 2014 – Issue 10

02 6566 3155

Come On, what are you waiting for? Join Us at Boronia Gardens

Boronia Gardens offers structured activities in a supportive and friendly environment on Wednesday’s at South West Rocks. We also provide a day outing each Friday, visiting the Kempsey and Macleay district and surrounding areas. For More information Contact Elizabeth: 65 663 155 www.macleaycommunitycare.info

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From the Boronia Desk I would like to welcome our new consumers to Boronia Gardens and hope we can Make life easy for all. We all had a wonderful time in Sydney at the Premiers Gala Concert during Seniors Week. To all consumers who have or will be celebrating a birthday “Happy Birthday to you” from all your friends from Boronia, Staff and Volunteers. Please put your name down after you have received your calendar for the month, to where you would like to attend on certain days.

IN THIS ISSUE 1

2

Boronia From the Boronia Desk

3

Team Leader, Staff Profile

4

Music to their ears

5

Pet Therapy, Cops Girls

6- 9

Fees review

10

Secrets of ageing well

11

Book Corner

12

Recipe, Quote

Time is going by, where now into May… I will only think it! I won’t say it. There are spaces if anyone has a friend or neighbour who would like to go to Boronia Gardens. Please feel free to let me know. Consumers enjoyed a Biggest Morning Tea celebration at the Boronia Centre on 14th May where we raised over $130.00 for cancer. We also attended another Biggest Morning Tea on 19/5/14 at the SWR Tourist club where another $151.15 was donated to cancer. A few consumers were lucky enough to win prizes in the raffles. Regards Elizabeth & Kathy

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From the Team Leader

Staff profile

How can you Shine Bright in your golden years. Some of us are happy to take part in whatever is going to keep ourselves fit in both mind and body while others may find it all a bit of an effort. Robina Beard a performer says there’s nothing worse than spending hours talking about medication and the fact that your body is falling apart. There are much more interesting things to discuss. Wearing something bright and cheerful makes you feel better about yourself. There’s something empowering about wearing red, orange, or yellow at 70, 80 or 90 there is no age limit. Laughter is the best remedy. No one said we had to take ageing seriously. So don’t sit there in the same rut, get busy. There are lots of community groups and organization’s such as Macleay Community Care designed for seniors and lots of social activities than you can get involved in like U3A. The hardest thing sometimes is getting out the door, but once you start you won’t stop. If you don’t challenge yourself, you will find that life can be pretty boring and lonely. Get outside your comfort zone and open yourself to doing something different every day.

First Name: Wendy Years employed with MCC: 2 Position Description: Roster Administrator Previous employment: East Coast Carpentry Family Details: 2 Children Interests/Hobbies: Dogs, Technology, Making Jewelry Favourite meal: Salmon Mornay

Autumn is here and beautiful time of the year on the Mid North Coast and it is a perfect time of the year to start getting out and about after the heat of the summer. Anne Adams

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Music to their ears We all respond to music. Mothers sing to their newborn babies to calm and make them feel secure; adults turn to music to express emotions, reflect feelings, to make them happy and to make them sad. Music is a core element in all our lives. This is no less the case for people with dementia. As other experiences become confusing and communication becomes difficult, the role and experience of music gains importance. Music stays with us long after speech and other skills have gone. One of the important aspects of supporting people with dementia is to minimize the impact of their losses and to play to their strengths. If people can sing then we should be encouraging this, so as to maintain the skill and the sense of achievement and joy that goes with it. It is not only the words but the musical memory that stays, so people will hum or whistle a tune even when the words to the song have gone. There is a substantial body of research that provides evidence of the crucial role that music plays in support of people with dementia. We know that music is effective in reducing a range of challenging behaviour Playing calming music will reduce agitation (although, music should not be played for more than 20 minutes at a time as research shows it can become a source of irritation and carers need to monitor this); music can reduce aggressive behaviour, ‘wandering’, repetitive vocalization and irritability.

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We know that if caregivers sing to people with dementia when carrying out intimate tasks the incidence of challenging behaviour can be significantly reduced. This may be the result of a number of factors. For the caregiver the mere act of singing reduces stress in them and this will be transmitted to the person with dementia. If we play the right music at mealtime’s people will be more relaxed, will sit longer at the table and will eat more. Remember to use music that is important to the person with dementia. Different people respond to different music. There is evidence that we remember best the music we heard between the ages of 16 and 24.

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Pet Therapy & the Benefits Physical Health:     

lowers blood pressure improves cardiovascular health releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect diminishes overall physical pain the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need

Mental Health:        

 

lifts spirits and lessens depression decreases feelings of isolation and alienation encourages communication provides comfort increases socialization reduces boredom lowers anxiety helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders creates motivation for the client to recover faster reduces loneliness

COPS Girls Community Options girls (Clare, Denise & Thelma) attended the quarterly conference for Community Options 26th & 27th March. This year Booroongen Djugun hosted the two day event. Welcome to Dunghutti Country opened the first day followed by the Dunghutti Dancers performing traditional dances (as seen in the photos). Thelma and John are very talented performers with years of dancing experience delighting their audience and encouraging participation. Eileen O’Laughlan informed the group of any updates with the research and treatment for Motor Neurone Disease. Eileen has been an advocate and educator with the Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW for many years and has a wealth of knowledge.

In Physical Therapy   

increases joint movement and improves recovery time maintains or increases motor skills provides motivation to move more, stretch farther, exercise longer

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The conference was very successful and informative.

From Clare Denise & Thelma

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FEES REVIEW

services such as staffing or for equipment costs. This fee varies

To all clients and carers This document provides information and details about the fees we charge for our services. Part of the requirements of our government funding is that we provide our clients with specific information about what fees we charge and why. Please read through the information and if you have any queries or concerns please contact us for further explanation. Help at home: costs explained The Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia. But as with all aged care services, it's expected you'll contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. You will never be denied the care you need because you can't afford it. The funding program or package through which you access aged care services at home will determine how much you will need to pay. Any fees will be discussed and agreed upon with your service provider before you receive the relevant services.

between different organisations, states and territories. (Please refer to the attached Fee Schedule for more information) Costs for Home Care Packages If you are receiving a Home Care Package, you may be asked by your service provider to pay a fee (maximum of 17.5% of the pension). This fee contributes to the cost of delivering your services. The basic fee for a Home Care Package, including Consumer Directed Care, that the service provider may charge is up to $131.46 per person, per fortnight (from 20 September 2013 to 19 March 2014). (This rate increases on 20 March and September each year in line with changes to the Age Pension. This applies per person receiving a Home Care Package, even if you are a member of a couple.)

Costs for home support services

People on incomes higher than the

If you receive your services through

Age Pension, may be asked to pay

the Home and Community Care

extra.

(HACC) program you may be asked to pay a small fee. This fee contributes to the cost of delivering

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If you are on a higher income than the Age Pension the maximum amount you may be asked to pay is:

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

the basic fee of $131.46 per person, per fortnight (from 20 September 2013 to 19 March 2014)



plus up to 50% of your income above the Aged Pension amount of $751.70 per fortnight (from 20 September 2013 to 19 March 2014). The maximum amount that you may be asked to pay depends on your income and unavoidable expenses such as pharmaceutical bills, rent, utilities and other living expenses. How to complain about costs All organisations must manage and administer funds in a transparent manner meeting quality and accountability requirements. If you, your carer, or anyone else is concerned about what you are paying for services, you should approach the organisation providing your services in the first instance. If your complaint is unable to be resolved at this level, it can be escalated through the Aged Care Complaints Scheme (Ph 1800 550 552), or other appropriate body that handles complaints related to your services. (See attached contact sheet)

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Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW 1800 570 812 or 9268 5544 Investigates complaints of discrimination that are considered unlawful under the NSW State Antidiscrimination Act. Govt Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission 1300 656 419 Investigates complaints of discrimination that are considered unlawful under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act. Govt Health Care Complaints Commission 1800 043 159 or 9219 744 Handles all complaints concerning both govt & non-govt, health services, including hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, private clinics, and alternative practitioners. Non-govt Mental Health Advocacy Service (Legal Aid) 9745 4277 Provides free legal advice and assistance about mental health law and can advise or represent people who are patients in hospitals. Govt Ombudsman’s Office (NSW) 1800 451 524 or 9286 1000 An independent review body dealing with complaints about the NSW Public Sector and the provision of community services (e.g. HACC Home Care). Govt National Disability Insurance Agency 1800 800 110 An independent statutory agency, whose role is to implement the national disability insurance scheme. Non-Govt People with Disabilities NSW (PWD) 1800 422 015 or 9370 3100 Advocacy, rights support, complaints service for people with disabilities. Non-Govt Tenants Union of NSW 1800 251 101 or 8117 3750 Providing information and advice to tenants, including boarders and caravan park residents. Non-Govt Welfare Rights Centre 1800 226 028 or 9211 5300 Community Legal Centre providing information, advice and advocacy to anyone having problems with Centrelink payments and programs. Non-Govt

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INCOME RANGE (based on Centrelink Income test for pensioners – Income levels are before tax)

LOW Single

*Pension or Health Care Card or Less than $33,095

Couple (combined)

Service Type

Domestic Assistance Personal Care Respite Care Social Support (1:1) Housebound shopping Cancellation fee ** Social Support (Groups) Monday Bus Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri trips *** Centre Based Day Care (meal included) Day Care - Bus Trips (meal included))

p.a.

Less than $50,693

MEDIUM

HIGH

$33,095 to $72,915

More than $72,915

(Seniors Card)

$50,693 to $97,475

More than $97,475

High Fee

Low Fee

Medium Fee

$ 10 per hour

$ 15 per hour

$ 45 per hour

$ 4.50 per occasion

$ 4.50 per occasion

$ 4.50 per occasion

$ 20 per occasion $ 12 per occasion

$ 25 per occasion $ 15 per occasion

(full fee for service)

$ 30 per occasion $ 24 per occasion

$10 per day

$ 15 per day

$ 35 per day

$ 15 per trip

$ 20 per trip

$ 45 per trip

50c per kilometre 20c per kilometre

50c per kilometre 20c per kilometre

50c per kilometre 20c per kilometre

Case Planning / Assessment

No fee

No fee

$65 per hour

Case management

No fee

No fee

$45 per hour

Tunstall alarms

Install – no fee Rental - $30 p/month

Install – no fee Rental - $30 p/month

Install - $80 Rental - $30 p/month

TRANSPORT First 20 kms After 20 kms

Please note: *Full/part pension or health care card holders are low fee clients. ** Frequently cancelling services may incur a cancellation fee. Services cancelled with less than 24 hour notice will be charged full fees. *** Bus trips – costs beyond the basic fee (on the day) are the responsibility of the client.

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HOME CARE (packages) – FEES and CHARGES 2014 For a consumer receiving full or part Pension, the maximum fee which can be charged is 17.5% of the basic rate of single pension. People on higher incomes* may be asked to pay additional fees (limited to 50% of any income above the basic rate of single pension). The maximum amount that you may be asked to pay depends on your income and unavoidable expenses such as pharmaceutical bills, rent, utilities and other living expenses. (*Income is before tax and the Medicare levy.)

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FEE REDUCTION We recognise that the circumstances of some people may make it difficult to pay the fees for support. If you are experiencing difficulties you can request a fee reduction by completing an Income Self Declaration Form and making an appointment to discuss the matter with a MCC case manager or the team leader. In assessing your request we consider your income, household circumstances and any other special circumstances or hardships that make it difficult to pay. You will be advised of the result of your request within 15 working days. No client will be refused service through inability to pay.

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Secrets to ageing well differ for men and women Providers of healthy ageing programs should tailor their interventions according to their client’s gender, as new research has found that the factors contributing to wellness in older age differ for men and women. The Australian research, which is being presented this week at an international conference in Barcelona, found that continence was a key factor contributing to wellness in older women, while social activity was an important contributor for men. However, the researchers also said the study told an important story about the positive impact that healthy ageing programs were having in the community. The research was based on a 2006 follow-up of participants in the Melbourne Longitudinal Study on Health Ageing, which has tracked 1,000 community-dwelling older people since 1994. It defined ageing well as living independently in the community and being in good physical and psychological health. It found that the key risk factors for not ageing well in men were perceived strain, lower levels of social activity, perceived inadequacy of social activity, low perceived social support and being a current smoker, while for women the key factors were incontinence, low body mass index and lower physical activity. Co-director of the study, Professor Colette Browning from Monash University, said the findings were significant and the gender differences should be considered when interventions and services for older people were being designed. “What we’re saying is, it’s not a one size fits all; you must look at gender issues,” she said. Professor Browning

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said the social activity factor for older men was particularly interesting given there was often a perception that such activities weren’t a priority for them. “In some ways men get a lot of their social interaction through their work, so perhaps it’s that when they have retired they don’t have as much social support, and that becomes an issue in terms of not ageing well. I think women are perhaps better at keeping up their social networks. ”Men’s low perception of social activity illustrated that they understood they were not getting enough social activity and this was impacting on them not ageing well, she said. “Part of it is about perceptions. Psychologically, if you feel you are not getting what you want, that’s going to impact on whether you feel you are ageing well or not. ”The finding of continence as a factor for women illustrated that this was an issue that had to be addressed earlier in life, Professor Browning said. “Issues around continence often happen after women have children, so we need early interventions so women don’t carry that issue through to older life as well. ”Across both genders, the research echoed previous studies in showing that physical activity was an important factor impacting on ageing well.

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Book Corner Miner's son David Powlett-Jones returns from the carnage of the Western Front in 1918, shell-shocked and bitterly hardened by the violence of war. He begins life again as a master at a remote Devon school, controlling the destiny of boys barely his junior.

This is a heart-warming story that highlights God, Country, Family, Friendship, and Community. New Dublin was founded by Irish Catholic immigrants in the late 1800's. The three O'Malley brothers were members of the first generation.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordionplaying foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbours during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

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Recipe

Veggie Frittata Serve this delicious recipe for veggie frittata with a bread roll and some side garnish.

Quote “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

15 minutes preparation + 30 minutes cooking 19 serve of vegies in this recipe Ingredients 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion, sliced 500g sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced ¼ cup water 420g can sweet corn kernels (or 1 corn cob, cooked) 2 cups broccoli, cut into florets 60g grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese or 30g grated parmesan cheese 6 eggs ½ cup low-fat milk Instructions Preheat oven to 180°C and grease a 20cm square baking tin with oil. Combine onion, sweet potato and water in a large bowl, cover with cling film and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 3 minutes. Add broccoli and microwave on HIGH (100%) for a further 2 minutes. Layer baking tin with half the sweet potato and top with corn, broccoli, onion and remaining sweet potato. Whisk eggs and milk, pour over vegetables, top with cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until firm in the centre

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