ConnectDecember 2015Sue’s SnippetHi Everyone

This time of year always makes me reflect on the year that has passed. As happens every year there are the inevitable changes of personnel with sadly a number of staff leaving HomeCare+ whilst we warmly welcome our newcomers to the team.

We love to celebrate the longevity of our employees and this year congratulate the following people who have reached a significant anniversary as employees of HomeCare+ Adelaide and the South East:

10 years• Kath Brennan

• Andrew Pring

• Anne Jennings

• Sandy Lewinsohn

• Bryan Jordan

• Pauline Boxall

• Julie-Anne Upton

• Belinda Rummings

• Chris Griffin

• Regina Stevens

• Christine Lowe

• Kathryn Janz

• Tania Buhajow

• Dale Howard

• Freda Dale

15 years

• Karen Downing

• Patricia Hamilton

The HomeCare+ Adelaide employees celebrating their milestone employment anniversaries. Pictured here with PQSA President Craig Clarke, CEO Peter Stewart and Operations Supervisor Gavin Watson.

The South East team attending the Support Worker anniversary lunch with CEO Peter Stewart.

Finally during this season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things. May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart in a special way. Wishing you happiness today and throughout the New Year.

Warmest regards, Sue Houston Operations and Business Development Manager HomeCare+

Christmas TrifleIngredients

• 4 x 85g packets strawberry jelly crystals

• 2 1/2 cups boiling water

• 1/2 x 800g light fruit cake, cut into 3cm cubes

• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)

• 2 cups Double Thick French Vanilla custard

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

• 125g fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced

• 300ml thickened cream

• 1 teaspoon icing sugar mixture, sifted

• 50g white chocolate, grated

• fresh raspberries and hulled, quartered strawberries, to decorate

Method

1. Place jelly crystals in a heatproof bowl. Add boiling water. Stir to dissolve crystals. Stir in 400ml cold water. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until just starting to set (it should have a thick, syrupy consistency).

2. Arrange cake in a 13 cup-capacity serving bowl. Drizzle with brandy, if using. Spoon half the jelly over top. Top with custard. Sprinkle with raspberries and strawberries. Spoon remaining jelly over top. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

3. Using an electric mixer, beat cream and sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form. Fold through chocolate. Spoon mixture over trifle. Top with raspberries and strawberry quarters. Serve. You could use leftover fruit cake or pudding in this trifle. Pauls Double Thick custard is twice as thick as pouring custard, and ideal for the whole family. Check out the handy resealable pack for recipe suggestions. You could replace brandy with orange juice. Top trifle with grated chocolate.

20 years

• Daniel Crosby

A celebratory lunch was held in both Adelaide and Mount Gambier where staff received a certificate and a gift in appreciation of their hard work and commitment.

With the Christmas Season fast approaching you will shortly receive a gift as a token of our appreciation of the amazing job that each and everyone one of you do supporting our clients and the HomeCare+ team.

Policy CornerThe below policies and procedures have recently been updated. Please ensure that you read the policies on our website and become familiar with them.

• Client – Advocacy Policy and Procedures

• Information Sharing Guidelines – Standard Operating Procedures.

• Return to Work Management System Policy and Procedures

• Visa Policy and Procedures

Tips for Keeping Safe during the Holiday SeasonHome Safety

• Always lock up including garages and garden sheds - even if you are just going out for a couple of minutes.

• Don't advertise your valuables - keep items out of sight and dispose of packaging carefully.

• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property and even park in your driveway.

• Ensure your home looks lived in - mow your lawns, put your lights on timers, get your mail collected.

• Avoid packing your car too early, or in view of possible thieves.

• Make sure your home insurance is up to date.

Driving

• Slow down; give yourself time to get to your destination.

• Don't drive if you have been drinking.

• On long trips, take regular breaks and pull off the road if you feel fatigued.

• In bad weather, slow down and remain alert.

• Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.

• Remember - don't talk or text whilst driving.

Christmas Trees

• Purchase green, moist Christmas trees, never old or brittle. Check the needles. Try to find a tree with needles that bend instead of break.

• After purchasing a live tree, be sure to cut the bottom of the tree to expose new wood that will be able to soak up water.

• Always keep live trees watered.

• Ensure that artificial trees are fire resistant and UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or FM (Factory Mutual) listed. This will ensure the tree has been tested to meet specific safety standards.

• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won't tip over easily.

Christmas Lights and Extension Cords

• Only use approved extension cords.

• Make sure the extension cord is large enough to carry the intended load.

• Do not overload outlets! Use surge protectors if multiple outlets are needed.

• Immediately replace any broken bulbs that have exposed filaments.

• Never use electric lights on old metal artificial trees.

• Don't run cords through doorways or under rugs. The insulation on the cords can become damaged, or if people step on it under the rug, causing a potential fire and/or shock hazard.

Toys and Ornaments

• Purchase appropriate toys for appropriate ages. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.

• Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, or parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.

• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.

The Work, Health, Safety and Environment Committee would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to working with you in 2016!

Elizabeth Frankish, Manager, Human Resources on behalf of the WHS&E Committee.

Upcoming Public Holidays Please take note of the following Public Holidays. If you have any questions regarding your rostered shifts on these days please contact your local HomeCare+ office.

2015

• Thu 24 Dec Christmas Eve (7pm to midnight)

• Fri 25 Dec Christmas Day

• Mon 28 Dec Proclamation Day

• Thu 31 Dec New Year's Eve (7pm to midnight)

2016

• Fri 1 Jan New Year's Day

New Support Workers- AdelaideWe would like to welcome our latest group of new Adelaide Support Workers. This group is unique, they have come to us through our partnership with MatchWorks Employment Services and Stanton Institute, our preferred Registered Training Organisation.

This partnership has allowed us to access Federal Government funding, Job Active which has resulted in our new recruits undertaking a Cert III in Disability. We hope to continue to expand this partnership across all regions of South Australia.

Welcome and good luck to all our new recruits, we are proud to have you as part of our team of trusted Support Workers.

Jules Percival New Riverland Team Leader

Hi my name is Jules and I have worked within the Disability Industry for 17 years, most of those as a Support Worker. I have worked in schools, homes, group settings, respite etc. I also worked as an Employment Consultant supporting people with disability gain main stream employment.

I am a very proud Mum of 2 daughters; Brittany, 25 and Ashlee, 22. I moved to the Mid Murray, Walker Flat 4 years ago and fell in love with life on the river. My partner Scotty and I try to be self-sufficient which is very important to us. We grow our own fruit and veg, as well as having Damara sheep and chickens. We have 3 dogs; a Pomeranian that is old, half-blind, deaf and has 3 legs but we love him to bits. A young sheep dog and a mid-aged Bitsa that looks like a brick on 4 match boxes!

We recently bought a house near Loxton hence, a job change which has led me to HomeCare+. In winter we are footy mad!!! Scotty is a Crows supporter and I support Gold Coast Suns. In summer it is water, water, water, swimming, boating and fishing. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the community both personally and professionally, and achieving great things in my new role.

A word from Mount GambierWe would like to take this opportunity to wish all our staff a safe and happy Christmas. We thank you for all your hard work through-out the year and look forward to working together to provide dedicated support to our clients in 2016.

It was lovely to be able to recently celebrate the significant anniversaries of a number of our Support Workers. What an achievement! Please see the previous page for a photo.

Merry Christmas From all the HomeCare+ South East Team

New Support Workers, South EastWe recently recruited a number of new Support Workers in the South East region. We wish them all the best in their new positions and hope you make them feel welcome as they settle into their roles.

Echoes from the Eyre PeninsulaAs 2015 draws to a close, Catherine and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our valued Support Workers in the Eyre Peninsula Region for their continued dedication and quality support provided to our clients.

We hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year.

Danielle Joyce, Team Leader and Catherine Clarke, CAO Eyre Peninsula

Riverland RumblingsI would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome. I have had a great start working with Marie Halls who truly is a walking book of knowledge. There has been no time to crawl, I have started off running!

A summer reminder to staff and clients to slip, slop slap and to stay hydrated.

To any staff that are planning on taking any leave over the holiday season, can you please let us know in the office and try to cover your own shifts with other staff. If you are not able to do this we can help.

We wish everyone a happy and safe festive season and look forward to an exciting 2016.

Warm Regards Jules Percival, Team Leader and Marie Halls, CAO Riverland Region

Beware!!!Australia has approximately 2,000 species of spider, but most are relatively harmless to humans.

Signs and symptoms of spider bites may include: Redness and itching, increasing pain, vomiting and nausea, sweating, dilated pupils, uncontrollable muscle spasms and unconsciousness.

First aid suggestions: Remember that first aid for a venomous spider bite depends on the species of spider. Suggestions include:

• Funnel-web and mouse spider: firmly bandage the affected area. Splint if possible. Make sure the person lies still, because not moving will help to slow the venom moving through the body.

• Red-back and white-tailed spider : wash the bitten area thoroughly. Do not bandage as pressure will increase pain. Apply an icepack.

Never cut a spider bite or tourniquet a limb, don’t give the person anything to eat or drink and seek immediate medical help.

Safety is NO Accident!

A safety message on behalf of PQSA’s Work, Health, Safety and the Environment Committee

Mid North MutteringsSummer is here & although it’s the season to be jolly please take a moment to reflect on the devastation & destruction the Pinery fire has caused…our thoughts are with them all.

The Mid North will be recruiting in the New Year & look forward for new support workers to join my amazing team here.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas & prosperous 2016 Ann Hofmann, Team Leader, Mid North Region

Yorke Peninsula YabberingsI write this article as I prepare for my much anticipated holiday, whilst many begin their preparations for Christmas.

We have travelled far and wide this year on the Yorke Peninsula and Clare Regions with many highlights along the way including attending Clipsal as an invited guest of the Premier of SA, an AFL game at Adelaide Oval, going to Bounce and having a holiday as a thank you for assisting North Beach Caravan Park to renovate their units. More partnerships have been formed which has enabled us to expand our respite services here on the Peninsula for Clare Region clients to enjoy our beaches and fishing. Our support workers have been brave, keen to take on challenges, expand their knowledge and consistently go above and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this year and I hope we can continue to work diligently together striving for the best outcomes for all.

Merry Christmas Ann Davies, Team Leader and Andrea Harkness, CAO Yorke Peninsula

December. Adelaide, Marden

Medication 15-Dec Tuesday 0915-1100

Manual Hazardous tasks 15-Dec Tuesday 1130-1430

Medication 15-Dec Tuesday 1430-1700

Manual Hazardous tasks 17th Dec Thursday 0915-1215

Medication 17th Dec Thursday 1215-1700

Medication 18th Dec Tuesday 0915-1700

Training Corner The Training Department is winding down for 2015. It has been a busy and productive year with many challenges and lots of successes. We have welcomed many new Support Workers in all regions.

I hope you have updated all your necessary training in 2015. If you haven’t your ability to work over the Christmas/New Year period may be affected. Clients rely on our Support Workers and removing a worker from shifts is very stressful for them. If you are unsure of the Support Worker training requirements refer to the Support Worker Training Policy on the HomeCare+ website. For Adelaide workers here are our final dates for 2015- get in quick!

The HR team will shortly be planning training for 2016, I will keep you informed of updates. Training usually recommences mid to late January in Adelaide, later regionally. We will continue to offer as much flexibility as possible within available resources. Thank you for your co-operation.

I look forward to seeing you in 2016 and wish you a safe, happy and festive Christmas and New Year.

Paula Rhodes, Training and Development Officer