News and views from our community
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FACES OF BAPTCARE #19: ANDRE-LUC ARIAS STANNARD (otherwise known as Tour the Otter)
We chatted with Andre-Luc stannard about his roles at Baptcare: workplace trainer and costume play (‘cosplay’) character, Tour the Otter.What do you like about your job as a NDIS workplace trainer? I enjoy many things working in the NDIS space and we have a fantastic team here at Baptcare NDIS. I get countless opportunities to engage and work with NDIS teams and stakeholders across the state. Every day brings a new experience and that’s something I strive for. The work is autonomous, there is flexibility and accommodations made by Baptcare for my own working arrangements and needs. I love the opportunities to undertake projects and represent Baptcare out of the traditional office setting, such as at community events.How long have you worked for Baptcare? I have worked with Baptcare for over 4 years now. I started as a Local Area Coordinator in mid 2018 where I supported NDIS participants and stakeholders in the Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingsborough and Huon Local Government Areas. Mid last year I moved into an office- based role supporting both the North and South of the state in a NDIS gateway phone referral line service. I’ve also had a stint as an Acting Manager which was a fantastic opportunity for my own professional growth. Currently, I am in the Acting Workplace Trainer role.What does a typical day look like for you?A typical day for me is delivering one on one or group-based training around the ever- evolving NDIS Policy and procedures. I also juggle undertaking audits of staff’s work and complete client satisfaction surveys which help me identify training opportunities to deliver to staff.You’re an active member of our Diversity &Inclusion Committee. What does diversity mean to you? Experiencing diversity is part of my everyday work at Baptcare. The people I work with are the epitome of diversity - both clients and staff. At the end of the day we all care about and support each other. I feel cared and trusted by Baptcare to be who I am (and to even get Tour the Otter out for events!)Do you have a motto/favourite saying? Can I have two?Mahatma Gandhi – “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”I’ve never been afraid to ask questions or propose ideas. All the opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to experience would not have happened if I didn’t ask.Frank N. Furter – “Don’t dream it, be it.”Much like Gandhi’s motto, its’ about having the confidence to not just have big ideas, but to try and bring them to life, no matter how ‘out there’ they are.So, have you and Tour the Otter been in the Baptcare parade for 3 years now or was this his first outing on behalf of Baptcare? I have worn Tour over the years, however, in the previous parades he has only just been a head, paws and tail. This year was the debut of his feet, legs and body! He has always unofficially represented Baptcare each year, but there’s never been any objections, only compliments, so going with the flow, I’ve kept up the tradition.
- 22 Jul 2022
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How supportive listening opens the path to healing
Sometimes our strongest power is to pause and listen to someone.So often we are compelled to try and think about ways to fix problems. We see people going through challenges and perhaps think, ‘How can I fix this situation?’ or ‘How can I fix this person?’.The truth is, sometimes we need to take a step back and allow that person to tell their story. To unburden their grief and loss. To acknowledge their own pain and loneliness. To express their sorrow and confusion where life has not turned out the way they had hoped.And so it was the case with Doug*, a resident at one of Baptcare’s Aged Care Communities.Ben*, our Spiritual Care Team member, noticed Doug chose to isolate himself from other residents. He could be found in his room most times, except for meals. Doug really didn’t talk much, unless asked a question. He seemed marooned in his own world and by his own choice.But Doug’s heart was breaking.One day, Ben started chatting with Doug. Tears started to well in Doug’s eyes as he talked about what was troubling him.Doug spoke about how his wife had left him while his children were young. The pressure of having very little money and having to pay child support was immense. Now much older, Doug felt his children no longer wanted to know him. ‘They can see my number ringing on their phone, but they won’t answer’, he said. ‘Even the one who had been looking after me before – he said he won’t do it anymore’.There was bitterness in Doug’s voice. Feelings of hurt and abandonment. An inability to get past what was lost. A belief that he was owed more.Nobody can know for sure what happened in Doug’s life to bring about these broken family relationships. It was one side of the story – and as we know, when relationships break down, there can be hurt on both sides. Feelings of disappointment, blame and anger are common.But it is not the role of spiritual care to judge who had done what. It was not Ben’s role to take sides. And ultimately, he realised, it was not his role to work out for Doug how he should fix this.Rather, it was to listen to Doug tell his story and express his emotions.What Doug needed was for someone to listen to all the thoughts and feelings going on inside him. The ones that run around and around our minds, trapping us in negative thoughts. The ones that stop us from acceptance and healing.Our Spiritual Care help provide support to Baptcare clients, like Doug, each day.Approaching every person with compassion and tenderness is key to our supportive listening. Whether experiencing a personal challenge through a life transition, bereavement and loss - or just looking for comfort and encouragement. Everyone’s story is different. But the need to have someone to talk to is the same.Spiritual care is simply about truly hearing what is important for each client to express and share about their lives. It’s through listening that our clients experience the respect of being heard. Which is the first step in the path to healing.Baptcare continues to provide Doug with emotional and spiritual support as he journeys at his own pace, working through the loss and disconnections in his life. The door is now open to healing and acceptance. Ben and other staff continue to bring a tender and compassionate presence in his life, aimed at strengthening his spiritual wellbeing.If you are a Baptcare client and looking for spiritual support, consider contacting our Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Team member on your site or through your regular Baptcare staff contact. We are here to listen.Our support is confidential, personalised and designed for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Talk to us today.*Names and image have been changed to protect privacy.
- 18 Jul 2022
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The Orchards Retirement Living Community wins Australian Achiever Award
Baptcare is delighted to announce that The Orchards Retirement Living Community has won an Australian Achiever Award, taking out the title of Victorian State Winner for Excellence in Customer Service in Care, Disability and Retirement Services.The Australian Achiever Awards have recognised and rewarded excellence in customer service across Australian businesses for more than two decades. The Awards are scored on feedback from clients relating to a range of customer service values, including:Timely response – across all phone calls, appointments and service deliveryAttending to client needs – ensuring our customers are consistently getting what they wantCare and attention – our commitment to dealing with our customers with the highest levels of careValue for money – consistently delivering a high standard of service relative to costAttitude – our politeness, friendliness and positive approach to handling problemsCommunication – always showing clarity and courtesyReferral – our ability to attract ‘word of mouth’ recommendationsOverall perceptions – across consistency of customer service, the standard of our work and our presentation.In assessing nominations for the award, Baptcare scored a tremendous 94.03 percent for customer service at The Orchards Retirement Living. Particular strengths were noted in our approach to communication, keeping our residents happy, professionalism, looking after our residents and following up on issues.Baptcare staff specifically acknowledged for their remarkable levels of customer service include Hannah Horsley, Aggie Massarotti and Marcus Kirkright.“We are very well looked after by both Aggie and Hannah,” said one resident. “We can go to them with any questions and they follow up on them promptly. The maintenance man Marcus is wonderful. He does all the cleaning and gardening and is prompt to follow up on any maintenance issues.”Well done team! We are so proud of all the wonderful staff at The Orchards who have contributed to winning this award. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication.To our lovely residents at The Orchards Retirement Living – we are delighted to provide you with a vibrant community where you can continue living independently, while enjoying access to facilities and services designed with your needs in mind.Thank you for choosing The Orchards Retirement Living as your retirement living community.
- 12 Jul 2022
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What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee?
What is a person seeking asylum?A person seeking asylum is someone who has fled their own country to seek international protection as a refugee.Reasons why a person may leave their own country include persecution, a fear of violence and/or human rights violations. Everyone’s story is different.A person seeking asylum asks for protection while their claim for refugee status is being assessed.What is a refugee?A refugee is a person whose request for asylum has been successful. Consequently, their status has changed from person seeking asylum to refugee. To be granted refugee status, a person must pass a rigorous process. Under the Refugee Convention, the assessment of refugee status focusses on whether a person has a well-founded fear of being persecuted on grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular group, or political opinion. Where this does not apply, refugee status won’t be granted. However a person can be granted ‘complementary protection’ if their human rights are likely to be violated – for example through war or torture – in their country of origin.Once granted refugee status, that person is entitled to protection and assistance.How is an economic migrant different to an asylum seeker/refugee?You may have heard the term ‘economic migrant’. This refers to someone who has left their country to seek a better life through improved financial or economic circumstances. (Their reasons may include accessing better job opportunities and/or improved pay).As economic migrants leave their country for financial and economic reasons (rather than fleeing persecution) they are not entitled to receive international protection as asylum seekers/refugees.What benefits do people seeking asylum receive from the Australian government?Not everybody seeking asylum is eligible for government support. Those who are eligible receive basic income support, capped to a maximum of 89% of the Jobseeker payment.Access to Medicare is broadly dependent on the type of visa held by the person seeking asylum and the conditions of that visa. Visa conditions themselves often change during the application process, creating greater uncertainty. Consequently, many people seeking asylum face problems accessing health services and prescription medicine.Baptcare and other community service providers support eligible people seeking asylum with access to housing, basic health and social services. We recognise that these are some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our community.Are asylum seekers allowed to work?A person seeking asylum’s right to work and earn income depends on the type of bridging visa they hold, the conditions of that visa, and the progress of their case.Would you like to learn more about how Baptcare supports people seeking asylum?Click on the link to read more about our Baptcare Sanctuary program.If you’d like to get involved and help with donations, employment or volunteering, contact our friendly Sanctuary team at sanctuary@baptcare.org.au
- 23 Jun 2022
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Innovating to keep power bills down in new housing project
“This is absolutely ground-breaking work that is going on here,” Minister Wynne said. “It is world-leading in terms of efficiency. For the families that are going to be living here…the utility bills will be maybe 20% of average bills. In some instances it may be a situation where residents are paying no utility bills at all.“This is quite amazing (work by) our friends from Baptcare Affordable Housing…pushing the boundaries in terms of thermal efficiency.”Ms Suleyman described the BAH development as “a game changer” and an important innovation in the social and affordable housing sector.The development will provide housing support for larger families, sole parents, financially disadvantaged people, people experiencing family or domestic violence, and older Victorians who meet the criteria for social/affordable housing. All homes will be completed by November 2022.The eight homes being built to full Passivhaus standards including airtightness, thermal insulation, ventilation, use of high-performance windows and doors and thermal bridge-free construction. The other 12 homes will be built to a 7-star energy rating and aim to achieve a minimum of gold standard of the Liveable Housing Australia for accessibility to and within the property.This project has been funded through the Building Works Package, with the Victorian Government contributing $7 million to the $11.5 million development.
- 16 Jun 2022
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Mosaic churches team up to support Houses of Hope
The Baptist churches of West Preston, Ivanhoe, Rosanna and Regent have been meeting for some time, exploring the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) slogan Together on Mission. “This is an ongoing conversation to imagine what a potential partnership can look like, which has been enthusiastically taken up by all four congregations,” says Rev Gayle Hill, Head of the Mission Catalyst Team at BUV.“They have come together under the name of Mosaic, reflecting that they remain individual churches but are embracing the partnership paradigm. Part of the conversation has been around what sort of missional initiatives each of the churches has been undertaking, and what opportunities there are to support each other.”West Preston Baptist Church has had a long involvement in supporting people seeking asylum through Baptcare’s Sanctuary program. This congregation has led the drive of the Mosaic churches to support Houses of Hope. After a joint service, each congregation pledged an amount to put towards renting houses for the project through the auspices of Baptcare. The Mosaic churches are now supporting three Houses of Hope, with aspirations for a fourth.“We decided to do some fundraising and kicked off an initiative amongst the four churches in our area,” says Tony Williams of West Preston Baptist Church. “We advertised the need amongst the churches, and got enough pledges to provide funds to Baptcare for the rental of almost three two-bedroom units for a minimum of two years. The people who pledged could visualise who the people are who are affected, and that personal connection with asylum seekers drove the response.”“I think there is a great opportunity for other churches to consider this model,” Gayle says. “Although a single church might feel it is beyond it financially, when several churches collaborate it can be achieved, especially through partnership with Baptcare. Joining together enables them to flourish, as well as giving an opportunity for the most vulnerable people in society to flourish.”The Bible has numerous references to showing love for strangers. (For example, Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.) When the scripture says that God’s face can be seen in the face of the stranger, it means that God’s face can be seen in the face of the person seeking asylum, and the refugee. This underpins the love and support that is flowing from the Mosaic churches, and the other congregations and individuals supporting Houses of Hope. It is an alignment of mission between Baptcare, Baptist churches and the BUV Support Hub with one aim: supporting people in acute need.*You can donate today to make a difference for people seeking asylum.
- 16 Jun 2022
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Looking back on National Palliative Care Week
Perspectives on National Palliative Care Week 2022 | Faces of Baptcare | Tammylea Collyer, Care Advisor – Home CareMeet Tammylea Collyer, Care Advisor and an integral part of our Home Care team.Tammylea is a strong advocate for people being able to access high quality palliative care in the setting of their choice, including their own homes.We asked her to look back on National Palliative Care Week and what this vital care means to so many.National Palliative Care Week (22 May – 28 May) is Australia’s largest annual awareness-raising initiative to increase understanding of the benefits of palliative care. What does the week mean to you?I think it raises awareness about everybody’s right to access high quality care, compassion and comfort when they need it.It’s amazing that we can offer tailored palliative care in the home, supporting a person’s emotional and psychological needs, along with managing physical symptoms and pain.We don’t forget our clients’ spiritual and cultural needs, either. An important part of palliative care involves supporting the entire family to come together and have a range of sensitive conversations about what the right kind of care looks like for them.How did you come to work for Baptcare?I started with Baptcare as a Personal Alert Victoria Responder. I was working in another role with Aruma at the time, as a Youth Service Case Manager. When that finished up, Baptcare asked if I was interested to come on board as a Personal Care Worker (PCW).After working one-on-one with clients as a PCW and understanding the importance of individualised care, I decided to put that knowledge to work as a Care Advisor. It’s a role focused on partnering with our clients to build tailored Care Plans meeting their individual goals. Everyone is different so it’s important I translate that into each Care Plan.I’ve been with Baptcare for about two years now.What have your learned about the value of palliative care?As a former PCW, I’ve worked side-by-side with palliative care teams. Together, we provide the full spectrum of care, that is, personal care, home care and respite care tailored to our clients’ emotional, spiritual, cultural and social requirements.I’ve worked directly with our clients at the time of their passing. I understand that it’s not a job for everyone. But personally, I feel that being there and talking to clients – even when they are not responsive – and being able to brush their hair and tell them that their loved ones are OK, is crucial to a respectful and person-centred care approach.Being there for our clients and their families – knowing how much this is appreciated at such a difficult time - just reinforces why palliative care teams love the job that we do.I was glad to be part of these teams, ensuring that our clients and their families received the highest level of care and compassion through those times.Growing up, did you always want to work in an industry involving one-on-one care?I never really knew what I wanted to do as a child growing up.I know I had to grow up fast – my father died when I was nine years’ old. My mother had complex health issues. So, I had to think like an adult very quickly, running a household and looking after my younger brother and mum. I cooked and cleaned. I had to write the shopping list and do the shopping.Looking back now, I really believe my life today has evolved from those childhood experiences of caring for others. Those early experiences inform so much of what I do today.What’s your motto in life?I don’t have time for negativity and I look for the positive in everything.Life is beautiful and worth celebrating.On a lighter note, who would you like to sit down with at a dinner party?I’m not sure about that one! As long as they’re positive and cheerful, it doesn’t matter to me who they are. It’s the personal qualities that are important.Thankyou Tammylea. Your compassion and warmth are appreciated by those in your care. We are proud to have you in our Baptcare team.
- 10 Jun 2022
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National Reconciliation Week, 2022 | Faces of Baptcare | Meet Emily Patterson, Personal Care Assistant – Brookview
If you’re ever visiting our Baptcare Brookview Community and hear someone singing along to Elvis’ greatest hits, it’s a sure sign that Emily Patterson has started her shift.Emily is one of our standout Personal Care Assistants, working tirelessly to ensure our older residents receive the highest standards of care and attention. What makes her stand out? Emily ensures every day is brimming with fun for those under her watchful care.Whether that’s a singalong to some of the classic hits of the 1950s, reliving a fun playground past time (the ‘Hokey Pokey’ is very popular with residents!) or just taking the time to listen and share stories, Emily is always looking at ways to promote joy and laughter.“I come from a large family – six kids – and I remember Nan singing to us with all these great tunes from the past,” said Emily. “I just thought it was natural that the residents might enjoy singing these songs, too.”If Elvis is not to your taste – don’t worry – Emily also brings a strong repertoire in Patsy Cline’s greatest hits. The residents love their singing companion – and the feedback from their families is glowing.“We get so much great feedback on Emily,” says Tamara Withanage, Residential Care and Services Manager at Brookview. “Our residents’ families tell us how they feel very secure knowing their loved one is receiving such attentive one-on-one care.”“Brookview is like a family”As a Personal Care Assistant, Emily’s days typically start at 7 a.m. before ending at around lunchtime or early afternoon. Her responsibilities include showering residents, cleaning their rooms, double-checking that all medication has been taken and assisting with feeding.Having worked for almost seven years at Baptcare, Emily has gotten to know the residents and their families at Brookview and looks on them as part of her extended family. “I feel so motivated to come in and see the residents each day,” said Emily.As a proud First Nations Australian, Emily was brought up to respect her elders, gladly providing comfort and care. It’s the same philosophy she brings to our residents at Brookview. ‘But it’s not just about what I can do to support them,” she explains. “I learn so much from our residents. They’ve got a lifetime of experience and wisdom to share – just like my aunties and uncles.”Discovering her true callingLooking back on her career, a clear theme emerges of a desire to support and care for others. One of Emily’s first jobs was working in childcare, preparing nutritious meals to power the little ones through their active days.She soon felt a calling to join aged care, remembering how she had helped look after her beloved Nan through her battle with throat cancer.“It seemed very natural to me, to move into aged care. I grew up in a family where we all looked after Nan – we enjoyed helping her out,’ explains Emily. “I feel like it’s my calling to help older people and bring some fun into their day.”We are so glad to have you onboard Emily!In the words of a famous Elvis song – our residents “can’t help falling in love with you!”
- 02 Jun 2022
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Brookview’s Quiet Room
A quick flashback to an interview with our own Geoff Wraight in the Source Saturday late last year on Brookview’s Quiet Room innovation.The brainchild of Bron Morris, Spiritual Care Co-ordinator at Brookview, the Quiet Room was developed during COVID-19, and is a dedicated staff sanctuary space; a room where staff can rest, reflect and recover.Faith-based Not For Profit operator Baptcare is creating Quiet Rooms to help stressed workers.“All the staff are under extra stress before you even start to think about a crisis like a COVID-19 pandemic. There are huge staff shortages right across the sector. Baptcare’s no different in suffering from that,” said Geoff Wraight, Baptcare’s Head of Spiritual Care.Brookview Aged Care Community (in Westmeadows, 17km north of Melbourne’s CBD) experienced a COVID breakout and the staff sought a Quiet room.“It’s been very warmly received. There is Muslim staff at that site who are now using it regularly for their daily Salat, their prayers. The manager herself has a particular self-care habit at the end of each day, before she goes home, she goes and does some breathing exercises and meditation.”Mr Wraight pointed out stress was not the only factor for a Quiet Room. One of the other motivations is Baptcare’s commitment to the whole person, including their spirituality.“In addition, the National Standards for Spiritual Care in Aged Care and Guidelines for Quality Spiritual Care in Health and our current building code reference the importance of a quiet space where staff and residents can go for meditation or contemplation, or prayer, or just withdraw from the craziness and the stress of a hospital or an aged care facility,” he added.“There was a nurse manager at one of our sites, almost being in tears because they just found out there was a new Government requirement to make a fullregister of all the psychotropic medicines being used at that level, and across the whole site,” he said.“This particular administrative task was detailed and laborious. She was already at the end of her ability to provide care for the residents, yet there was this new administration task… She had a moral dilemma, a huge values conflict. There just wasn’t enough staff on the floor in her view, to give the level of quality care that we want to give. And yet the demands of the system were pulling away from doing that direct care.”“I think it was just a little example to me that having that culture and ethic of we care about you as a whole person, we care about what this is doing to you as a human being.”And having a Quiet Room.
- 31 May 2022
