News and views from our community

• Faces of Baptcare

Meet Kate Flight

People always smile before talking about Kate Flight.“I found Kate to be so approachable, helpful and genuine as I transitioned into my new role. Nothing was a bother and she always followed up with what she said. She really cares for the residents and wants the best outcomes for them,” said Larnica Marshall, Leisure and Lifestyle Co-ordinator at Baptcare Karingal.Another colleague who worked closely with Kate on the art exhibition, Clinical and Quality Systems Partner Zoe Johnson, echoes this glowing feedback.“Kate’s creative and innovative thinking honestly puts her in a class of her own. The artist in residence exhibition is just an example of the amazing ideas that Kate brings to her role and her passion, dedication, diligence to projects and staff helped the lifestyle team archived their goal.Kate has taken consumer experience to the next level and brings a consumer experience lens to each individual. We walk into a facility and Kate knows individual residents and their background, literally picking up conversations from the last quarter.She has kept me laughing and I admire the enthusiasm she brings to work every day. Kate is an invaluable part of our team and a great asset to Baptcare,” Zoe said.You can learn more about Kate in our chat below. How long have you been working at Baptcare as Quality Business Partner leading experience? What does your role involve day to day?I began this position in January 2021 – so just shy of three years. Each day varies, it includes visits to our RAC sites every quarter to complete customer experience surveys, collaborating closely with the exceptional Lifestyle Teams, and working with the Quality Team – sometimes that is piloting and evaluating new equipment, reviewing documentation or processes. There are also many projects on the go. These include delivering training for the Living Well Together Model of Care and the establishment of Consumer Advisory Groups. What do you like about your job? I always like having face to face contact with our consumers, hearing their stories, understanding what we can do to make a difference, what we do well and where we can improve. Lots of themes emerge in this space and lead to service improvements that we can co-design with our consumers. Can you share a particularly special workday or customer interaction you’ve had recently? I’ve actually got two! The first: I always enjoy dining with the residents on my visits to our RAC (Residential Aged Care) sites, it provides a great opportunity to hear from the residents their thoughts on the meals and dining experience that we provide. They offer recipe tips, menu suggestions and their reviews on table settings and the meal being served, amidst some great conversation. It’s great to see how feedback from our residents has transformed the meals and dining experience. My second story: At Karingal, last week a resident pulled a suit out of the wardrobe, that he had worn to the Spring Ball the day before. He was so incredibly proud of the suit and tie that Lifestyle team had sourced for him and then hemmed his trousers to be the correct length. He couldn’t have been happier describing the whole event, the fantastic food, the music and feeling like a million dollars in his tailored suit!I love hearing the stories where staff have gone the extra mile and made a real difference to create a special occasion, experience or memory for their residents. This was one of those moments. Kate – you created and led an amazing art exhibition project throughout our RAC/Retirement Living communities recently. What surprised you most about this experience and was there a standout moment you’d like to share? A daughter of a resident described how grateful she was that her father had the opportunity to display his first art in exhibition at 92 years of age. His artwork was incredible. Lifestyle teams worked so hard curating these exhibitions with their residents – it was an amazing experience.Seeing the connection that it brought residents, families and staff across all sites was beyond what I had ever anticipated. I’m looking forward to the 2024 art exhibition! Did you always want to work within this Consumer Experience space or what are some other jobs you’ve performed in your career? I’ve had many roles across hospitals and the community sector both within Australia, UK and Ireland.I’ve always been drawn to project roles which have focused on service development, co-design and teamwork that deliver improved consumer outcomes. You trained as an Occupational Therapist (OT). Can you reflect on how your years as an OT have helped you in your present role? As an OT, we want to understand what’s important to a person, their strengths and where they are experiencing difficulties so we can remove those barriers and support and empower them to live meaningful lives.We tend to be great listeners, and good problem solvers and like to understand where the cause of an issue may lie so we can work together and find a solution. My role in customer experience definitely draws on these skills and project background. What did you want to be when you grew up? An Occupational Therapist! (tick) Can you tell us two surprising things about yourself? I was an extra in the last series of Wentworth (just one episode, so I’m not giving up my day job!) and two… Hold on – you need to tell us more about this please! How did this brush with fame happen and were you a fan of Wentworth or Prisoner?I’d like to say that I passed an audition with my amazing acting talents, but I may happen to be friends with the super talent scout responsible for extras!Confession – I hadn’t watched many episodes of Wentworth and no, I was not an inmate! For my role, I had to sit on the floor in a London bomb scene with medical intervention. It was a great day out with my teenage son who also had a brief brush with fame. And now that we’ve cleared that up, what’s your other surprising fact? I went overseas for a year and stayed for 13, living most of that time in Northern Ireland so my three children have Irish names – Cormac, Ronan and Orla. In true thorough Kate Flight style, after she’d submitted these Faces of Baptcare responses, she followed up with an email entitled “Delayed Flight” and the following words: If the other interesting fact about Ireland is a bit yawn – I was going to say that.I managed to secure tickets to Taylor Swift concert for myself and my daughter and she thinks I’m incredible for pulling that off! Now I have to learn a lot of Taylor Swift lyrics before February! Pressure is on.Go Swifty Kate go! Re dealing with that pressure? If we were corny, we’d just say “shake it off, shake it off…”Do you have a favourite quote or motto in life?Take it from Dorothy - “there is no place like home!” (I have that hanging in my hallway and I am partial to red shoes). (Ed. exhibit A below!).What was the last book and TV series you’ve read/watched lately? Jessie Stephens “Something Bad is about to Happen” and currently enjoying Ted Lasso (bit late to the party) but I can confess it did encourage me to fully immerse into the World Cup.Please complete this sentence: My ideal weekend would include… A walk with my dog Boss (pictured with Kate), a swim in the ocean before breakfast, a good coffee, a good book, another swim and a lunch catch up with friends or family. Actually, that definitely sounds more holiday than weekend!Do you have a mentor or idol? OR if you could sit next to someone at a dinner party, who would it be and why?I don’t mind who I sit next to, but can Yotam Ottolenghi cook please? I love his recipes, but I’d prefer him to whip them up so I can try and have that perfect weekend I described!Thank you, Kate, for all that you give to the Baptcare community. We wish you endless perfect weekends (with or without Yotam and Taylor)!You can watch a video of the Baptcare 2023 Artist in Residence Exhibition on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knS6zw0HLks

• 08 Nov 2023

How to access residential aged care in Australia – a step by step guide for seniors and their families

If you are an older Australian who needs more care and support than you can get at home, you might be considering moving into a residential aged care community, like those offered at Baptcare. Residential aged care communities provide accommodation and personal care 24 hours a day, along with access to nursing and general health care services. The Australian Government subsidises residential aged care to make it more affordable and accessible for eligible people.In this article, we explain the steps involved in accessing residential aged care in Australia and provide some useful web resources to guide you along the way.Step 1: Learn about different types of careThe first step is to learn about the different types of care that are funded by the Australian Government. There are two main types of residential aged care: permanent and respite. Permanent residential aged care is for people who need ongoing care and support. Respite residential aged care is for people who need short-term or temporary care, for example, to give their carer a break. You can also choose between different levels of care, depending on your needs and preferences Read more about residential aged care communities here.Step 2: Get assessed for aged care servicesThe second step is to get assessed for aged care services by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). An ACAT is a group of health professionals who will visit you at home or in hospital and ask you some questions about your health, lifestyle and support needs. They will also discuss your options and preferences with you, your family or carer. Based on this assessment, the ACAT will approve you for the type and level of care that best suits your needs. The ACAT team can make approvals for both respite care (which provides temporary relief for a primary carer) and / or permanent care. You can apply for an ACAT assessment online or by calling 1800 200 422. You can find out more about the assessment process here.Step 3: Find a provider in your area that suits your needsThe third step is to find a provider in your area that suits your needs and preferences. A provider is an organisation that runs one or more residential aged care homes. You can search for providers and compare their services, fees, quality ratings and vacancies here. You can also contact providers directly to arrange a visit, ask questions and request a copy of their accommodation agreement. This is a legal document that outlines the terms and condition of living in their home, including your rights and responsibilities, the services they will provide and the fees they will charge. You can read more about Baptcare’s residential aged care services here.Step 4: Manage your servicesThe fourth step is to manage your services once you have moved into a residential aged care community. This includes:keeping track of your feesreviewing your care planmaking changes to your services if your needs changeproviding feedback or making complaints if you are not happy with the quality of care or service you receive.You can also access additional support and information from a variety of sources, for example, advocates, volunteers, peak bodies and government agencies. You can find out more about how to manage your services here.While this article provides a high-level overview of how to access residential aged care in Australia, we understand that you may have more questions about the process. You may want to access the Australian Government’s My Aged Care website, for more information or call 1800 200 422.You are also welcome to speak to one of our friendly consultants at Baptcare for more information about our residential aged care communities – call us today on 13 22 78 or click here to book a tour.

• 08 Nov 2023

How Baptcare supports children in need

Baptcare is a leading provider of integrated support services to children, families and young people in Victoria and Tasmania. We believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing and loving environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. Baptcare is proud to offer a range of programs designed to prevent harm, promote wellbeing and build parenting skills.Some of the services that Baptcare provides to support children and their families in Victoria include:Integrated Family Services ProgramThis program offers in-home support to families in the Brimbank and Moonee Valley areas, with children between 0-18 years of age. If you or someone you know is struggling with:parenting skillsfinancial hardshipmental health issuesrelationship issuessocial isolationthen our Integrated Family Services Program may be able to assist you.The program helps families with parenting skills development and support, advice and referral to other services in your area and support groups. To make a referral to our Victorian Integrated Family Services Program, please contact the Brimbank Melton Orange Door on 1800 271 046 or the Western Melbourne Orange Door on 1800 271 045. This program is also available in Tasmania – click here for details.Parenting Assessment Skills Development Service This service supports families with children up to three years of age and who are currently clients of the Victorian Child Protection Service, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. The program assesses whether children aged 0-3 are growing up in a safe environment, along with parenting capacity and competency. This service includes an element of education and skill development for parents. Read more about our Parenting Assessment Skills Development Service initiative here.Home-Start ProgramThis program provides practical support and mentoring from volunteers to families with children under the age of five in the Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, Brimbank-Melton or Western Melbourne areas. The program helps families to build confidence, connect with their community and access other supporting services. Read more about Home-Start here.Family Preservation and Reunification Response ProgramThis program is funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to support families involved with Child Protection:keep children safely at homeprevent children and young people entering care servicesand support children and young people to safely reunify with their family after a period of separation.The service works with families in the Western Melbourne and Brimbank/Melton areas of Melbourne to create a safe and stable environment for children. Read more about this program here.Parenting and Children’s GroupsThese are evidence-based, accredited groups helping parents and their children to enhance their communication, bonding, resilience and coping skills. The groups cover topics such as positive parenting, managing emotions, dealing with trauma and building self-esteem. Groups, including supported playgroups, are currently available in the Bendigo area. For more information, please call us on (03) 9373 3800 or email VicFamilyCommunityServices@baptcare.org.auFamily Violence Program + WAVESThis is a therapeutic service for people who have experienced or witnessed family violence. The service provides counselling, advocacy, referral and support to help people recover from the impact of violence and abuse on their physical, emotional and mental health. The program is available to single adults, families and children who are living or studying in the Brimbank, Melton and western metropolitan areas of Melbourne. Read more about these programs here.In Tasmania, Baptcare provides a range of family services programs, including:Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice & Referral LineThe Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice & Referral Line is the first point of contact for anyone with a concern about the safety and wellbeing of a child or who is in need of support. The Advice & Referral Line provides advice to the caller, information about referral pathways and support options for responding to the needs of children and families.Contact the Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice & Referral Line on 1800 000 123 (state-wide, Tasmania) between 8.30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.Targeted Youth Support ServiceBaptcare’s Targeted Youth Support Service (TYSS) homeless youth program works with young people aged 10 to 18 years who are identified as having significant and/or multiple risk issues including experiencing or being at risk of homelessness.Participants are identified as requiring significant assistance and, without intensive support, notification to Child Protection or entry to and/or escalation within the youth justice system is likely.This is a therapeutic intervention program aimed to provide support and casework services for at risk young people. The service also aims to re-engage young people in education, training, employment and housing.TYSS can be accessed by families who are referred via Strong Families, Safe Kids on 1800 000 123.Community Kinship ProgramCommunity Kinship care is where children or young people are placed with a family member, friend of the family or someone in the young person’s community when they are unable to stay at home with their parents without the intervention of Child Safety Services.Community Kinship Practitioners provide support to kinship placements, and partner with Mission Australia to ensure a consistent service for carers across the state.We can provide assistance to establish a placement, referrals to other services, source respite and broker support as needed.Foster Care and Kinship CareBaptcare Foster and Kinship Carers help create a secure and loving environment for a foster child by taking day to day responsibility for their care. As part of a cooperative team (with the child’s family, other services and Baptcare foster care worker) foster carers focus on the best outcomes for the child, aiming to return them to their own families where safe to do so.Baptcare also provides support for Kinship Carers who have assessments pending and existing carers who would like an alternative support service other than the Department of Education, Children and Young People. If you are interested in the services Baptcare could offer, please discuss this with your Out of Home Care worker or reach out to our team.Baptcare Foster Carers provide respite care across short periods when a child’s primary carer needs a break, emergency care and short- or longer-term care.To learn more about our Foster Care and Kinship Care programs in Tasmania, click here. Foster Care services are also available in the Western Melbourne suburbs of Victoria – click here for more details.Other services for childrenBaptcare also provides disability support, affordable housing and asylum seeker assistance for families and children in need. Baptcare is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred and holistic services that respect the dignity, rights and diversity of every child. A Child Safety Officer and associated working group has been established to oversee our child safe strategies.If you would like more information about Baptcare’s services for children, please contact us on 13 22 78 or enquire online here.

• 24 Oct 2023

What does spiritual care mean?

Spiritual care supports the spiritual and emotional aspects of human life. It is based on the recognition that people are more than just physical beings – they have needs and values transcending the material world. Spiritual care can help people cope with illness, loss, grief, pain and other challenges by providing them with a sense of meaning, purpose, connection and hope.Spiritual Care emerged from the Christian church’s understanding of pastoral care. The central image of pastoral care was of a shepherd caring for their flock. In recent decades, the category of ‘Spiritual Care’ has been accepted as a broader term addressing the spiritual wellbeing needs of all people and is increasingly recognised as an essential part of person-centred care across a broad range of sectors. Pastoral and religious care is a subset of this category.Baptcare’s framework of Spiritual Care is shaped by its Baptist theological heritage, the National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care and evidence-based research. This framework is a direct expression of Baptcare’s mission DNA, a key quality in our person-centred care models and a point of difference in the marketplace for both customers and staff. Baptcare is committed to a relational and wholistic understanding of spiritual wellbeing as the measure of meaning, purpose and belonging in human experience.Do I have to be religious to access spiritual care?Spiritual care is not limited to any religion or belief system. It respects the diversity and uniqueness of each person’s spirituality and does not impose any doctrine or agenda. Rather, it seeks to understand and honour each person’s own spiritual perspective and to facilitate their expression and exploration of it. Spiritual care can involve listening, talking, praying, meditating, reading, singing or engaging in rituals or ceremonies that are meaningful to the person accessing care.Who provides spiritual care at Baptcare?At Baptcare, spiritual care is provided by a team of Spiritual Care Coordinators and chaplains. This support is provided to our clients, their families and carers. Our spiritual care program focuses on truly getting to know each person and genuinely hearing what is important for them to express and share in their lives. Spiritual Care Coordinators also offer educational resources for care staff to support their work.Who benefits from spiritual care?Spiritual care can benefit anyone who is facing a difficult situation or transition in life. It can help people to find comfort and strength in their faith or values, to cope with emotions and fears, to reconcile with themselves and others, to express their gratitude and/or regrets, to discover new insights and possibilities and to prepare for death and bereavement. Spiritual care can also enhance the quality of life and well-being of people who are healthy and happy, by helping them to appreciate the beauty and mystery of life, to deepen their relationships with themselves and others and to grow in their spirituality.Why is spiritual care important?Spiritual care is a vital part of human care. It recognises that we are not only physical beings, but also spiritual beings who seek resilience and meaning in our lives. By attending to the spiritual dimensions of life, spiritual care can help us to heal emotionally as well as physically, to rebuild relationships and regain a sense of spiritual well-being. It can help strengthen knowledge and relationships we hold with our families, other people, the broader community, nature and anything else that is significant or sacred to our lives.

• 19 Oct 2023

Caregiver burden and burnout – signs to look out for and ways to prevent it

Key points:what are the signs of caregiver burdenwhat is the difference between caregiver burden and caregiver’s burnoutways to relieve caregiver burdenJenny, 56, is a full-time nurse and mother of three school-aged children, one of whom has a learning disability. Jenny is also the primary carer for her two elderly parents and her husband’s mother, and the go-to advisor for various elderly neighbours in her street.Jenny visits her local GP as she’s ‘just not feeling right’. She has been feeling overwhelmed, constantly tired and often on the verge of tears. Her GP explains that she has a classic case of caregiver burden.What is an informal and primary caregiver?One in 10 Australians are informal carers, the majority of whom do not receive government support payments.In 2018, one in three carers (33% or an estimated 861,600 people) were primary carers, meaning they provided the most care to a person with disability in one or more core activities (self-care, mobility and communication) (ABS 2019). ‘Other informal carers’ are people who provided informal care to someone but were not their primary carer.Primary carers are most commonly female (72%, compared with 50% of other informal carers in 2018). This varied further by age, with primary carers between the ages of 25 and 54 particularly likely to be female (81% of those aged 25–34, 82% of those aged 35–44, and 75% of those aged 45–54).Informal carers are people who provide care to those who need it within the context of an existing relationship, such as a family member, a friend or a neighbour. The demands of the role often go beyond what would normally be expected of these relationships. People who need help may also receive formal services from government and other organisations.What is caregiver burden? Caregiver burden can be defined as the (often cumulative) exhaustion experienced by a person who cares for a disabled, chronically ill or older family member/loved one.What is the difference between caregiver burden and caregiver burnout?If unrecognised and untreated, caregiver burden can escalate into caregiver burnout.Caregiver burnout is a serious state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion that a carer can experience while they’re taking care of others. It’s worth remembering that the risk of burnout often increases as the responsibilities and burden of caregiving grow.Three common signs of caregiver burdenWhile not all caregivers may have the same caregiving experience as Jenny, here are three typical signs that you may be experiencing caregiver burden. 1. Feelings of being overwhelmed Often a carer can find their support is needed urgently with no time for them to plan their time, resources and mindset. More often than not, these new care responsibilities are added to an already long list of personal obligations the carer may have as a mother, wife and/or employee.The specific requirements of caring for people can also add to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Much caregiving is learnt on the job without any training and this responsibility is a huge burden for the carer. Perhaps the carer needs to deal with a new diagnosis of a family member that requires transporting them to various appointments, picking up and administering regular medication. Elderly family members may have cognitive issues, such as dementia, or need to be settled into respite or an aged care community. These things take patience, time and money that can cumulatively be overwhelming for a carer. 2. Financial strainThe burden of caregiving is often complicated by the financial pressure it can place on families. Apart from the costs associated with any medical treatments and medication, carers may find themselves needing to take time off work or even resigning from their jobs in order to support a loved one. This can cause financial strain on the carer and her family who may rely on the carer’s income. 3. Feelings of isolationApart from exhaustion, another common characteristic of caregiver burnout is a feeling of personal isolation. The caregiver may be so overwhelmed that they find it difficult to reach out for help. Additionally, the caregiver may feel that they shouldn’t burden other people with their issues or perhaps that they may not understand them.Three ways to relieve caregiver burdenRecognizing the signs of caregiver burden can help you proactively manage stress and reduce the chance of burnout. 1. Prioritise your wellbeingWhile caregivers may say they don’t have time for self-care, it’s essential. A bit like the oxygen mask instructions you’re given on a plane – caregivers need that wellbeing oxygen mask in order to keep caring for others.This self-care may be as simple as going for a walk with a friend or giving yourself permission to watch your favourite show on TV. The important thing is that you care a bit for yourself and regularly.In addition to emotional self-care, it’s important to prioritise your diet (fruit, vegetables and chocolate treats can help too!) and sleep to ensure that you stay healthy yourself. 2. Use local caregiver resources to support caregivers – like respite careEveryone deserves a break now and then to rest and recharge – which is why a respite stay with a provider like Baptcare can be a great option for caregivers and their loved ones.Every Baptcare aged care community offers short-term stays for older people in need of temporary care and accommodation, who have a current ACAT/ACAS approval for respite care.Carers Victoria offers widespread support for carers, including a Victorian Carer Support Group Directory to search for a group near you. You can even filter your search to target groups for specific types of carers or carers of people with specific needs.Also, consider free caregiver resources and training and online caregiver support groups to get ideas and emotional support. 3. The importance of carers seeking out specific coping skillsUnfortunately, carers can turn to unhealthy crutches like alcohol to cope with carer’s burden. Use of effective coping skills to reduce the level of personal burden can improve caregiver physical health and psychological well-being. Some examples may be:exercisealternative natural health practices like mediation or kinesiologycounselling – informal or formal - having someone listen is so valuableYou can read more about Caring for the Carer here.

• 12 Oct 2023

How to Care for the Carer

Key Points:The role of the carer can be fulfilling, however it can be both physically and emotionally demanding as wellIt is important to prioritise your wellbeing so you can be the best support person you can be to your loved onesIt is common for people to feel they have no choice but to be a carerThere are various free resources available online and in person to support your wellbeingYour role as a carer is incredibly important both to your loved one and to your community. Not only do you provide ongoing emotional support to your loved one, but you may also support them with their personal and health care, transport and administration needs, housekeeping/household chores and miscellaneous activities.Chances are that you do all these tasks in addition to juggling many other responsibilities in your life.While the role of a carer can be very fulfilling, it can also be demanding both physically and emotionally, and can be a cumulatively demanding job too. Therefore, it’s important that you prioritise your wellbeing.How to accept your role as a carer It is a common feeling for carers to feel they did not have a choice about becoming a carer. This role can occur gradually, through helping more as a loved one's independence reduces over time, or it may happen abruptly due to a health change or an accident. The responsibility as carer is often left to one individual within a family rather than being shared equally. There is an array of free resources available to you that could help support your wellbeing as you care for your loved ones.Connection: support groups and free resources for carers Carers Victoria is an aged care team that provides expert advice to support you in times of crisis, and can provide you with tools to plan for the future. If you need support or advice, call Carers Victoria on 1800 514 845 or visit their website. Carers Victoria also conducts wellbeing workshops for carers, which you can find here: calendar for carersCarer Support Group DirectoryThere are support groups in your local area made up of people who share common caring experiences. You can share knowledge and experiences and receive emotional, social and practical support. In addition to learning more about being a carer, these groups are also a great opportunity for you to meet other carers who may be in similar situations to you. You can find one in your local area by visiting Carers VIC Australia.How a primary carer can prioritise their own wellbeing Carers often overlook the importance of prioritising their own wellbeing. However, it’s extremely important that carers look after themselves or they will burn out and be unable to care for anyone. Try and give yourself a small amount of time each day to do whatever will ‘fill your cup’. Perhaps it’s as simple as going for a walk with a friend or doing some online learning or meditation. Or perhaps you’d just like to watch your favourite show on TV with a strong cup of tea. The important thing is that you care a bit for yourself.Also try and prioritise your diet (fruit, vegetables and chocolate treats can help too!) and sleep needs to ensure that you stay healthy yourself.Wellbeing apps and websites for carers Future learn: free online courses on health, languages, wellbeing and moreSpotify: play music anytime, anywhereHeadspace: Short meditation and mindfulness sessionsSmiling Mind: a guide on how to meditateHome fitness: YouTube has a wide range of workout videos. One of these options is ‘Fitness Blender’ Mental health support resourcesIf you are struggling with your mental health, there are resources and support available to you through Beyond Blue. If you need support phone 1300 224 636 or visit the website which includes an online chat function.What is Respite care? Respite care is when somebody else takes over and supports the person you care for so you can have a break. This gives primary carers an opportunity for short-term rest, to maintain mental health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of you becoming exhausted or burned out.What are day centres? Baptcare day centres are friendly and comfortable facilities, with care delivered by qualified and experienced carers. Day respite at our day centres is available Monday to Friday. Baptcare offers ongoing regular bookings, occasional care, plus respite care at short notice for when the unexpected arises. Baptcare staff provide friendly and attentive care seven days a week, including public holidays.Baptcare offers additional support for carers. Talk to us about upcoming coffee mornings, dinners, outings, and carers’ meetings. Enquire today via our website.To read more about Caregiver burden and burnout – signs to look out for and ways to prevent it, click here.

• 12 Oct 2023

How to have the difficult conversations with ageing parents about home care

Key Points:It is important to have these conversations earlier rather than later so plans can be in place to ensure your loved one can remain supported at homeThere is between a six- and 18-month wait for home care services depending on when your parents have undergone an ACAS assessmentThe main benefit of receiving home care is to allow people to maintain their independence and to gain a better quality of lifeHaving open conversations with your parents and really listening to their feelings on home care may make them more open to the ideaBecome familiar with the language used and how home care packages workBook an appointment with a primary care physician to conduct an assessment on your parents’ physical and mental wellbeingWhen to discuss home care with elderly parents You may have noticed that your ageing parents are getting more overwhelmed with everyday tasks in their home. Perhaps changing sheets on their bed or keeping up with gardening or grocery shopping has started to cause them stress?It can be difficult to talk to our parents as they age about the need for them to get some extra help at home. However, it is important to have these conversations with your parents earlier rather than later so supports can be put in place to ensure that they can continue to live comfortably and independently at home. Wait time for home care servicesIt is important to start the conversation about home care before your parent or loved one needs help at home. This forward planning is necessary because there can be between a six- and 18-month wait for home care services, depending on the date your parents have undergone an assessment from Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) and the priority your assessor gives to your parents’ application. Starting the conversation early will give you and your parents time to make plans and discuss care needs and options.Does my parent need home care?It can be difficult to know or predict when your parents are at a stage of needing home care, depending on factors such as their overall health, level of independence and ability to manage their daily activities. A resource that is helpful in beginning this process is by reaching out to My Aged Care to begin the assessment stage.The positives of home care Your parents may be hesitant to discuss home care so it’s important to highlight the benefits they will receive with extra home help. For example, let them know that the main benefit of receiving home care is to allow them to maintain their independence and to gain a better quality of life. You could focus on the positives of home care such as caregivers helping them with tasks around the house to make living at home easier, such as laundry, dishes, and cleaning. Another benefit is the companionship your parents will receive from their caregiver.To learn more about the benefits of home care, refer to our website about how Baptcare offers you the highest quality Home Care Services, delivered by our caring, quality staff.How to talk to your parents about home careYour parents may be uncomfortable to discuss the introduction of home care into their lives. It can be challenging for a parent to feel like they have lost a sense of independence and they may even feel embarrassed about the idea of needing help with personal care. To make sure this conversation remains positive and productive, your loved one must feel that they are being listened to and understood. By having open conversations with your parents and really listening to their feelings on homecare, you may be able to identify the reasons why they may be hesitant with the idea of receiving help. You can then work together to come up with solutions that suit the needs of both you and your loved one.Home care options You can help make the home care discussions and process smooth for your parents by starting your own research early. There are many home care options and different providers available, but you’ll need to spend time sifting through the information. If possible, become familiar with the language used and how home care packages work before you start the conversation with your parents. You will then be able to explain calmly to your loved one how a home care package works, what types of care are available and the cost of the services.It's also a good idea to involve your parents in the research phase, asking them questions and working out their preferences along the way. This collaborative approach may help your parents to process and accept the introduction of home care into their lives.Who can help me talk to my parents about home care? In some cases, you may find it difficult to have the conversation about home care with your parents. Perhaps you’re not the best person to float the idea of home care, and this is okay. If so, think about who a better fit for your parents may be – someone within your family, a spouse, an aunt or even a friend.Another option is to book in with your primary care physician to conduct an assessment. For some parents, advice coming from a trusted medical professional may mean they are more willing to accept home care.Baptcare is here to assist you with finding reliable information, understanding your options, and applying for a Home Care Package. We understand that the process can be difficult and confusing, and we are dedicated to guiding and supporting you every step of the way.

• 12 Oct 2023

• Faces of Baptcare

Meet Callum Poole

Tuesday, 10 October is World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day, two causes close to Callum Poole’s heart. A valuable part of Baptcare’s Mental Health team, Callum works in Baptcare’s Choices program, where we assist individuals discharged from hospital mental health units who may also be experiencing homelessness. We sat down with Callum to hear more about his role and what he’d change in the mental health space if given a magic wand. And speaking of wands, we also learnt about his love of all things Tolkien and Hobbiton but that’s another story. What is your current role and what does it involve day to day? My current role at Baptcare is Mental Health Practitioner in the Choices program, assisting people who are being discharged from the mental health ward of hospitals (and who are also at risk of homelessness) to find short-term housing. My day starts early as I have three little kids, a four-year-old boy and twin girls who just turned two. During the day I try to spend as much time as I can at the shelter to build a therapeutic relationship with the clients. I take them to appointments, advocate for them but mostly what I do is a great deal of listening. How long have you been working within the Mental Health team at Baptcare? I started working at Baptcare in May of 2022, so about a year and a half.Can you explain a bit more about Baptcare’s Choices program?The Choices Program operates in the south of Tasmania in partnership with the Royal Hobart Hospital. People can be referred to Choices while they are at inpatient locations such as the Department of Psychiatry, or other mental health residential or respite accommodations. The program also supports people in the community following discharge, with the aim to assist their return to the community and reduce the need for re-admission. Often the circumstances leading to admission include homelessness, in which case Choices can provide short-term emergency accommodation and intensive psychosocial support, allowing timely exit from inpatient services. What do you like about working with Baptcare and in the mental health space? I love the team I work with, and this is so important to me. It is a challenging role working with homeless people who have just come out of the Mental Health Wards but having a good team that I can be real with helps immensely.Working in the mental health space is great, I enjoy going home knowing that I am making a massive difference in people's lives. I also see it as a great privilege to work with people in their most vulnerable moments and for them to trust me enough to let me in to their world. World Mental Health Week aims to address what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. If you had a magic wand, what is something you’d change in the mental health space? Big question. I think it would be around lifting the shame that is associated with having a mental health issue. Talking to clients, friends, family and from my own experience, shame is often the barrier that stops people from getting the help that they need. By removing shame, I believe, people will seek help sooner which is shown to have positive impacts. Did you always want to work within the mental health space and what are some other jobs you’ve performed in your career? Working in Mental Health is not something I particularly wanted to do before starting the role. However, looking over my previous roles, they all have some form of mental health aspect to them.I have had an array of ‘people helping’ jobs:* School chaplain for 10-plus years, here in Hobart and the greater Darwin area.* Worked at a halfway house with individuals out of prison who were not managing their mental health medication correctly.* Launch Youth, a male youth homeless shelter.* House Parent in Darwin looking after hundreds of Aboriginal boarders from the top end of Australia. What is one thing you wished people understood/knew about mental health? The pervasiveness of having a mental health condition and the impact it has on every area of life. What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was young, I wanted to be a scientist. I love understanding why things work the way they do. Can you tell us 2 surprising things about yourself? I am tall, I am 208cmAnd no, I do not play basketball. Do you have a favourite quote or motto in life? I have two.“Caffeine is not a drug; it’s a vitamin.”“A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past.” - P.K Benard What are two things on your bucket list? I want to go to New Zealand and geek out at Hobbiton and spend as much time and money as my wife will let me. I love the works of Tolkien.I want to do a cycling tour of Tasmania. I think it will be a lovely way to slow down, (very slow with my current level of fitness!) and see this beautiful state. If you could sit next to someone at a dinner party, who would it be and why? I would love to sit down and have dinner with J. R. R. Tolkien. It would be great to ask all the questions that I have in my head regarding his written works like - what happened to the Entwives? Did he purposely make the name Denethor and Théoden similar? And where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?Thank you, Callum, for all that you give to our Baptcare community and for being a man with a vision. One day soon we look forward to seeing photos of you geeking out at Hobbiton with a strong cup of coffee in hand.

• 05 Oct 2023

How Baptcare is supporting mental health in Tasmania

Mental health is a vital aspect of well-being. Statistics show that one in eight people around the world are living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common. In Australia, more than 40 percent of Australians aged 16–85 are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.For people living with mental health conditions, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalised, having access to quality and holistic care is essential. Which is why Baptcare has developed a range of innovative and evidence-based programs to support people with mental health needs.What is Mindset Tasmania?Mindset Tasmania delivers psychosocial services to build people’s capacity to improve their mental health and make progress towards their recovery. Our programs work with adults experiencing severe and persistent or episodic mental health conditions, as well as people who are transitioning from hospital to community settings. Mindset Tasmania employs mental health practitioners and peer practitioners who use person-centred and strengths-based approaches to help clients identify their goals and remove barriers to living the life they want to lead.Mindset Tasmania offers three main programs: Foundations, Choices and Horizons.Foundations is a state-wide, nationally accredited, intensive psychosocial recovery-based program run by Baptcare in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides medium-term support for clients with complex needs.“The Foundations program is wonderful and they support the clients so well, unlike any other program. When Foundations was in its early stages we thought here is another program, how long will it last and will it deliver? We are so pleased to say that the program is great and the clients are so well supported once they leave our facility.” - Mental Health Services Case Manager, North Tasmania.Choices is a short-term, intensive outreach service operating in partnership with the Royal Hobart Hospital. The aim of this program is to assist people in the community following discharge from inpatient services or other mental health residential or respite accommodation. Choices is targeted at reducing the need for re-admission to in-patient care and provides transitional accommodation when necessary.“Choices helped me sort out my housing problems and helped me with my medications.” - Choices participant.Horizons is a short-term, intensive service that aims to equip clients with the strategies, skills and resources they need to work towards individual goals for their personal recovery. Individual, client-led support can be provided for up to 26 weeks.How does Baptcare ensure best practice support?The work we are doing with our Mindset Tasmania programs has been validated through independent research by the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University. This ensures our programs are of consistently high quality, accessible and tailored to the specific needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.Baptcare is committed to providing accessible, relevant and pragmatic support and care to people with mental health needs. By using research to continuously measure, refine and develop our services, we ensure that our programs are grounded in best practice and deliver on our vision to create communities where every person is cherished.How to contact usIf you are living in Tasmania and interested to know more about our Mindset programs, please contact us today on 1800 290 666.

• 05 Oct 2023