FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE S DESK Dear residents, relatives and friends, As we approach the midpoint of the year, it seems that 2017 has so far passed at a faster speed than in recent times. Ignoring the fact that this means we are all another year older, we can recognise the 2 major projects that have been taking place this year and have required a significant amount of input. The main ongoing project is of course our proposed new residential care facility that will take its position in the south-western corner of our complex. I am pleased to report that the schematic design has been completed on schedule, and the official development approval application has been lodged with the City of Wanneroo. The next stage will be for the Council to report to the development approval panel that they support the development. If all goes well in the expected timeframe, we may have development approval by September which will allow us to proceed to engaging a building company for the construction. The proposed new facility is able to accommodate 84 care recipients, within 82 rooms; 80 rooms being single with en-suite bathrooms, the other 2 rooms being oversized companion rooms designed specifically for couples who wish to enter residential care together again with en-suite bathrooms. The facility will be over 3 levels, with a mezzanine level on the roof area which will enable staff to enjoy modern quality surroundings remaining close to care recipients, while in a distinct area for them to make the most of their breaks from work. The elevation of the new facility entry from the east 3D perspective of the view from Wanneroo Road (south-west) As this development will represent expansion, we made an application for additional bed licences about 6 months ago. This application was successful as all beds requested were granted in this year s approvals round. This was very competitive, as only 22% of the requested beds at a national level were granted. The other major piece of work we have undertaken recently is the development of a home care delivery framework. Following our successful application to become registered as a home care provider in late 2016, we have now developed a range of care and services to support older people remain independent in the community through home care packages. Maintaining a service would not be possible, let alone improving and expanding our services, without the dedicated and diligent staff team that we are fortunate to have at Italian Aged Care. Since the last newsletter was published, I am pleased to announce that the following staff have achieved length of service milestones for 10 years service: Sonia Lobo (Therapy Assistant); Diana Felipe; Marta Rodriguez; and Noura Tadese (All PCAs). Additionally, the following have received Olive Branch Awards following recognition by others that they have performed consistently above and beyond a usual expected standard of our staff: Abety Mayele; Abraham Kinane; Carmen Bravo; Maria-Antonietta Gaddari (all PCAs);. Well done to all staff, especially those mentioned above. Best wishes to everyone for the coming months. Chris Roberts, Chief Executive Officer
Ciao to all, CARE SERVICES First of all I would like to welcome all those who are new to Villa Terenzio or our Day Therapy Services; I trust you enjoy all we have to offer and let us know any feedback about our service. I would also like to recap to all our Care Recipients and families how important Feedback is to us; there are several ways you can express satisfaction or dissatisfaction such as: completing a Have Your Say Form, discussing with a trusted staff member, or telephoning or emailing the facility direct. We also have specific feedback cards for meals and nominations for olive branch awards (staff who go above and beyond the call of duty). Additionally there are external avenues for complaints and advocacy leaflets are found in each area or at the front reception. The Charter of Rights and Responsibilities are specific to Residential Care and Home Care (including Day Therapy); this charter is set by the Australian Government to ensure each person accessing care has the right to receive care and services fairly and reasonably. Likewise there are responsibilities from the Care Recipients to the provider and the consumers accessing services. A full charter is available at any time. You will find them in all care areas, front reception, resident handbook, day therapy handbook or on My Aged Care website. Please ask for a copy if you require. Residents will receive a survey over the coming weeks. This can be completed by the resident or by a person who advocates for the person. We do this annually to make sure we are meeting your needs in all areas of service. Please return the surveys by the end of June. You may place these in the secure boxes throughout the facility or mail directly to the facility manager. You are able to remain anonymous or identify. An update on some of the things going on in the facility. Villa Terenzio houses are undergoing painting and awaiting some new furniture to match the blinds we put up a few months ago, we have updated blinds in the Special Care Unit, John Re has had some new sky lights put in to assist with making a brighter lounge/dining area, the Nursing Home has had the pergola replaced and a new Bocci mat for the Recreation room and Day Therapy Clients. We also have a few new surprises coming soon Kindest regards Rachael Viney, Care Services Manager SERVICES PROVIDED BY ITALIAN AGED CARE Home Care NEW FOR 2017 supporting older people in the community through home care packages. This is through providing nursing and care; services such as meals and domestic assistance; and additional services that add meaning to older people and assist them maintain independence. Residential Care for older people who require ongoing assistance. Registered Nurses and other trained staff are on duty and provide 24 hour care. This is available as both permanent and respite arrangements. Specialised Dementia Care Registered Nurses and other trained staff provide 24 hour specialised care to older people with dementia. Day Therapy activities for older people living in the community. Available twice a week providing therapies including physiotherapy, podiatry and massage therapy. Independent Living (Cabrini Units) available on site for people able to live independently wishing to be in a supportive community. Additional Services on site including St Joseph s Chapel, Pastoral Care including our resident Sisters, hairdressing and special projects. For enquiries on services provided by Italian Aged Care or for more information, please feel free to visit our site, call us on 9247 0888, or visit our website at: www.iaci.com.au
FROM THE CONVENT Dear Chris, Staff, Residents and Friends, Winter is nearly coming so we will have more water making fresh, green lives for farms and livings as well as giving us a new stream in this Convent. This time we are very happy to welcome Sr. Maria Nguyen Thi Ngoan, our General Superior and Sr. Mary Nguyen Thi Hoa, a Junior Sisters Director who have come from Vietnam to visit us. A great joy that touches our hearts when we know that our Congregation in Vietnam is supported by all of you in Italian aged Care and St Joseph Association. On behalf of the General Superior Sister and all in the Lovers of The Holy Cross of Thu Thiem Congregation, we would like to say THANK YOU to all of you. May God bless you abundantly and fill your hearts with His Peace. Gratefully yours, Sr. Therese and Sr. Mai DAY THERAPY CENTRE Since returning from the Christmas Break the Day Therapy clients have participated in many craft and cooking activities celebrating key dates, such as, Easter and Anzac Day. Craft activities have included Anzac Day wreaths, love heat pillows, decorative candle jars and Easter baskets. With cooking activities including Anzac biscuits and bottling olives and tomato pieces which have then been used in our lunchtime cooking. As we enter the cooler months of autumn we have many exciting activities planned for our community clients. To find out more information, the monthly planner can be located on the pin-up board in the activities room. If you know of people in the community who would benefit from attending day therapy, feel free to put them in touch with me. We operate Day Therapy every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10am and 2pm and there is limited transport to and from the Centre available. Yours, Brooke White, Day Therapy Coordinator OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY The Occupational Therapy Department have been busy planning and implementing an exciting OT Programme with activities for all. Selected residents enjoyed a ride in a Limousine, which for many was a first. The new pergola in the Nursing Home provided a fantastic venue to hold the Mother s Day afternoon tea for all our ladies. Some Nursing Home residents enjoyed catching the train from Warwick to Joondalup. Numerous concerts have been enjoyed, with many staff and residents singing and dancing along to the music. The fine dining experience which is held once a month is very popular and the residents eagerly await their invitation to attend. A reminder the Monthly Occupational Therapy Programme is displayed on all noticeboards. Programmes are available in the plastic boxes by the Nurses Treatment Rooms in the Houses and Nursing Home. John Re Wing and Special Care can be located in plastic boxes on entering the wings. Please feel free to help yourself. If you would like to suggest an event or occasion towards the programme please do not hesitate to speak to me. Best wishes Claire Webster, Occupational Therapist
RECENT AND UPCOMING OT EVENTS 2 nd May Fine Dining Experience 4 th May Wanneroo Senior Citizens 8 th May Volunteer Week 9 th May Intergenerational Group 10 th May Cultural Group making arancini 11 th May Volunteer Meeting 11 th May Houses visiting MYVISTA 12 th May International Nurses Day 12 th May Shopping Trolley 12 th May Mother s Day afternoon high tea 14 th May Mother s Day 16 th May Resident & Relative meeting to be held in OT Activity Room 18 th May Fine Dining Experience 23 rd May Italian Movie Morning 26 th May Shopping Trolley 26 th May End of month birthday parties 1 st June Italia Day afternoon concert 9 th June Shopping Trolley 13 th June Intergenerational Group 23 rd June Shopping Trolley 27 th June Movie Morning 30 th June End of month birthday parties 4 th July Intergenerational Group 6 th July Wanneroo Senior Citizens 7 th July Shopping Trolley 13 th July Maxi Tombola 14 th July Bastille Day 18 th July Resident & Relative Meeting to be held in Nursing Home 20 th July MYVISTA visiting for afternoon tea 21 st July Shopping Trolley 25 th July Italian Movie Morning 27 th July In-house Games Competition 28 th July End of month birthday parties Look out for other events and activities advertised on noticeboards and programs OT ACTIVITIES Mrs Calla s 100 th birthday Carnivale Celebrations
Our happy gardeners Mr Plati, Mrs De Saracca & Mr Lareu Balloon Badminton Lunch at Amaretto s Card Club with Rocco Fine Dining Entrée Main Dessert Limousine Ride Train ride from Warwick to Joondalup Ladies making ANZAC Day wreath
Easter Bunny spent a morning at Great Beginnings Childcare Centre. Easter Bunny having a rest before visiting the residents and staff at IAC Mother s Day afternoon tea under our new pergola. All ladies were presented with a corsage which were made by our volunteers. CLIENT SUPPORT A reminder to all residents and their representatives that my door is always open if you need assistance or information to make your stay with us as comfortable as is possible. We always listen to your suggestions and appreciate the opportunity to assist if you raise complaints about things that spoil your experience of our services be that residential care, home care, day therapy or retirement living. Connie Trovatello, Client Support