‘The Lodge’ Re-development was officially opened recently. Watch the highlights from the day. This event was beamed live to other Eldercare sites and most importantly into the Memory Support Unit of The Lodge so residents and staff could be part of the day.
I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to Jane Pickering & Briony Petch from Eldercare for the recent unexpected gift.
I did a small speech on behalf of the families at ‘The Lodge’ when Eldercare celebrated the opening of their latest re-development. It was an emotional time for me ( due to Dad passing away) and this gift is very special to me.
The lovely lady in the photo is Beryl Fenton who did a great speech on behalf of the residents. We are cutting the ribbon together in the photo.
Recently I was asked to give a speech to celebrate the opening of the re-development at ‘The Lodge’ Aged Care Facility. There were 120 residents, carers, nurses and management in attendance and the event was ‘live streamed’ into the Memory support Units and other Eldercare sites. I love the way they are now using technology to include all the residents that cannot attend these events.
It was a particularly difficult and emotional event for me as it was the first time I have been back there since Dad passed away. Seeing the familiar faces in the audience re-ignited that connection, but also added to the pressure.There was a lady playing the harp as well which was fabulous. Once again I finished writing my speech at 4.30am this morning, but luckily got the job done on the day.
The Eldercare CEO Jane Pickering gave me a very generous and overwhelming introduction speech and this almost floored me before I spoke. I was honoured to cut the ribbon with 96 yo resident ‘Beryl’ who also spoke, and did a sterling job. The gold scissors were huge but we did it together.
The theme of my presentation was that the families have to now become part of the aged care process and the lines of communication with staff need to remain open. I also highlighted the value of our older people and that they all deserve dignity and respect as they have earnt this. The speech was recorded so may be able to post one day.
Nice to now have a break from speeches and rest.
Thanks
ARTICLE – ‘THE CHANGING CULTURE IN AGED CARE’
The Advertiser, 9 January 2017
THE like-it-or-lump-it approach that sees children throwing dinner, bath and bedtime tantrums has long been used in aged care but is finally falling from favour.
Regimented schedules in aged care-homes are being replaced with progressive thinking that puts residents at the centre of the plan, says Alzheimer’s Australia SA acting chief executive officer Rajiv Chand.
“Aged care is now very much moving to person-centred care,” he says.
“Not everyone likes to get up at 7am, have a shower and have breakfast.
“It’s (about) getting used to that thinking that we’re all unique.
“You shouldn’t need to conform to the schedule. Why can’t the schedule work around you?”
Mr Chand says every resident used to get the same food and the same care at the same times but they were likely to be happier if they were treated as individuals, instead of as a group.
“Not everyone likes porridge or toast for breakfast,” he says.
“It’s about being very much in tune with a person’s likes or dislikes.
He says many of the changes to dementia care do not have to cost more.
As well as changing how staff relate to residents and how their schedules are managed, care providers are doing more to create a homelike atmosphere.
Mr Chand says there is “very much a positive trend” in aged care and people looking for a place for their parent living with dementia should do their homework.
“Do your research; go to a few aged-care homes,” he says.
“Maybe get there at lunch time and sit there for an hour or two. You’ll work out if this is the right place you want to put your mum or dad.”
To read the full article – click the link below:
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