News and views from our community

What you don’t see | living and working with invisible disabilities

Lana Davis is our Volunteer Program Lead at Baptcare, known for her bright and bubbly personality and boundless energy. What many people do not realise about Lana is that she is living with two invisible disabilities, also known as hidden or non-visible disabilities.Lana has graciously agreed to share her story about living and working with invisible disabilities, including some useful tips on the support systems and resources she has found helpful in her personal journey. What is your disability and how does it affect your daily life?I am both neurodivergent and suffer from haemochromatosis, otherwise known as iron-overload disorder.Both conditions impact my daily life in varying ways and degrees of difficulty. Being neurodivergent, I often struggle with anxiety and being overwhelmed when physically in a meeting with a lot of people. I suffer from rejection sensitive dysphoria which is when a person feels intense emotional pain related to rejection and as such I tend to withdraw from social situations. It’s the one thing people don’t tend to recognise about me when I am working, as I am generally bright, bubbly and engaging - always the one to be making people feel more comfortable by providing a joke to lighten the mood.With haemochromatosis, I experience pain in my joints, extreme fatigue, lethargy and aches in the body. Food rich in iron can often taste strange and my body doesn’t absorb B12 due to something referred to as an intrinsic factor in my stomach, so I have to take supplements.How did you discover / diagnose your invisible disabilities? What was the process like for you? With haemochromatosis, I was diagnosed at 21 which is actually quite young for a female with most not being diagnosed until they are post-menopause. I would wake up from a nap and feel as though I hadn’t slept in days. Initially, I was being tested for anaemia (low iron) which is when they found I was the opposite - my body registered four times the normal amount required by the female body.I was diagnosed as neurodivergent in my 30s, as women are often taught to mask their symptoms as children. I’m grateful that every day we are learning more and more about these conditions and that the range of support and treatments available are growing all the time.What are some of the common misconceptions about people with invisible disabilities? How do you deal with them?If someone has a physical disability, people can see this, and they offer assistance. I’ve been slim and I’ve been overweight and in the majority of cases, people opened the door for the slim girl, but they didn’t for the overweight one (who was more likely in need of assistance).For those of us suffering from invisible disabilities we are often labelled as ‘lazy,’ a ‘whinger/moaner’ or of having low self-esteem. This isn’t true, in fact we are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet as we have always had to do things for ourselves. We set our own bar for how much we achieve and we can be very competitive in spite of our afflictions.We are often incredibly well organised when it comes to our work life, but at home this sometimes brings us unstuck as we tend to give, give and give to our work as we enjoy it so much and are constantly in search of the next hit of dopamine that our work provides us and - let’s face it - housework doesn’t provide a rush for most people! We often have to question: what is happening to us - is it because of our label or a genuine response to what is happening? It can be difficult to balance and manage.What are some of the challenges you face because of your invisible disability? How do you deal with these? Maintaining my home and car, these are the two things I find trickiest, and I never know if it’s because of how I am feeling or because I have a hurricane of a four-year-old who seems to bring my hard work unstuck! But my love for him is epic, regardless.One thing I try to do is get anything physical out of the way first thing in the morning. That way, the hardest part of my day is done. Whilst I experience extreme fatigue, I often cannot sleep which is why some of my best work is done between 1am and 5am because I am not interrupted and can go flat out, albeit quietly because everyone else is sleeping!What are some of the benefits you feel you’ve gained from experiencing this invisible disability?I’ve been able to achieve my dream job, without a university degree!Few people can say they love what they do, but I do and passionately so. My work isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, there are challenging and frustrating parts, too, like every job. But, every day I am offered the opportunity to bring continuous improvement to our Volunteer Programs, work with the most exceptional people both in my own team and in the broader teams we connect with who are genuine in their connection and are passionate and driven to provide the very best outcomes for Baptcare, which is something I am so very grateful for and appreciative of.In this role, I look at what we have been able to achieve and we’re constantly kicking goals. Our list of things we want to achieve is miles long and almost every day we achieve something new. We are big on living the Baptcare We Care values daily in our team and it makes all the difference.Do you have any tips to share with others who have a similar invisible disability? I think you need to look at what does a successful day look like for you, what happened to support the achievement of this and then try to replicate it.There is a heap of free apps like ‘Remember the Milk,’ ‘Brain Focus’ and Microsoft’s ‘To Do’ which integrate across multiple devices so you can always have your lists on hand. These apps help you focus, plan and monitor your days so you can continue to be the very best version of yourself.You can try playing white/pink/brown noise clips on YouTube that are available to assist you with focus, relaxation or sleep (depending upon what you need).Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Converge is also a great tool. If you are neurodivergent, you can ask for a consultant who either is from this community or has experience in this field – you and your family have up to six sessions a year, per person, which clocks over annually from the start of your first session. With EAP, remember that it can be for preventative health as well as post trauma.How does Baptcare support you?Having a flexible role is the first level of support and providing access to the EAP has been brilliant. Being able to apply for short periods of leave without being made to feel bad - all these little things add up to me delivering on my goals and being loyal and happy in my role.Having a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group where I can advocate for people like me is exceptionally rewarding. Being able to talk to my manager and manage my own schedule to ensure my work is done both well and on-time - like any relationship, it is important to have trust and we do.I was personally able to purchase a monitor that is large and curved to support my eyesight as I can often sit at my screen for hours at a time not realising that I have been in the one spot for so long (hyper-focus). I also have a footrest that has a built-in shiatsu massager and foot warmer (which is needed in Tasmania’s winter). Sometimes it’s as much about managing your physical health as it is your mental health.In your personal life away from the office, can you share some details about your support systems/resources that are useful? I try and do exercise first thing in the morning (because I hate it). I try to avoid the shops by doing online delivery. I have a solid relationship with my local IGA, and they know I will ask them to deliver which is something they tend to do only for those isolating due to contagious illness. It makes a difference to my pain levels.I sleep with my phone plugged into the charger and with a pink noise sound running through YouTube, because it’s free and because light and other outside noises keep me awake. I also try and tag-team with my husband when I need to do a chore that I know our son will interfere with. I ask him to play with him outside once it’s done, then it’s his turn to do his jobs because, guaranteed, if either of us blinks our little one is into something he knows he shouldn’t be!Communicating how you are feeling, what is challenging and what you need help with is a must. It’s okay to take a step back and say you are in pain, or something isn’t feeling right. Don’t subscribe to the gender norms of old. If you are in a relationship then you are in a partnership and sometimes it will be 50/50, other times 70/30 and so on. Talk to your significant other and let them know what percentage you are out of 100, have them do the same to you, look for patterns – do you/they need to do some self-care? What does that look like for each of you? You wouldn’t run any of your devices on low battery all the time, why do that to yourself?What are some of the changes you would like to see in society or in the workplace for people with invisible disabilities?Being rid of the standard 8-4, 9-5 workplace requirements where there isn’t a need to be available 100% of the time (certainly, for some roles this likely won’t ever change, but for many, COVID-19 has proven it can and quite successfully).Providing workplaces where people can feel safe and supported in sharing their disability and that it won’t be taken advantage of. Baptcare is one of the few workplaces where I have shared my story and it hasn’t been used against me. I think, in large part, it was because I proved my worth before openly declaring. It was scary and uncomfortable, but I was met with unwavering support from my people.Recognising no two days are the same. The strategy that worked for someone on one task or project may not necessarily work the next and that is okay.Training managers and staff to ask, “How do I best partner with you?” is one of the most powerful conversation starters I have coined during my time at Baptcare – this applies across all areas of our work regardless of anyone’s capacity. It allows authenticity and respect for where each of us are at in our journey. From there, co-creation is guaranteed to ensue and be at the forefront (my favourite We Care value).Making sure that managers and teams are provided with resources and training to support them in managing someone who could be suffering an invisible disability, because many employees suffer in silence, being anxious/concerned that they will be told they no longer have a job or not promoted. Where supervisors and managers are provided with these skills, they approach performance management in a whole new light. It is as though they are seeing a person for the very first time. I remember that it was a manager who suggested to me that I might be neurodivergent. At the time I was highly offended until they showed me what my strengths were and how I could make perceived weaknesses into potential strengths. Not holding a diagnosis against me was deeply nourishing to my soul as a whole new world opened up to me and every day, I am learning new things, where I can help others.Thank you Lana, for sharing such an intensely personal story. We are proud to have you as a member of our Baptcare team!If you would like to join Baptcare and be part of our respectful and inclusive workplace which supports diversity and inclusion, please click here to explore our current opportunities. We welcome applicants who may require adjustments and have a strong focus on providing flexible working arrangements. Join us today!

• 10 Nov 2023

How does Home Care work?

Key Points:If the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) no longer provides enough support, a home care package may meet your care needsThere are four levels of home care packages that offer different degrees of support from basic to high care needsHome care services can be customized to meet your specific needs, ranging from occasional help with certain tasks to round-the-clock care, depending on your health and level of independenceTo be eligible for a home care package, there is a specific process that needs to be followed which involves an assessment and approval by the Australian Government’s Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)What are Home Care Packages?Home Care Packages (HCP) are a part of Australia’s aged care system designed to support and provide aid to older Australians who wish to continue living independently in their own homes.They are designed for people with more complex needs and go beyond what a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can provide. HCP can be a choice if you need help with everyday tasks, or if the care you need is more complex or intensive. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for a government-funded home care package. In order to determine the right level of funding for you, a personal assessment will be undertaken by the Aged Care Assessment Team. (There is more information about this process below).To learn more information about home care packages, you can click here for a video overview. Types of Home Care Packages available There are four levels of Home Care packages that you may be eligible for:Level 1 supports you with basic care needsLevel 2 supports you with low care needsLevel 3 supports you with intermediate care needsLevel 4 supports you with high care needsWhat home care services are provided in a Baptcare Home Care Package?Transport for shopping or appointmentsSocial support by taking you shopping, banking or just providing companionshipDomestic assistance for household duties like cleaning, clothes washing and ironingPersonal care assistance with bathing or showering, dressing, hair care and toiletingHome maintenance for minor repairs and care of your house or gardenHome medication e.g. installing safety aids such as alarms, ramps and support railsNursing care where a qualified nurse comes to dress a wound or provide continence adviceFood services such as helping you prepare food and organising delivery of mealsHelp with medication promptsThe Government will outline in your care plan what services you will be able to receive, and this will be organised by your home care provider. You can learn more about care plans at Aged Care Guide. A Home Care Package should not be used for, and does not replace, care and services that can be accessed through other health programs that you might be eligible for. You should continue to access these when you need them, through your GP and hospitals.Am I eligible for a Home Care Package? One of the most common questions people ask at the start of their aged care journey is: “How can I receive government-subsidised aged care services?”To receive a Home Care Package, you will need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team. The process involves an assessment of an individual’s care needs and the determination of the proper level of care and services.You may be eligible if you have:noticed a change in what you can do or rememberbeen diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobilityexperienced a change in family care arrangements, orexperienced a recent fall or hospital admission.If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, it’s important to understand what fees you may have to pay, how much the government will contribute, and how your budget works. It's helpful to do all this before you choose your provider. Having all the information upfront can help you make the right choice for your care needs and financial situation. The My Aged Care eligibility checker My Aged Care eligibility checker helps you quickly check if you meet the requirements for an assessment before you apply. Click here to check your eligibility.This process is designed to ensure that you receive the proper level of care and support based on your unique needs. It helps coordinate and streamline the delivery of home care services so you can continue living independently in your own home while receiving the necessary support. Remember - Baptcare is here to help Finding reliable information, understanding your options and applying for a Home Care Package can be difficult and confusing. We’re here to guide and support you, and your questions – no matter how big or small – are always welcome.Click here to find a wide range of frequently asked questions, with helpful answers including handy links to our website and My Aged Care.

• 09 Nov 2023

• Faces of Baptcare

Meet James Lewis

As Spiritual Care Week draws to a close, we sat down with James Lewis, our Acting Head of Spiritual Care to ask him about his career path to Baptcare, how he originally wanted to be a psychologist (but ultimately married one instead!) and how he cherishes his current role because it allows him to help people. What is your current role and what does it involve day to day?Acting Head of Spiritual Care. This involves advocating and articulating the value of Spiritual Care to our organisation, managing financial resources, leadership of the Spiritual Care team members including Supervisors, co-creating resources to offer high quality spiritual care practice across the organisation, co-creating strategy for strengthening Baptcare’s alignment with its Mission, Values and Baptist heritage, and being a Spiritual Care presence in the Camberwell office.How long have you been working within the Spiritual Care team at Baptcare? I joined Baptcare in 2016 as Chaplain at Wyndham Lodge Residential Aged Care community. I loved working as a Spiritual Carer amongst the community there. In 2019 I moved to a manager role, supervising Spiritual Care staff across Victoria and Tasmania. Caring for the carers is something close to my heart. For the last five months I have been Acting Head of Spiritual Care.What do you like about working with Baptcare and in the Spiritual Care space? Every day is an opportunity to journey beside people and get to know their life journey. You need to pay attention to the sources of wisdom, courage, faith and hope that will sustain and inspire them. The Spiritual Care team has the privilege and responsibility of hearing some of the most wonderful and heartbreaking stories. It is a sacred space of high trust and respect. It is also a creative space because often the seeds of new growth are planted in those reflective moments. It is very rewarding work: helping people to make sense of their circumstances and draw on resources that will help them be resilient and mature.How would you describe the role of spiritual care at Baptcare? It is the practice of whole-person-centred care for all customers, family members and staff in our organisation. Spiritual care is not limited to any specific 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 experience and spiritual perspective and to support their exploration and expression of it. Spiritual care can involve listening, talking, praying, meditating, reading, singing, or engaging in rituals or ceremonies that are meaningful to the person.The theme of this SCW is Spirituality and Mental Health with the overriding message being ‘It’s healthy to get help.’ How does your spiritual worldview impact on your mental wellbeing? My spiritual worldview is shaped by my Christian faith. I believe all people are made in the image of a loving God and are made for relationships. We all have fragility and times of despair, but community is where we can find ourselves understood, affirmed and strengthened. As a follower of Jesus, it has been helpful to remember that Jesus was human: he got angry, was moved to tears and lamented things that disappointed him. He journeyed with a community of people, and he also made time for personal prayer and reflection. Bottling up emotions is not healthy for me or the people I live and work with. I need to share vulnerably, to connect with others and de-isolate when I am struggling. I use a journal to reflect on the stresses I am carrying and blessings I’m grateful for. And I pray lots as I swim.Can you share a particularly special workday/customer interaction you’ve had recently? I held the front door open for a colleague who was entering and realised we had not spoken for more than a year. I asked how they were going and listened as they shared some really challenging and complex experiences they had endured. I gave the person some safe space to reflect on the unexpected nature of the changes that had happened. It wasn’t a long conversation but at the end the person acknowledged it was a really fortuitous moment for them to reflect and debrief. They felt ‘seen’ and ‘heard’ in the challenges. I was grateful for the opportunity to offer that safe space.Did you always want to work within the Spiritual Care space and what are some other jobs you’ve performed in your career? I’ve been a secondary school teacher (English and Psychology), a Baptist pastor and lecturer at Whitley Theological College.What did you want to be when you grew up? A psychologist – I knew I wanted to help people. I completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science but didn’t get high enough grades in statistics to do Honours, so I completed a Dip. Ed to teach psych as a schoolteacher (and then married a psychologist!)Can you tell us two surprising things about yourself?I swam across the Rip from Pt Nepean to Pt Lonsdale, which was a pretty amazing experience. (See photo of James in swimming action).I’m a country music fan, especially the contemporary artists, which is probably nostalgia for my childhood growing up on a farm.We have enjoyed seeing many of your fabulous photos over the years in Insight. Do you have a favourite photo you’d like to share and tell us a bit about it? I love taking photos of nature. This was a random time when a Point Roadknight wave made a circle in the air as it hit the rocks. The moment was playful and beautiful. The photo became a prayer of gratitude.Do you have a favourite quote or motto in life? ‘To breathe peace into the world, first disarm your own heart.’Please complete this sentence: An ideal weekend for me involves…. An early morning swim with some friends and family, seeing dolphins and beautiful sunlight rippling on the ocean floor, followed by coffee and croissants, a good book and an arvo nap.If you could sit next to someone at a dinner party, who would it be and why? Eugene Peterson – a wonderful pastor, poet and theologian who loved God and people in equal measure. He wrote the bestseller paraphrase of the Bible called ‘The Message’ and treasured words as gifts. He had a keen sense of the privilege of spiritual leadership and the corresponding need for humility. He loathed religion when it was packaged as a product for consumption and was fierce in his critique of Christianity when it was self-absorbed rather than gracious in its vision of faith, hope and love for all. He inspires me to be true to my calling, courageous about values and always a learner.Thank you, James, for your inspirational leadership and gracious care at Baptcare. We are blessed to have you in our community.You can learn more about Spiritual Care at Baptcare on our website.

• 08 Nov 2023

• 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