Southern Star Magazine Summer 2017

Southern Star

Summer 2017

From the CEO

Welcome to our Summer aged care for either yourself or a family member,
2017 edition of Southern Star. it can be a stressful and emotional time, however
taking the time to understand the financial
In this edition we are obligations and implications of moving into
excited to tell you more residential care can go a long way to ensuring
about the introduction of you find the right place to meet your needs.
our ‘Same Face Promise’
service commitment for our Southern Plus home In this edition we also have a number of health
care clients. The unique ‘Same Face Promise’ and wellness articles including tips for staying
highlights the benefits of a specialised, regular healthy during the warmer months and
support worker and dedicated care team information about living with dementia.
chosen by each client, ensuring the team and
the client build a trusted and familiar relationship. I always enjoy reading the ‘around the
We believe this service commitment provides community’ section of Southern Star and seeing
many benefits and I am pleased to say we have the interesting activities, events and milestones
already received excellent feedback about the being celebrated at our retirement villages
positive impact it has had on the lives of some and residential care homes. We welcome
of our clients and their families. contributions from our clients and residents for
Southern Star and you can do so by speaking
We often have home care clients or family to your facility manager or by contacting
members ask us what it’s like to live in a [email protected]
retirement village, so what better way to find
out than to ask two Success Village residents, On behalf of the entire SCC team, I wish you
Joe and Barbara Parker. Joe and Barbara and your families a very merry Christmas and
are a fantastic example of living life to the full, a safe and happy new year. We look forward to
remaining independent and enjoying all that providing you with the best possible care and
our retirement villages have to offer. service in 2018.

For those considering residential care in Kind regards
the future, we have provided some helpful
information about the costs and what is Errol Turner
involved in choosing a residential care home. Chief Executive Officer
We understand that when considering residential

Star contents Feedback

Summer Safety............................................................................................1 There are many ways you can have
Resident Feature.......................................................................................2 your say. If you would like to make a
New buses.........................................................................................................3 suggestion regarding Southern Star
Around our community...................................................................4 Magazine, please email
Understanding the cost of residential care..........6 [email protected]
PBS safety net..............................................................................................9
Why life is better with a bundle.........................................10 Southern Star Magazine is published by
Pastoral care – Quiet kindness.............................................11 Southern Cross Care (WA) Inc and is
Christmas recipes to share.......................................................12 subject to copyright in its entirety. The
VIP exclusives..............................................................................................13 contents may not be reproduced in any
Same Face Promise........................................................................... 14 form, either in whole or part, without
Living with dementia........................................................................16 written permission from the publisher. All
Research on dealing with chronic pain................... 18 rights reserved in material accepted for
Christmas word search............................................................... 20 publication unless specified otherwise.

Southern Star Magazine

Seasonal health and wellness:

Summer safety

Protect yourself from the summer heat and too much sun exposure
and reduce your risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and heat stress:

• Drink plenty of water. If you • Whenever possible, Not sure what
are a tea or coffee lover, schedule outdoor events sunscreen to use?
try the iced versions for a such as picnics or group
refreshing alternative. sports matches early in the The Australian Cancer Council
morning when it’s cooler. has a helpful website and
• Apply cool wet cloths, cold online store. You can be sure
water or ice packs to your • Wear light-coloured, that the Cancer Council only
skin (armpits and groin). light-weight clothing. recommends high quality
Ensure ice packs are covered Wear sunglasses and sunscreens suitable for our
with a cloth before placing hats with brims and hot summers. You can have a
on your skin. use sunscreen for look at all of the products the
more protection. Council sells by visiting
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 www.cancercouncilshop.org.au
or higher and both UVA and • On very hot days, call and
UVB protection before you go check on friends, family, The Day Wear Face Sunscreen
outside, even on cloudy days. and neighbours. Children SPF30 is suitable for all skin
and people with chronic types and comes in untinted
• Reapply sunscreen after health conditions are more and tinted options. This is great
swimming or sweating or vulnerable to the heat. If you for the ladies as it’s a sunscreen
after staying outside for live alone, ask a loved one and light foundation in one.
more than two hours. to check on you.
Staying cool at home
• Stay out of the direct sun. • Anyone showing signs of
Some shaded and air heat stroke (altered mental • Keep your phone
conditioned places you can state, not sweating, nausea) within reach in case
spend time in are libraries, should seek medical of an emergency.
community centres, cafes attention immediately.
or shopping centres. • Use outdoor shutters
whenever possible if
you have them.

• Ventilate your home at
night (only if this doesn’t
pose a security threat).

• If you use a wheelchair,
walker or any other
metal equipment, make
sure it is kept in the
shade as it can quickly
become hot to touch or
even burn you.

• Check that fans and
air conditioning units
work properly.

1

RESIDENT FEATURE

What’s it like
living in a
retirement village?

Many people wonder what retirement village
living is like, so we thought who better to
ask than some of our very own residents at
Success Village, Joe and Barbara Parker.

Joe and Barbara moved in to easily maintained, with a good Cockburn Central and then
Success Village in 2014, after maintenance system in place the Cockburn station,” they said.
they decided they wanted a to get things fixed quickly
low-maintenance home so and efficiently. The village also runs a free
they had more time to spend weekly shopping bus for
on their hobbies and interests. “We still have a garden at the residents who no longer drive.
back and front of the villa
“We had a large home which so we can garden without it The low-maintenance lifestyle
was 40-odd years old and being too onerous, but if it means this busy couple
beginning to need a lot of becomes too much, we will have more time to spend on
maintenance and repair. On pave the outside area like interests and hobbies.
top of that, the garden and many of our neighbours
pool needed a lot of upkeep,” have done,” they said. “I play indoor bowls three
they said. times per week and am a
The social aspect of the village member of the Garden Gurus
Barbara said the decision to is something they both enjoy. – a group that looks after the
move into a village was based gardens around the Success
on what they might need in “You can have company if you Community Centre,” said Joe.
the future. wish but have your privacy
too. There is a great social “I am the President of the
“Neither of us wanted to be committee that runs functions Success Village Residents
in a large home on our own all year, including fortnightly Committee and also a member
so we looked for a place dinners, daytime concerts, of Probus and still work part-
where we could get aged trips to the casino, functions time from home for a West
care when we need it and on Australia Day, Anzac Day, Perth commercial real estate
also a community in which Melbourne Cup Day and agent, so that keeps me
to mix socially and where Christmas,” Joe said. pretty busy,” Joe said.
monthly service fees would
be reasonable, as they are The Village’s central location,
here at Success”. along with many transport
options means all of the local
They both agree that they are amenities are easily accessed.
very happy with their three
bedrooms, one bathroom, two “A Transperth bus stops twice
toilets villa as it is compact and per day outside the village
for a return trip that stops at

2 Southern Star Magazine

Barbara has a strong interest in arts and New buses keep
crafts and attends different groups every Southern Cross
week; a craft group in the community centre, Care residents
another at Myaree and an art group in connected to
Shelley. the community

They both also enjoy getting out and about SCC Residential Care and ILU
in the local community. residents can enjoy being
able to get out and about,
“Some Sundays we walk around the Canning and remain connected to the
Vale markets, buy our fruit and vegetables, local community thanks to the
get some lunch and drive down to the river purchase of two new buses.
at Shelley to sit and watch the world go by. The buses, which are driven by
During the summer we also like to go down SCC volunteers, will be used to
to Coogee Beach,” they said. transport residents to social
outings, shopping expeditions
If you’re interested in finding and other local amenities.
out more about Success Village To ensure the buses meet the
or any of our retirement villages, needs of residents with mobility
please contact Alan Legge issues, one of the buses will
on 0407 149 329 or also have a lift for wheelchair
email: [email protected] access and fixtures for locking
wheelchairs in place.

3

Around our community

Have A Go Day

On November 1, a group of residents from Success Village
joined our Client Connect team at ‘Have a Go Day’ at
Burswood Park. ’Have a Go Day’ which is held during Seniors
Week, is a day full of activities, displays and helpful information
for seniors regarding social events, health and wellness.
We were very pleased to transport the Success Village
group in our brand new Southern Cross Care bus; in fact
they were our first passengers.
Southern Plus had a stall with a team who explained to
attendees how they can access our different services, and
handed out helpful and stylish reusable shopping bags,
water bottles and mugs.

Ivy Fielder Strong literary community uncovered at SCC
celebrates
100 years It has recently come to light that there are an impressive
number of published authors among our residents. Mr Brian
The team at SCC would Ross at Ascot Close Village, Mr Rex Kent at Margaret Hubery
like to wish a very happy Village, Professor Desmond O’Connor from Foley Village and
birthday to Ivy, who Mrs Barbara Good and Mrs Pat Hackett from Success Village
recently celebrated her have between them authored biographies, autobiographies
100th birthday with family and works of fiction. They have taken inspiration from their
and friends, at Margaret personal lives and spend many hours writing. If you know
Hubery House. one of these authors, we are sure they will be very happy
to discuss their books with you.
Ivy has always loved
music, and so the
Margaret Hubery team
made sure the music
was the kind that makes
people want to get up
and dance!

4 Southern Star Magazine

SCC artists participate in Victoria Park welcomes
popular exhibition new staff and wins award

Congratulations to the 27 clients and staff The Victoria Park Nursing Home in Kalgoorlie
whose artwork was included in the annual was recently awarded a national Regional
Mental Health Week exhibition in October. Achievement and Community Award. The
The collection was very well received and team were recognised for changes made to
SCC has been invited to submit artworks support new staff who are juggling working
again in 2018. and family responsibilities.

Twelve of our resident artists received the The staff members are now able to study
additional accolade of selling their exhibited while working and looking after their families.
art works. Congratulations to all SCC artists, One benefit of the flexible changes is that the
we look forward to seeing more of your residents get to spend time with the children
work next year. of staff before and after school each day.
They all love spending time together chatting,
reading and playing games.

PHOTO

Residents ready to joyfully SCC residents moonlight
as models
celebrate Christmas
In September and October, a number of
Southern Cross Care residents and clients residents from Frank Prendergast House and
are full of Christmas spirit. Choirs have been Margaret Hubery House graciously agreed to
formed by residents at Frank Prendergast take part in photo shoots organised by the
House and Foley Village and clients of Tony SCC Marketing team.
Quinlan Respite Centre. The 14 carollers from
Foley village and Tony Quinlan, with music The photographs are being used in some
provided by Norm Watson, had a wonderful of SCC’s publications and brochures, and in
time singing, playing instruments and newspaper and television advertisements.
dancing to the timeless tunes of Rudolph, Everyone involved had great fun, and SCC is
Silent Night, Drummer Boy and Joy to the very appreciative that the wonderful models
World, to name but a few. A very merry were happy to represent the organisation in
time for all involved. such a warm and friendly manner.

5

Understanding the cost
of residential care

When you are To help you better understand • Basic fee – is paid by all people
considering the different fees and charges, who receive residential care
residential aged we have answered some of the and covers your day-to-day
care for either commonly asked questions living costs such as meals,
yourself or a family we receive about the cost of cleaning, laundry, heating and
member there are residential care. cooling. For some people, this
many important is the only fee they may need
financial factors to Importantly, each person’s to pay. The standard basic fee
think about, and financial situation is unique, for a resident is $49.07 per
there is a lot of so we encourage you to speak day as defined by DHS. When
information that to a financial professional to you enter an aged care home
can be confusing determine the best course of you will receive a letter from
and difficult action for your situation. the DHS confirming your basic
to understand. daily fee.
What costs does SCC charge
• Means tested care fee – is an
for residential care? extra contribution towards
the cost of care that residents
When moving into a SCC may need to pay, on top of the
residential aged care home basic fee, depending on their
you will be asked to pay one or income and assets assessment
more of the following, as per the by DHS. The care fee amount
Department of Human Services that SCC will charge you is
(DHS) guidelines: based on this assessment.

6 Southern Star Magazine

• Accommodation payment services offered. As a Government assistance with
– your income and assets not-for-profit aged care their accommodation costs,
assessment by DHS will provider, any money we receive makes a lump sum contribution
determine if a resident will is reinvested for the benefit of towards their accommodation
need to pay this. Based residents such as renovating costs (with the Government also
on the assessment, some and upgrading our facilities. making a contribution on their
people will have their behalf). The RAC, minus any
accommodation costs Is the RAD refunded when the amounts deducted (as agreed)
paid in full or in part by is refunded when the residents
the Government. If you are resident leaves the residential leaves the aged care home –
eligible for assistance with just like a RAD.
your accommodation costs, aged care home?
the DHS will tell you the What is a Daily Accommodation
amount you will need to pay Yes, the RAD, minus any
based on an assessment of amounts deducted (as agreed), Contribution (DAC)?
your income and assets. You is refunded when the
can choose to pay for your resident leaves. As SCC is If you choose to not pay a RAC,
accommodation costs with a a government accredited you can instead pay a DAC
Refundable Accommodation aged-care provider, the which is the daily contribution
Deposit (RAD) or a Daily accommodation deposit is fully for accommodation in a
Accommodation Payment guaranteed by the government. residential aged care home
(DAP), or a combination that a resident would need
of both. What is a daily accommodation to pay, if they also receive
Government assistance with
• Fees for extra or additional payment (DAP)? their accommodation costs. A
optional services – is an resident makes this contribution
extra payment a resident If you choose to not pay a on a regular basis, up to a
may be asked to pay RAD, you can instead pay a month in advance, similar to
if a higher standard of DAP which covers the cost of paying rent. The DAC is not
accommodation is chosen accommodation in a residential refunded when the resident
or they choose additional aged care home. SCC will leaves the aged care home or
services such as a choice of calculate the DAP based on a decides to pay a RAC.
meals, expanded activities legislated formula to convert
program or cable television. the RAD to a DAP. The resident Can I pay for my
then makes this payment on
What is a Refundable a regular basis, up to a month accommodation with a
in advance, similar to paying
Accommodation Deposit (RAD)? rent. The DAP is not refunded combination of a RAC
when the resident leaves the
A RAD is a lump sum payment a aged care home. and a DAC?
resident has agreed to pay for
accommodation in a residential Can I pay for my Yes, the resident can choose
aged care home. Residents can to pay a combination of a
pay their accommodation price accommodation with a RAC and a DAC for their
in full by RAD or they can pay accommodation costs.
via combination of a smaller combination of a RAD
RAD and Daily Accommodation What if I can’t afford to pay for
Payment (DAP) or they can pay and a DAP?
in full by DAP. residential aged care?
Yes, the resident can choose
How much RAD does SCC to pay a combination of a For more information about
RAD and a DAP for their applying for hardship assistance
charge and what do they accommodation costs. please speak to our Client
Connect team or visit the
do with it? What is a Refundable Department of Social Services
website www.dss.gov.au
The RAD for each of our Accommodation
residential aged care homes
varies and is based on a Contribution (RAC)?
number of factors including
location, size of facility and A RAC is only payable when a
person who is receiving

For more information about SCC’s residential
aged care homes please contact our Client
Connect team on 1300 000 161.

7

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Cruise to the South Pacific aboard the spectacular Radiance of the Seas, soaking up the sounds of your all-time favourite
musicians. Each cruise features a star-studded line up with the very best of International and Australian artists, main meals
(excludes speciality restaurants), entertainment and gratuities (excludes on board purchases).

CHOOSE YOUR CRUISE®

9 OCTOBER 2018 21 OCTOBER 2018

7 night cruise return from Sydney 7 night cruise return from Sydney
visiting Noumea & Isle of Pines visiting Noumea & Lifou

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Graeme Connors, Gina Jeffreys Ross Wilson, Russell Morris,
plus many more - over 40 acts onboard! plus many more - over 40 acts onboard!

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6 NOVEMBER 2018 13 NOVEMBER 2018

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visiting Noumea & Mare visiting Noumea, Mystery Island &

FEATURING Lifou

Shawn Klush, FEATURING
Justin Shandor,
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plus many more - over 30 acts onboard! The Celtic Tenors, Cheryl Barker,
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plus many more - over 40 acts onboard!

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from $2,645pp* from $3,295pp* from $3,895pp* from $2,614pp* from $3,312pp* from $4,143pp*

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8 S o u t h e r n S t a r M a g a z i n ecan be withdrawn at any time without notice. Single travellers must pay a single supplement. Some Oceanview and Balcony staterooms may have an obstructed view. All offers are valid for a limited time only unless sold out prior, are capacity controlled, subject to availability/change, strictly for new
bookings, and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Existing passengers cannot cancel and rebook at this offer. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions visit www.cruising.com.au

PBS safety net

The PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) safety net is designed to provide
financial relief for people who may need several prescription medicines in a
12-month period.

If you take multiple prescription medicines, How do I organise a PBS card?
once you reach the safety net, medicines are To ensure you are able to get the maximum
free or charged at a maximum of $6.30 each. benefit available to you, you need to get a PBS
If you take multiple prescription medicines card from your pharmacy. You only need to ask
and you have a concession card, you do not your pharmacist for the card. Your pharmacy
pay anything. will then keep a record of your medications to
calculate when you reach the threshold.
How does the PBS work? When you apply for the card, you may already
The PBS safety net period renews every have used multiple pharmacies or hospitals for
calendar year. The period starts on 1 January access to your medicine. All pharmacies and
and ends on 31 December each year. You should hospitals keep records of prescriptions and
organise to sign up for the safety net soon, in you only need to ask them to give you a list of
time for the start of 2018, so that you can take recorded medicines that you then take to the
full advantage of the full benefit amount. pharmacist who you wish to issue your card.
The threshold for most people is $1,494.90 and If you are living at home and your spouse is
$378.00 for people who hold a concession card. living in a residential aged care facility, or vice
This roughly equates to 60 items at $6.30 per versa, it is recommended that you request the
item dispensed. report from the pharmacy that is supplying
A couple can be grouped in the scheme; this medications to the person in the care facility.
allows your combined medications to count
towards the safety net. Further detailed information
It is important to remember that only can be obtained from
medications on the PBS list contribute to http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/general/
reaching the safety net. If you have been faq#WhatisthePharmaceutical
prescribed certain brand medicines, not all of BenefitsSchemePBS
the cost will apply towards the safety net. As
well, if you get the prescription supplied within
20 days of the last supply of the medicine, it will
not contribute.

9

Why life is better
with a bundle

We know you like to enjoy life to the full, regardless of your age and
support requirements; and we also know you have no intention of
changing the way you live your life.

It’s our goal to support you (ACAT) and assigned a home care Confused about
to live a full and healthy life in package, we guarantee to deliver: My Aged Care?
your own home, for as long as
possible. That’s why we have • All the care you need to Do you need advice
introduced our in-home Health meet your ACAT assessment on letters you have
and Wellness Bundles. support plan received from My
Aged Care, or how
Our Bundles include exclusive • One-on-one support from Government funding
extras and our Care Plus your Wellness Partner works? Maybe you’re
Guarantee: all the care you need not sure how to
when and where you need it. • A monthly all-inclusive organise interim home
fixed charge care services. Our
We stand by our promise that Client Connect team is
we guarantee all the care you • A hospital to home pick up ready to answer your
need based on your ACAT and settling service questions and help
recommended support plan and you work through
assigned home care package. • A simple and easy to these processes.
Should you have an injury, illness understand agreement
or hospital stay and you require and monthly statement HELPLINECall our 24/7 ‘Aged Care’
extra care, we will provide you
with all the additional services • Concierge Service to make 1300 000 161
you need to get back to being signing up or switching from
well as quickly as possible. another provider easy

Our three Bundles reduce the • ‘Same Face Promise’ that
complexity of setting up your you will always get the
home care package and together same support team
with our Care Plus Guarantee,
provide you with peace of mind. • Care Plus Guarantee to access
all the additional services you
If you have been assessed by need to get back to well if
the Aged Care Assessment Team you have been assessed by
Southern Plus as being able to
live safely and independently
at home.

You can book a Bundle, regardless of what ACAT assessment level you are on:

Level 2 Bundle Level 3 Bundle Level 4 Bundle

• Social support • Social support • Social support
• Domestic support • Domestic support • Domestic support
• Personal care • Personal care • Personal care
• Medication management • Medication management • Medication management
• Basic clinical care • Basic clinical care
• Respite • Respite
• Dementia care

10 Southern Star Magazine

Quiet kindness

By Dr Ian Simms, Head of Pastoral Care

The other day I came across a photograph
of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, an ambulance
driver in war-torn Syria, who had made a
rather remarkable decision.

Surrounded by all the horror, The Syrian man’s act reminded Photo: Hosam Katan / Reuters file
cruelty and despair of the war me of the curious satisfaction
raging in and around his city of being with someone whose her hand touches mine. And
of Aleppo, he chose to use his mind has gone and who is old that’s how we finished the song.
spare time and savings to find and alone.
and feed the neighbourhood I would like to think that it was
cats that had been Sally (not her real name) is a a simple, quiet act of kindness
abandoned by their owners resident living with dementia. that did it, that allowed Sally
who had fled the bombings. She used to go to church and to feel that it was okay to
sing the hymns that are now be close to another human
That’s crazy, you might say. just a memory. being, that it was safe and
Why waste your meagre comfortable. Again, I don’t
resources on these animals, Sally comes to one of the know for sure. But I suspect
when there are much bigger in-house services that our that there are many instances
issues to occupy your time, wonderful band of volunteer where our quiet acts of
and consume your energy? clergy offers. Sally has to sit in kindness call out those lovely
It’s a fair question, I guess, a wheelchair and she struggles and very real moments of
except that for this man, it was to hold the hymn sheet that genuine humanity.
an expression of his humanity. keeps falling on the floor.
It was important for him to Wouldn’t it be marvellous if
reach out with kindness and To help the priest, I slip beside our workplaces and homes
to do something that was Sally and offer to hold the sheet became the setting for serial
outrageously impractical, while we sing. Part-way through acts of quiet kindness? With
with the only intention of the song, I become aware of Christmas just around the
helping vulnerable beings. her face turned towards mine. corner, and kindness the
Perhaps it restored his sense I think she is staring out of alleged impetus for tons
of compassion, I don’t know the window, but she is gazing of presents that are not
for sure. at my face, as if to work out, always what we want or
‘Who are you and why are you need, wouldn’t it be super if
But I do know the effect it had singing this song that I vaguely we made a silent decision to
on me. It reminded me that all remember?’ I smile at her and practice quiet kindness?
was not lost, even in terrible continue to sing. After the
situations. It took me back religious symbolism is over, we Perhaps it would go further
to softer times when people sing again and Sally resumes than we think.
stopped to talk to one another, her watchful gaze of me, this
instead of rushing past to stranger who sits beside her,
make that deadline: singing her songs from long
ago. And then, in a moment of
“How are you, Joe? I remember exquisite humanity, she moves
your son was coming to visit her wrinkled hand slowly out
you from the UK. How did from under her blanket…until
that go?”

11

Christmas recipes to share

Two members of SCC’s community share their Christmas recipes
for Southern Star readers to enjoy.

Tullia Gusmeroli, Tullia’s mother-in-law Joan’s trifle

Southern Plus Ingredients
• Jam swiss roll • Custard • Coconut
Wellness Partner • Jelly • Marsala • Cream for whipping
• Tinned or fresh peaches or fresh berries
Coming from an
Italian family, Tullia Method
loves preparing the 1. Make and set the jelly (any flavour)
family’s favourite
Italian Christmas 2. Slice jam swiss roll and lay on the bottom of a
sweets – biscotti, and serving dish
Mostaccioli, along
with her Scottish 3. Pour some Marsala generously over cut jam slices,
mother-in-law’s trifle. then add a sprinkle of coconut. In layers, add
custard, then sprinkle some more coconut and
While Tullia loves to relax with her family spoon some jelly on. Keep layering until you fill the
during the festive season, she also makes top of the dish.
sure her clients have everything they
need, particularly those who live alone. 4. Put dish in fridge for a couple of hours to set.

“Especially at this time of year, I like to 5. Just before serving, arrange peaches or berries
make sure our clients are in in a pattern on top. Serve with whipped cream.
good health and that they will be
celebrating Christmas,” Tullia said.

Mrs Dewar’s little cakes Ken Dewar, resident of Success Village

Ingredients Mr Ken Dewar is the unofficial baker of Success
• 1 cup white sugar Village. Ken, who has lived happily at Success Village
• 2 cups self-raising flour for three years, says he enjoys baking for his fellow
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence residents.
• 2 eggs • 1 cup of milk
• 125 grams butter, melted Baking cakes also reminds Ken of his wife, who
passed away nearly eight years ago.
Method
1. Heat oven to 180 degrees. Line your “My wife was a very good cook, and this cake
recipe was hers. Unfortunately she got sick and
muffin pans with cupcake patty cases. at that point I took over
2. In a bowl, using beaters, mix the sugar, the cooking and baking.
Fortunately, my mother was
flour, vanilla, eggs and milk. Once also a good cook and spent
mixed well, add the melted butter. a lot of time teaching me
3. Spoon into the patty cases and the basics when I was young,
cook for 20 minutes. so that helped me,” Ken said.
4. Once cool, ice with an icing of your
choice. This Christmas, Ken intends
to relax, which means not
Makes 2 – 3 dozen cakes. having to cook, and will
instead go out for breakfast
and dinner.

12 Southern Star Magazine

VIP exclusives:
we look after you

We are very pleased to offer our VIP services to existing residents of
SCC villages, Knights of the Southern Cross, existing residents of Southern
Cross Housing and members of the Inter Congregational Act (ICA).

As a VIP, our staff will keep in close contact with • Attend doctor’s appointments with you to
each client so if it is identified there is a need for help you enter the system and be assessed
extra care and support, we are there at the right by the ACAT team.
time to help them through the process. A key
component of our VIP services is our recently • Help you fill out forms including Centrelink.
introduced Aged Care Helpline which is available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 000 161. • Organise Our ‘Hospital to Home’ settling
service to help you get back to the comfort of
When our VIPs contact our Aged Care Helpline, your own home, and to the best of health, as
our Client Connect and Southern Plus team will: quickly as possible after a stay in the hospital.

• Help you to access emergency home care • Help you access our ‘Happy Feet’ podiatry
services if you are unwell and vulnerable whilst services through your government funded
we assist you to access a home care package. package without any out of pocket expenses
(conditions apply).
• Guide you through the changes to Government
funding for all types of home care packages • Assist clients who may need to access mental
health services discreetly and as a priority
• Help you calculate what your government through the support of our qualified mental
funding will be and tailor a package to suit you. health team.

• Visit you at home or hospital or talk to you • Where possible, provide priority access
over the phone to explain the process and the to any of our residential care homes or
letters from My Aged Care. respite centres.

13

Southern Plus clients
to benefit from unique
‘Same Face Promise’

As a leading home care provider in Western Australia,
Southern Plus is continuing its focus on flexible in-home
health and wellness choices for its clients with the
introduction of its ‘Same Face Promise’ service commitment.

The unique ‘Same Face Promise’ highlights ‘Same face promise’
the benefits of a specialised, regular support
worker and dedicated care team chosen by delivers better experience
each client, ensuring the team and the client
build a trusted and familiar relationship. for Betty and Michael

Errol Turner, SCC Chief Executive Officer said Ninety year old Southern Plus client
all consumers receiving home care services Betty has dementia and lives at
should expect the best possible service to home with her husband Michael,
ensure they are achieving their desired health who is also her full-time carer. Three
and wellness goals. times a week, Betty has a support
worker come and help her with
“We regularly hear from clients that they personal care. Previously, if she had
really value a care team with people that they different support workers she wasn’t
know and trust. They want the continuity of a familiar with, she would become
regular trusted support worker, and to know anxious and upset, but now with
that their services schedule is set and will our ‘Same Face Promise’ guarantee,
be delivered to the plan they have agreed. Betty is much happier as her
Our ‘Same Face Promise’ will ensure that this husband Michael explains.
always occurs.
“We now have two regular support
“Ultimately, we believe clients’ health and workers who come to the house and
wellness will benefit from having a dedicated help Betty with showering. Because
team, tailored service schedules, clear she recognises both of the support
notification of delays or changes, and highly workers she is less anxious and
trained, easily identifiable staff. We are confused when they are here”.
guaranteeing that once we’ve set a client’s
home care services schedule, we won’t “Overall, the service we receive from
change it unless the clients ask or their care Southern Plus is very good and
needs change,” Errol said. everything is running smoothly, and
most importantly Betty is happy
For more information about Southern Plus too,” Michael said.
in-home health and wellness services please
call 1300 000 161.

14 Southern Star M agazine

Meet Julie – the
driving force behind
our home care

Julie Arnould is Operations Are other home care people build with their support
Manager Home Care and team and the quality and
oversees the delivery of providers offering a similar consistency of care which
in-home health and wellness really matter most and should
services for clients of Southern service level guarantee? be your main focus. In fact,
Plus. With more than 200 staff, we offer bundles which meet
Julie is the driving force behind As far as I know, no other your needs while remaining
the Southern Plus team and provider is offering a service affordable. You can read more
has been instrumental in the guarantee. It’s not a common on page 10.
delivery of the new Same Face offer as it can be difficult to
Promise service guarantee. implement. Our process began Southern Plus provides in-
Julie explains how this promise in February this year and
came about and how clients took six months to ensure the home health and wellness
are benefiting. right structure and processes
were in place before we services, rather than just
Southern Plus has recently could confidently offer it.
The process was challenging traditional home care
introduced a service level at times, with service
disruptions being inevitable services – can you tell us a
guarantee that is unique in to some clients, as well as
implementing new roster little more about what this
the home care industry – system for staff. Clients have
varying needs and as such means?
tell us more about it. we do need to make clients
with complex health needs Southern Plus gives you
The concept of our Same Face and dementia our priority access to a range of health
Promise is simple, we promise when rostering services. if professionals including nurses,
customers the continuity of you have a question about physiotherapists, occupational
the same support worker your schedule, contact your therapists, exercise
and dedicated care teams. wellness partner or scheduling physiologists and podiatrists.
A key client pain-point is not team on 1300 669 189. We help clients to keep doing
knowing who is turning up at the things you love and we
the front door, from one day What advice would you give support you to manage any
to the next. This causes a lot health conditions to ensure you
of unnecessary confusion and to people considering home live a full life.
anxiety, so having the same
person or team provides care – what should they What’s on the horizon for
consistency and familiarity
to clients and allows support look for in a provider? Southern Plus
workers to build trust and
a deeper understanding of When considering home care, in the coming year?
clients’ needs over time. be sure to compare apples
with apples, and check for Southern Plus aims to bring
hidden costs. If you are unsure, clients the most contemporary
it is best to get professional and up-to-date support at
advice and our Client Connect home. Support can range from
team can help. While the use of assisted technology to
fees and the financial part is help you feel safe, secure and
important, it’s the relationships capable, to real time remote
monitoring of chronic health
conditions by our health and
wellness professionals.

15

Living with dementia series:
what dementia feels like

By Rejáne Le Grange, Dementia Services Manager

Think about the skills Now imagine a day where
you use every day everything goes wrong.
to look after yourself, Things break, financial
your family and to be demands suddenly seem to
successful at your job increase, you don’t feel as well,
or your community extra tasks that are given to
responsibilities. you and the people around
you seem more demanding.
situation more difficult, they
We all know what it feels like to can even feel agitated and
have a day like this. On such a frustrated with themselves, for
day you might act or respond being overwhelmed.
more slowly, be emotional or
moody, make more mistakes First step: you can help
and feel exhausted. to calm them in moments
of distress
Living with dementia is
equivalent to this experience. This is when staying calm,
Everything seems slightly not taking their comments
unfamiliar; you can’t keep up personally and being
with what people are saying pragmatic are important.
and what they’re asking of you.
• Offer support by affirming
Common signs that a that you notice their anxiety

person with dementia is • Speak with a lower tone
and talk slowly in clear
feeling overwhelmed short sentences.

The person might have • Move your face lower
difficulty finding items or lose than theirs, make eye
their train of thought. They contact and smile.
might find it difficult to find
the right word or they forget • Don’t overwhelm them
events and people; familiar with the goal of the activity,
people, places and things can give one instruction or
become unrecognisable. They step at a time.
can even be unaware of their
own thirst, hunger or pain.
The demands of the moment
have become bigger than the
person’s skills. To make the

16 Southern Star Magazine

Next step: create a safe • Stick to a routine that Social support: we all
includes their interests and
routine to help them grow do things with them, or let deserve respect
them watch you do things
more confident they love, like baking a family As a community, we all have
favourite cake or gardening. a part to play in changing the
• Create environments that ways in which people with
instigate natural, but easy, Has your loved one’s dementia experience life.
participation, such as setting behaviour changed? We can work to ensure
the table, offering a small that society is inclusive and
selection of clothes to wear When someone experiences empathetic, rather than
and making sure towels, a very sudden deterioration, assuming such a person is
soap, etc are easy to see this might indicate an infection difficult or doesn’t want to
in the bathroom. or virus. participate. Be patient, get
advice, treat them with respect,
• Use actions to show what Look out for the following signs, and remember they need your
you mean. For example, say and take them to the doctor support for the long term.
“here is your blouse” while if you notice:
holding the blouse in front Keeping in mind our tips, you
of them. • They become more confused. can help your loved one to
participate socially, keep up
• Put up some clear signs • They are very emotional their independence and feel
and reminder notes to or moody. valued. Moments of being
prompt them. overwhelmed will begin
• They experience these to subside and a sense of
• Provide easy access to symptoms especially participation can hopefully help
important things. during the night. them move from surviving to
enjoying life to the full.

17

Research focuses on ways
to deal with chronic pain

In this edition, leading pain management expert Professor Visser
from the Churack Chair of Pain Education and Research, University
of Notre Dame Australia, introduces a current research project
about chronic pain.

Dr Natalie Morellini is the and specific pain receptors Firstly, we will look at tissue
University of Notre Dame (molecules which receive and samples taken from areas of
Australia’s first post-doctoral respond to different chemical the body experiencing chronic
fellow in pain medicine. signals) act in certain patients. pain, in 90 CRPS patients from
She is researching complex Australia and Europe. These
regional pain syndrome Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 samples will show us other
(CRPS) under the direction of Australians and can severely receptors of the sympathetic
the Churack Chair, Professor impact quality of life. CRPS is nervous system, as well as
Eric Visser. Dr Morellini is a condition that affects the immune cells and nerve fibres
working with Professors Peter upper and lower limbs and of the skin.
Drummond and Philip Finch occurs after an injury such
from Murdoch University. as a fracture. In more severe Secondly, we will culture skin
cases, individuals may have a cells obtained from CRPS
Dr Morellini’s research focuses long-term disability. patients to clarify the role of
on people with severe injuries the pain receptors, in terms of
who may suffer CRPS, which As we do not understand the inflammatory processes which
is most commonly found cause of CRPS well, there is may contribute to chronic pain.
in the feet and hands, and no simple cure and no single
the underlying cause of this recommended treatment. Our And thirdly, we will determine if
is unknown. To understand research aims to understand people who don’t experience
what causes this pain, Dr chronic pain so that we can chronic pain undergo similar
Morellini is looking at how the find potential treatments. processes. We hypothesise
sympathetic nervous system that pain receptors may
One of the possible aggravate inflammation,
causes behind CRPS is contributing to acute and
the dysfunction of the chronic pain.
sympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous With therapeutic treatments,
system is the ‘housekeeper’ of we are hopeful that we may
the body and controls many be able to reduce pain and
involuntary actions such as improve outcomes in people
sweat production and blood who suffer from CRPS and
flow. In our previous research, other types of chronic pain.
we have shown that over
expression of certain types of
receptors of the sympathetic
nervous system amplify
pain. Our aim is to boost
this research by the use of
complementary approaches.

18 Southern Star Magazine

For more information about Notre Dame’s
Churack Chair of Chronic Pain Education
and Research please visit www.nd.edu.au/
fremantle/schools/medicine/churack-chair

19

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Find the words in the list hidden in the puzzle grid below.

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ADVENT CHOCOLATE GIFT BASKET LETTER REINDEER STOCKING
BABY CHRISTMAS GIFTS LIGHTS RELATIVES TINSEL
BELLS CINNAMON MANGER
GINGERBREAD MARY RIBBON TOY SOLDIER
CANDLE COOKIES GOLD MERRY RUDOLPH TREE
CANDY DECEMBER HAPPY MISTLETOE TRIM
CARDS DECORATE HELPER NATIVITY SANTA
CAROL NORTH POLE SHEPHERD WINTER
CELEBRATION ELF HOLIDAY NUTCRACKER SHOPPING WISEMEN
CHARITY FAMILY HOLLY ORNAMENTS WONDERLAND
CHESTNUTS FIREPLACE JESUS PRESENT SILVER WRAPPING
CHIMNEY FRIENDS JINGLE SLEIGH
FRUITCAKE JOSEPH SNOWFLAKE PAPER
WREATH
STAR

20 Southern Star Magazine

JOSEPH We’ve made it easier

LETTER
LIGHTS
MANGER

to manage your billsMARY

MERRY
MISTLETOE
NATIVITY

and paymentsNAUGHT
NICE
NORTH POLE

NUTCRACKER

ORNAMENTS

PACKAGE Save time and take the hassle

PRESENT out of paying your monthly

REINDEER bill by setting up direct debit.

RELATIVES Make the switch to paperless
RIBBON bills and have these emailed
RUDOLPH directly to you, or to a
SALE nominated person.
SANTA

SHEPHERD

SHOPPING

SILVER

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SNOWFLAKE

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STOCKING

TINSEL

TOY SOLDIER

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WISEMEN

WONDERLAND

RAPPING PAPER

WREATH

Call 1300 000 161 to set up this helpful payment option.

21

Retirement living at its best

Retirement is a new beginning to be enjoyed – One where you choose the way to live your life.
At Southern Cross Care we recognise this. In selecting one of our villages, you will be part of a
community that enhances choice of independent living. You will be able to live an active healthy
life that offers an aspirational lifestyle, safety, security and peace of mind - right at your door step.

Success Village from $350,000 Thomas Perrott Village from $307,000

27 Pearson Drive, Success 10 Houtmans Street, Shelley

Success Village is situated in the bustling central Thomas Perrott Village is a picturesque village with
location of Success, and contains 136 units, with well-maintained gardens, featuring a total of 55
5 different designs of two and three-bedroom units with either one or two bedrooms. This village is
homes, beautifully designed and set amongst conveniently located near the local shopping centre,
landscaped gardens. The village is conveniently bowling club and tennis courts in Central Road and
located to a broad range of local amenities. Canning River. A bus stop is approximately 200
Villa 137 for sale $410,000 metres away from the village.
Villa 42 for sale $335,000

Foley Village from $425,000 Donovan Village from $369,000

84 Collick Street, Hilton 138 Lewis Road, Forrestfield

Foley Village is a modern, state of the art retirement Donovan Village is nestled amongst natural
village located in Hilton, just 6km from Fremantle. bushland next to Yule Brook and is located with
The Village contains 86 terraced villas and units a residential care home and a respite centre, not
with a range of both 2 and 3 bedroom layouts. to mention access to park a caravan. The onsite
Residents can access locally or onsite a range of community centre, library, gym and barbeque
services including GP’s, allied health professionals, area encourage a relaxed and inviting lifestyle.
shopping centre and hairdresser. There is also a Close to transport, medical facilities and shopping,
Catholic Church adjacent to the complex. Donovan Village is an ideal retirement option.
Villa 22 for sale $499,000 Villa 20 for sale $475,000

Call Alan 0407 149 329 for more information. Visit www.scrosswa.org.au/homes-sale/

15 Rowe Avenue PO Box 76 1300 000 161
Rivervale WA 6103 Burswood WA 6100 [email protected]
www.scrosswa.org.au