News and views from our community
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It’s ok to have home care
Is it okay to have home care? (Baptcare)Some members of our community have made adjustments to their services and supports during this time, which is completely understandable. As this current situation is not expected to be just a matter of weeks, we do encourage you to continue to access the services that you need. All our workers have completed mandatory training and understand precautions that need to take places, such as practicing good hygiene and social distancing. For the latest information Government advice, please visit their website here”. (MW)How can In Home Care services help through COVID-19? (Baptcare)“Our regular In Home Care services can support you at this time or easily be modified to meet your needs. Please click here for our list of these services including one new service called Social Wellbeing Phone Call.” (MW)Can Home Care Package funds be used to pay for communication enabling technology? (Baptcare)“At this time some of the services require and include the use of a mobile phone or other communication tools. The government has announced that for the short period your Home Care Package funds can be used to support the purchase of technology to ensure you are not isolated. Where this type of purchase aligns with your care plan and you have the available funds, we can assist with identifying the best technology solution for you, to enable you to have a greater level of connectivity with your loved ones and other important supports in your network.” (MW)Click here for information on both personal monitoring technology.Can I get COVID-19 Infection Control Training? (Baptcare)“A number of members from within the Baptcare community have expressed an interest in having a greater understanding of infection control, particularly related to COVID-19. The Department of Health online training module. While this is directed at health and community workers, it is open to everyone and free to register. Follow the steps to register and enroll in the training. The training takes approximately 30 minutes to do.” (MW)Where should we look for the latest Government Sources of information & Supports? (Baptcare)We know there is a lot of information out there which can at times be overwhelming, confusing and misleading. Its best to take information from reliable sources such as government updates and Information from links such as Gov Health Resources” (MW) Which service should I contact regarding my Mental Wellbeing during the Coronavirus situation? (Baptcare)“The Government in partnership with Beyond Blue have released a free 24 hour support service specifically designed to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic, offering support for any mental health impacts such as fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness.” (MW) If you are feeling lonely, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Baptcare office, as there is support available to help you stay connected – even if it’s just a casual chat on the phone.
- 18 May 2020
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The Music Goes On
From small beginnings Music Therapist Peter Coughlan has created a community of music-lovers across Baptcare. With his work already established at five sites, Peter is using the time of physical distancing to imagine reaching out to the wider Baptcare community.In recent days his program was offered via video link to Baptcare Karana. Lifestyle co-ordinator, Ann-Marie Harli shared, “From a shaky start with the technology, we got everything up and running, and the concert was a great success. Our residents were very happy to have Peter sing and play for them, and the room filled quickly as news of his performance was shared. It was a credit to Peter and his tenacity.”Peter believes his work is a conversation rather than a performance and recognises the therapeutic benefits emerge when residents feel involved. He was able to dialogue back and forth over the video link as residents shared what the music means to them. The songs creating the most discussion consistently emerge from the Great American Songbook and often evoke memories of World War 2.Peter has always understood his involvement as reaching out and being intentional about including others. Now he is doing that more than ever, “we are still here for you,” Peter said, “and will continue to deliver services as best we can - we are with you, wherever you are in the Baptcare community”
- 06 May 2020
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Bringing wild Australia to Baptcare Karana
We exist in challenging times, and this ‘new normal’ requires we adapt to stay connected. There are also opportunities, and Baptcare communities are being intentional to find alternate ways to bring enjoyment into our homes. This is exemplified at Baptcare Karana who entered new territory by receiving an online stream from Australian Reptile Park (ARP), based in Sydney, NSW.Residents and staff were able to get a look at Australia’s unique wildlife from the comfort and safety of their seats, including koalas, feeding of a saltwater crocodile and the milking of deadly snakes, all brought together by Tim Faulkner from ARP.The afternoon also included classic clips of Australia’s animal guru himself, Steve Irwin and a selection of his baby animals.Baptcare Karana is grateful to Tim and the rest of the team at Australian Reptile Park for a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all.
- 01 May 2020
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Orana offers new social housing option
“I have found the unit that I am living in to be comfortable, warm and something that I have wanted to live in my whole life. It is an amazing piece of architecture that is modern and light” – Ken, a former architect and one of the five residents who calls the new social housing development at Orana home. To ease homelessness four new social housing units have been built by Baptcare, in partnership with the Tasmanian Government, in East Devonport. Tenants moved in recently and come from Tasmania’s priority social housing list. They are all older Tasmanians, still capable of living independently, who have been provided the opportunity to live comfortably in affordable housing rather than private rental accommodation where they have not been able to manage their health and/or financial situation due to the ongoing costs of living.Baptcare Affordable Housing (BAH), a subsidiary company of Baptcare, will manage the units as part of Baptcare’s commitment to the Devonport community.The new units sit adjacent to Baptcare’s Orana Respite and Social Centre. Baptcare Disability Services Manager, Catherine Viney said this development realised Baptcare’s vision and commitment to social housing by providing homes that are well located, of quality build and affordable to lower income households.“The shortage of affordable housing in Tasmania is extreme. 34% of households renting in Tasmania are living in rental stress, a 17% increase since 2011 which is far too many people struggling to keep a roof over their head, as well as afford the basics of life. It is this chronic shortage of affordable rental housing which is a leading cause of homelessness,” said Ms Viney.“Our goal with these units is to improve access to affordable housing options for those who are struggling, as well as creating a community where residents can participate fully in life and live independently, with rent adjusted to tenants’ income.“Baptcare is excited to deliver this opportunity to the people of Devonport and help create positive memories for all who reside here,” said Ms Viney.This development would not have been possible without the valuable contribution and partnership with Housing Tasmania who contributed $440,000 toward the project.
- 24 Oct 2019
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Celebrating and thanking our carers
National Carers Week provides the opportunity for Baptcare and other organisations to recognise the outstanding role that carers play in the community. Each year carers save the Government $60.3 billion through their caring role.Of the 43,399 children in out of home care in Australia, 20,528 are living in formal kinship care. Kinship care refers to care provided by relatives or members of the child’s social network when a child is unable to live at home with their parents and is the preferred placement option within the child protection system. The demands on carers are diverse, extending from the care of the child, to negotiation with parents, support services and the legal system.Informal kinship carers receive very little or no support financially and a number of grandparents have had to dip into their retirement savings, while others have had to sell their homes.Baptcare has highlighted the work of carers in its report into family violence in kinship care, including evidence that 82% of carers experienced psychological, emotional or verbal abuse caused by a family member of the child. Consistently carers identify threats and intimidation resulting in the loss of social connection.One carer explained, “I was treated like I was so lacking in value. I was very tired of hearing the phrase, “you’re only the grandmother””.Carers Week gives Baptcare and the wider community the opportunity to acknowledge carers as more than, ‘only the grandmother.’ While carers are lamenting the lack of respect and recognition, Baptcare recognises that, “respect, encouragement and validation are no-cost resources that could make a huge difference in the life of a kinship carer with flow on benefits for the children in their care.”[1] ‘ It’s been an absolute nightmare’ Family violence in kinship care. August 2017.
- 15 Oct 2019
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Baptcare to offer affordable housing option in Melbourne’s east
Baptcare Affordable Housing will soon offer an affordable housing option to single people on low incomes in Ringwood.Eight one bedroom units, which are part of a much larger complex of 195 units, will provide a home to those who find it difficult to manage in the private rental market, helping them feel safe and supported.Baptcare Head of Housing and Homelessness, Cliff Barclay said this acquisition realises Baptcare's vision of providing housing that is well located and affordable to lower income individuals."The housing shortage in Victoria is extreme. Only 7.6% of new lettings in Melbourne are 'affordable' – compared to 30% a decade ago. The chronic lack of affordable rental housing is a leading cause of homelessness," said Mr Barclay."Our goal with these units is to improve access to affordable integrated communities for disadvantaged people, as well as offering a space where residents can participate fully in life and live independently, with rent adjusted to tenants' income."Baptcare is excited to become part of the Ringwood community, to provide much needed accommodation and help create positive memories for all who reside here."These units will help to transform people's lives," said Mr Barclay.Residents of the units are currently being recruited and will have access to a variety of first class amenities within the development including a yoga room, gymnasium, café, cinema room, large communal kitchen, and shared entertainment spaces all of which can be booked by residents.The units are located alongside bicycle and walking tracks and within a short distance to Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood Square and transport options.
- 20 Sep 2019
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Graduate aged care worker wins state award
Baptcare Karingal staff member, Anna Daniel has been awarded the Equity Vocational Student of the Year Award at the 2019 Tasmanian Training Awards.This award recognises the achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students who strive for the highest standards of knowledge and skills within their industry.Shirley Shaw, Baptcare Karingal Nurse Unit Manager said the aged care sector needs more workers like Anna.“Anna is a great example of an employee who lives and breathes our Baptcare values. She is vibrant, passionate and extremely professional. Her work ethic and commitment to residents is truly admirable. She is a wonderful choice to receive this accolade,” said Shirley.Anna commenced working with Baptcare Karingal Community in May 2019 as an Extended Care Assistant after she had completed her work placement with Baptcare.Anna says it is a dream position to work in.”I am very happy and grateful to be working at Karingal Community. I’m very appreciative to Shirley for all her support and encouragement during my work placement and for her commitment to education and training, and her encouragement to get the best from all employees. I’m so proud to be a team member at Karingal Community,” said Anna.Looking to the future, Anna wants to improve her skills while striving to deliver the best care possible, working hard to display ethics, integrity, respect and dignity.“I will keep increasing my knowledge base by attending training sessions offered through Baptcare and the community to further assist families and residents. My aim is to always provide optimum care with heart and compassion, respecting life until its final stage. I will work towards always striving to improve a resident’s quality of life,” said Anna.Baptcare believes Anna is an exceptional example of one of our aged care workers delivering the best of care and we wish her our heartfelt congratulations.This is the second time in as many years that Baptcare Karingal Community has won a state-based Award. We couldn’t be prouder!
- 20 Sep 2019
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Baby joy for Karen and Garry
New to foster care, Karen, 50 and Garry, 58 recently added to their family of six, with a baby boy who they fostered for 10 months.The Audley’s, who live in Altona, decided the timing was right to become foster carers as their own four children, aged 25, 23, 22 and 17, were now all grown. “It’s something we have been thinking about for many years. We have always enjoyed having kids around and the timing was finally right for us to be able to foster,” said Karen. “Having retired three years ago, it was a great opportunity for us to give something back. We love having kids around as they bring so much joy. Having worked so much when my own children were born, this was a great opportunity for me to get involved and give back,” added Garry.Karen and Garry started working with Baptcare in February last year and were accredited in June 2018.“We have worked with Baptcare for the last 12 months, after being given a list of providers located in the western suburbs by Foster Care Australia. Having had a past affiliation with the Baptist Church, Baptcare just felt right for us,” said Karen. “Our experience so far has been extremely positive. We instantly became part of an extended family. After our training and four home interviews Baptcare also became part of our family and really got to know our kids making the whole process very easy,” said Garry.Karen and Garry received their first foster child in October 2018. Felix* came to them at four months of age as a result of his young mother being in an abusive relationship and did not have the support available to care for him by herself.“Felix had never lived with his mum or dad; he went straight from the hospital to kinship care where he was removed due to safety concerns through protection services,” said Karen. “We got to spend 10 months with him and enjoyed so many of his milestones – crawling, walking and his first birthday. He was such an easy going, happy child despite his dislike of sleep. We will treasure those moments for a long time,” said Karen. “When the time came to say goodbye, despite how hard it was, we knew that he was going to a good home, and transitioning to another foster family who already had his half-brother in their care, and whom was looking at permanently fostering both of them,” said Garry.Karen and Garry say being foster carers is highly rewarding.“Seeing Felix happy and knowing we could give him a loving environment that he could thrive and develop in was so satisfying,” said Karen. “We saw such a dramatic change in Felix from when he came to us to when he left, he was just so happy and content, and we take comfort in being able to do that for him. He also did a lot for us as a family. Our entire family enjoyed him, and he brought a bit of life back to us,” said Garry.Karen and Garry, who are committed to a short term and emergency foster care arrangement, are currently awaiting another child to foster and highly recommend foster care to anyone considering getting involved.“If you are considering it, do it for the kids. We’ve got memories that we will treasure, and the children have an opportunity to grow in safety,” said Garry.This week (September 8-14) is Foster Care Week.Baptcare celebrates and appreciates our pool of amazing foster carers and the invaluable contribution they are making to the lives of vulnerable children and young people and the community as a whole.People interested in becoming a foster carer with Baptcare can phone 13 22 78 or visit www.baptcare.org.au*name has been changed to protect the individual’s identity.
- 09 Sep 2019
