Autumn 2016 - Murray Mallee Aged Care Group

Autumn 2016
From the CEO’s Desk
In this issue:
Greetings everyone
From the CEO’s Desk
1
Dawn Trevorrow Stolen
Generations
3
Kaleidescape
5
iPad Classes
6
Elder Abuse can be stopped
7
Your Councils 2016
8
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
TIME ENDS
SUNDAY 3RD APRIL 2016
REMEMBER TO TURN
CLOCKS BACK.
This is also a great time to
change the batteries in your
Smoke Alarms.
I hope you have had a good start to 2016 and
that you’ve enjoyed the summer weather.
We here at Murray Mallee Aged Care have
‘hit the ground running’, as they say. Di and
her team are working hard to respond to the
referrals for Home Care Packages across the
Murraylands and Riverland regions so as not
to keep people waiting any longer than
necessary.
As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, we farewelled Cleve Brisbane
in December after ten years of service with MMACG. As a result of
Cleve’s departure we undertook a small restructure of the team. Foster
Davis had been on the reception desk since May 2013 moved into
Cleve’s role. Wendy Wybrow joined us just before Christmas and has
fitted into the role of Receptionist beautifully, picking up the
requirements of the role quickly and with great aplomb. Confusing thing
is, that she’s often mistaken for our much loved Finance Manager
Wendy Bartlett!
The upgrades to the property we bought last year at 5 Ida Street were
finally finished in early January and the staff of the Commonwealth
Home Support Program, Linda and Tanya have settled in to their new
accommodation comfortably. We are currently running the KESS group
in the front room with people seeming to enjoy the space very much.
The property has been renovated with every attempt made to retain its
original old world charm. As part of the renovations, we have provided
a large car park available for any guest to either the Myall Avenue or Ida
Street properties to use. Please do pop in for a cuppa with Linda or
Tanya if you’re visiting or a local living in Murray Bridge.
The iPad classes and Drop In Group recommenced in February so please
do give us a call if you are interested in joining either group.
continued over page…
Page 1
…continued from page 1
Anzac Day 25th
April 2015
Murray Mallee Aged Care
would like to acknowledge
our returned soldiers and
their families
Lest we forget.
Seasonal Influenza
(Flu Vaccination)
You should consider having a
Flu Vaccination if you are:
 50 years of age and older
 Have certain chronic medical
conditions
 Live with or care for those at
high risk for complications from
flu
 Work as a Health Care Worker
In November this year we will undergo our three yearly Quality Review
conducted by our funder The Australian Government Department of
Health. As part of the process we will be undertaking surveys to
measure the level of satisfaction that our consumers experience. Closer
to the time, we will be approaching consumers who may be interested
in attending face to face meeting with the assessors. This will give
people the opportunity to participate in a process that is aimed at giving
us feedback and that will enable us to improve the quality of our
services.
I am very conscious that there have been many changes to Community
Aged Care that the Government has asked Service Providers like us to
implement. Consumer Directed Care being the change with the most
impact. There is a lot of misinformation circulating which unfortunately
can cause people distress. Or, even worse, to avoid asking for services
altogether. If you or anyone you know is confused about how to access
the system, please do not hesitate to call me on 85322255.
On Sunday the 6th of March I participated in the Melanoma March from
Henley Beach to Grange. The walk was a 4 kilometre round trip and was
organised by the Melanoma Institute of Australia. The team I walked
with raised over $8,000 which will go towards melanoma research. I
urge you all to be vigilant and have any skin lesions that have recently
changed, checked by your doctor.
In closing, I would like to extend a warm welcome to any of our new
Clients, Support Workers and Volunteers who have recently commenced
services or work with MMACG. We hope your experience with us is
pleasurable.
Stay well and keep smiling
Anna.
Friday Casual Day!
The staff at Murray Mallee Aged Care Group
hold a casual day in the office every Friday,
where we pay a gold coin donation into a tin
that gets donated to a different charity each
Christmas.
The staff at Murray
Mallee Aged Care
Group Inc. would like
to wish you all a safe
and Happy Easter.
Page 2
Stolen Generations:
Elder's death renews
push for accelerated
compensation scheme
By Natalie Whiting
long, that's all she could talk about ... trying to make sure she got justice
for people."
Mr Elliot said it was humbling for his mother to have to try to learn her
culture later in life.
"She went to Ngarrindjeri language classes and things like that and she
wanted to make sure that she had that culture, and even going through
her stuff now I found word lists where she's written out words over and
over again in Ngarrindjeri language, to make sure that she knew those
words."
After the funeral service, people gathered to drink tea and reminisce.
Ms Trevorrow's close friend Kaylene Brown was also part of the Stolen
Generations.
Photo: Dawn Trevorrow fought for
compensation for the Stolen Generations.
(ABC News: Natalie Whiting)
The death of a prominent Aboriginal
elder in South Australia has
prompted calls for a compensation
scheme for members of the Stolen
Generations to be expedited and for
elders to be given priority.
Stolen Generations member Dawn
Trevorrow last week passed away
from a heart attack at the age of 80.
She had previously told the ABC she
thought she would die before
receiving any compensation.
Hundreds of people crammed inside
the chapel for Ms Trevorrow's
funeral, so many that some were
forced to sit on the ground.
Her son, Mark Elliott said Ms
Trevorrow's childhood had a
profound effect on her.
"Nana Dawn used to sit with me at my kitchen table or at her kitchen
table. We used to cry, we'd sit there and cry," she said.
"I believe in my heart she's at peace now ... She's been fighting for
years, me and her and all the Aboriginal people."
Marlene Trevorrow was also part of the Stolen Generations and only
reconnected with her sister Dawn in the last 10 years or so.
"I was 45 years of age when I found out that I was Aboriginal and where
my family came from," she said.
"I made a trip to Camp Coorong where my people were and my feet hit
that soil and for the first time in my life I felt that I belonged, I was
home."
Marlene Trevorrow said it was incredibly sad that her sister did not live
to see the compensation she fought for.
"None of us are getting any younger and I very much doubt that I will
see it in my lifetime anymore than Dawn did," she said.
SA REPARATION SCHEME APPLICATIONS SET TO OPEN
Last year the South Australian Government established a reparation
scheme, eight years after it first raised the idea.
Applications for the South Australian scheme open next month, while
New South Wales is still investigating whether to set one up.
Mr Elliott said the process in South Australia needed to be expedited.
"She spent four months in hospital
and aged care homes but she was
determined to get home," he said.
"Why don't we just pay out the people now that are still alive? My mum
didn't get to live to get it but there are still people who are very sick,
very old and they need it now," he said.
"Mum grew up in institutions and
she wasn't about to die in one."
He said for his mother, money was not the focus.
Ms Trevorrow was taken from her
family when she was two, and
fighting for compensation for the
Stolen Generations became a focus
in her final years.
"Even while she was in hospital
recovering after being in ICU for so
"Her own personal compensation I don't think was as important as the
fact that it had gone through and people would be compensated," he
said.
"So in a way it was a bit of relief for her, I think, as well. Like my job's
done, I can go now."
The family of Dawn Trevorrow has given the ABC permission to use her name.
Page 3
Hello everyone. What a start we have had to the year already with Autumn
here and Easter on its way.
As most of you would already know the CHSP team as moved over into the
new premises on Ida St. It has been a long awaited process but we are happy
to report that we have settled in nicely and have already started running our
KESS Group and iPad classes in the front room.
5 Ida Street.
By now you all should have received your new program for Kaleidescape, if
anyone has not, please let the staff know so that we can get you a copy.
The program has been filled with a variety of new and old activities to help
promote the wellness approach, as part of the new government reform
changes that came into effect July 2015. The activities have been designed
to assist with mobility, dexterity, and mental stimulation. With this in mind
we cannot keep everyone happy all the time and some activities have to be
modified for personal abilities and safety purposes. If you have any fresh
ideas that we could add to our programs, please let us know. We are always
looking for new ideas to accommodate everyone. Remember these days are
for you all to enjoy.
We would like to welcome all our new consumers to the Kaleidescape
groups. For new consumers wishing to attend Kaleidescape, there is a
process that needs to happen before this can occur. The friendly staff here
at Murray Mallee Aged Care Group Inc. can help with this process, so please
if you have anyone that you may know wanting to join, please refer them to
the Office 85322255.
Mypolonga Kaleidescape Group
Kaleidescape Olympic games medal
winners: (back) Des Wynne, Eddie
Benton, (front) Flo Pickering, Marg
Lewis.
Autumn brings more pleasant weather and for some illnesses, so please
remember to get your Flu Vaccination and stay healthy and hydrated.
Linda McAlinden and Tanya Pitman.
National Volunteer Week (9-15 May 2016)
provides an opportunity to highlight the role of
volunteers in our community and to say thank
you to the more than 6 million Australians who
volunteer.
Tailem Bend Kaleidescape Group
Kaleidescape Olympic Games medal
winners: (left) Pauline Coombe, Ann
Balfort, Ted Truan.
Australian volunteers give happiness to others each year. And
research says that those volunteers are happier as a result.
So this National Volunteer Week (9-15 May 2016), help us make
Australia the happiest place on earth, by giving as much of your time
as you can.
Murray Mallee Aged Care would like to say thanks to all of our
wonderful volunteers. We appreciate the time and energy you
generously provide to us, our programs and our clients. We cannot
do it without you!
Give Happy… Live Happy…
Mannum Kaleidescape Group
Kaleidescape Olympic Games medal
winners: (left) Bert Meulengraaf,
Michael Howard.
Page 4
The South Australian Masters Games
are to be hosted by the Rural City of
Murray Bridge 14-17 April 2016.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge is thrilled to be hosting the 21st
annual South Australian Masters Games, held 14-17 April 2016. Our
community looks forward to welcoming competitors, and their family
and friends, from all over Australia and Overseas to Murray Bridge.
The South Australian Masters Games is a multi-sport event designed
to allow people opportunities to participate in the sports of their
choice and to compete with their age peers. The opportunity to
participate, compete and be physically active is the main motivation
for competitors and whilst winning is important, social interaction is
also a very important feature of the games.
Online Registrations are open now with Early bird fees closing 1st
April 2016. Alternatively, you can contact The Rural City of Murray
Bridge 8539 1100 for further information.
With over 20 sports on offer there is something for everyone.
Keep a listen out for more information on the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies and social events being held at our local sporting clubs
and businesses.
Do you hold a Concession card?
You may be eligible for a reduced
rate on domestic stamps.
As of 4 January 2016 the cost of
posting a letter increased from
70 cents to $1.00, however if you
currently hold a Federal
Government Concession card
you can go into any Post Office
outlet and apply for a free My
Post Concession account. This
will entitle you to only pay 60
cents per stamp instead of $1.00.
You’ll even get a free booklet of
5 stamps to get you started.
iPad Drop-in Group
Every Thursday 10.00am -12.00pm
The Drop-in Group remains popular with many who wish to continue
learning about their iPads and what they can do. This group can also help
with issues you may be experiencing with your laptop. So please come
along and ask for assistance. Our Volunteer Tutor—Kevin is very skilled
and attends each session with backup if required.
iPad Classes
Recent iPad class graduates:
(left) Anna Howard (CEO), Cathy
Clemow (Tutor), Dave Lewis, Jan
Kennedy (Volunteer), Cynthia
Clothier, Howard Long, (front)
Annette Lewis, Beryl Long.
MMACG has recently loaned 2 iPads to the Pinnaroo Library. This has
enable them to up their number of participants that come to the iPad
training for the older community members in the area. Shortly we hope to
also be able to run some iPad training classes in the Lameroo area as well.
The iPad classes held here at MMACG also started again in February which
again has been a success. As the iPads become popular so does the classes
that continue to run throughout the Murraylands and Mallee region. We
are slowly working through our waiting list, so if you are on the list we
haven’t forgotten you!
West Coast Homecare based at Port Lincoln also continue to facilitate iPad
courses there for their senior community members.
iPad class enjoying the new front
room at 5 Ida Street.
Page 5
SA Ambulance
Cover
Ambulance costs are not
covered by Medicare and
even if you have private health
insurance, your policy may not
cover the cost of an ambulance for
you or your family. It is therefore
strongly recommended that you
check with your health insurer to
find out if you are covered. The
cost of an emergency ambulance
is generally around $600-$900.
Alternatively, you can get cover
with SA Ambulance and not pay a
cent for an Ambulance, once you
are covered.
Ambulance Cover Rates:
Single $78.00
Family $155.00
Pensioner Single $47.25
Pensioner Family $94.00
You can join by phoning
1300 136 272
Online at
www.saambulance.com.au
In person at any Australia Post
Office
2015 Consumer Surveys
feedback
In late 2015 a telephone survey of
fifty-two Home Care Packages (HCP’s)
consumers and fifty-one Kaleidescape
consumers were conducted.
Home Care Packages survey
snapshot.
Overall, HCP Consumers seemed
satisfied with how their packages are
functioning and we were particularly
pleased to hear that the introduction
of Consumer Directed Care model of
service has not caused any disruption
to their overall service delivery.
We were also pleased that on average, each consumer indicates having a
maximum of two Support Workers providing the service, thus limiting the
number of people entering their home. Happily, this reflects a stable
workforce. One hundred per cent of the HCP’s consumers indicated that
they felt they are treated with respect by all Murray Mallee Aged Care staff.
The survey did however highlight two areas where we can improve the
quality of service.
1. Communication between the co-ordinator and the consumer when
changes to service times occur
2. More direct contact between the co-ordinator and the client.
This feedback has been discussed with the Murray Mallee team and all
efforts are being made to improve the highlighted service frailties.
On a positive note, below are just a handful of the positive comments our
consumers made.
“Happy with the way things are going.”
“Everything is well organised”
“Couldn’t do more. All under control”
“Happy with things the way they are.”
Kaleidescape survey snapshot
The Kaleidescape consumers were asked how they would rate the service
provided by our staff and volunteers. The response was that fifty, of the
fifty-one people surveyed, reported that the staff are friendly, forty-nine
reported that staff are flexible, forty-nine reported that staff are reliable
and fifty-one reported that staff are respectful.
Areas for improvement is the diversity of the activities offered and that
more bus trips be included in the schedule. In group activities confidentiality
and privacy can sometimes be an issue. But we were pleased to hear that
one hundred per cent of our consumers feel that their confidentiality and
privacy is upheld at all times.
Some of the positive comments we received from the Kaleidescape
consumers are listed below:
“It all runs well”
“They do a good job”
“We have the time of our lives”
“They ask what we like to do and try their best to accommodate”
“it’s fantastic for who it’s tailored for”
“Don’t think they can improve”
“It’s a great team, lovely girls”
“Linda is an inspiration & all the girls are fantastic. Hope it never stops.”
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work that the
volunteers do to make Kaleidescape the great program that it is. I would also
reinforce the positive feedback that has been outlined above by our
consumers and suggest this reflects well on the value of the service we are
able to provide.
Anna Howard CEO
Page 6
Elder Abuse can be stopped
Senior Exercises Joke
The SA Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line is available to provide older
South Australians, their friends and relatives with information, advice
about resources, and referral to support services.
The Doc told me to start an
exercise program.
Not wanting to harm this old
body, I've devised the following:
Office for the Ageing, SA Health established the Phone Line and launched
the Stop Elder Abuse website and media campaign to safeguard the rights
of older people, increase awareness of Elder Abuse and help the South
Australian community to:


recognise the signs of Elder Abuse
know where to go for support and information
Anyone who is experiencing elder abuse, or who is concerned about an
older person they think may be experiencing elder abuse, can call the SA
Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line on 1800 372 310.
Elder Abuse is an act that causes deliberate or unintended harm to an
older person, from a person they know and trust.
Around one in 20 older Australians experiences some form of elder abuse,
often from a member of their own family. This abuse can be financial,
emotional, physical and even sexual.
Over the past five years, Elder Abuse has most commonly been financial
and emotional abuse and in 80 per cent of cases the abuse was carried out
by a family member.
It is important that the community has a clear understanding of the rights
of older people and how these rights can be protected. This includes being
aware of the signs of elder abuse and knowing where to go for help.
Recognise the signs and help put an end to Elder Abuse - visit
www.sa.health.sa.au/stopelderabuse for more information.
Take action if you suspect abuse is occurring or if you want to talk about
your own experiences. Call the SA Elder Abuse Prevention
Phone Line on 1800 372 310.
The campaign is a key action from the Strategy to Safeguard
the Rights of Older South Australians, Action Plan 2015-2021.
Keeping Energetic
Beat around the bush
Jump to conclusions
Climb the walls
Wade through the morning
paper
Drag my heels
Push my luck
Make mountains out of mole
hills
Hit the nail on the head
Bend over backwards
Jump on the Band Wagon
Run around in circles
Advise Prime Minister on how to
run the country
Toot my own horn
Pull out all the stops
Add fuel to the fire
Open a can of worms
Put my foot in my mouth
Start the ball rolling
Go over the edge
Pick up the pieces
Seniors Social
KESS is a social group for senior
community members of Murray Bridge who
are at risk of social isolation. We plan the days around your suggestions.
When: held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 10am-12noon
Where: 5 Ida St, Murray Bridge. (parking at rear)
Morning tea and light snacks provided.
Gold coin donation.
To book please contact the office on 8532 2255 (Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm)
ask for Linda.
Kneel in prayer
Bow my head in thanksgiving
Uplift my hands in praise
Hug someone and encourage
them.
WHAT A
WORKOUT!
Page 7
Your Council 2016
Mayor:
Mayor:
Mayor:
Lewis, Brenton
Burdett, Kevin
Burgess, Dave
Mayor:
Mayor:
Jaensch, Neville
Sexton, Robert
Councillors:
Councillors:
Councillors:
Councillors:
Councillors:
Baltensperger, Andrew
Cusack, Tod
Eckermann, Karen
Keen, Airlie
Matthews, Tyson
Schubert, Clem
Toogood, Fred
Weinmann, Theo
Phillips, Caroline
Smith, Yvonne
Sparks, Daryl
Terrell, Morris
Wooldridge, W John
Zadow, Darren
Jennings, Mardi
Myers, Kevin
Schmitt, Brenton
Hall, Jeff
Sakko, Adriaan
Kuhn, Kelly
Raison, Peter
Taylor, Peter
Bland, Sharon
Wright, Peter
Arthur, Jeff
Simcock, Robert
Barrie, Julie
Leng, Vera
Middleton, Donna
O’Hara, Mick
Toogood, Brian
Summerton, Bruce
Pfeiffer, Neville
Grieger, Andrew
Dunsford, Allan
Milde, Stacey
Hyde, Dennis
Murray Mallee Aged Care Group Inc.
2a Myall Avenue
(PO Box 1315)
Murray Bridge SA 5253
Phone: 08 8532 2255
Fax: 08 8532 2522
email: reception@murraymallee.org.au
Page 8