feros magazine autumn/winter 2013

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QUEENSLAND

NSW

Bundaberg

Hervey Bay

Brisbane

Caboolture

Ipswich Surfers Paradise Coolangatta Tweed Heads

Murwillumbah Byron Bay

Port Macquarie

BallinaBangalow

Kyogle

Grafton

Nerang

NoosaGympie

Yamba

CEO’s Word

New look for Feros Care

LifeLink kicks off NBN trial

New Home Care Packages for senior Australians

Experts Speak: What to do when looking for aged care

Feros Care’s new Health & Wellness service

Why depression isn’t a normal part of ageing

Social Pages

Winter fitness

Agencies and Government Information Contact List

INDEX

Feros Care Business CentreShowcase on the Beach72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)Coolangatta QLD 4225Ph: 07 5669 0555 Fax: 07 5536 7520Email: [email protected] 50 104 452 271www.feroscare.com.au

Feros Community Gateway Contact & Referral Centre Showcase on the Beach72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)Coolangatta QLD 4225Ph: 1300 763 583 Fax: 1300 850 770Email: [email protected]

At Home Services Regional OfficesPort Macquarie • Pottsville • TewantinPh: 1300 763 583

Feros Village Bangalow6 Bangalow Road (PO Box 329)Bangalow NSW 2479Ph: 02 6687 2379 Fax: 02 6687 2286Email: [email protected]

Feros Village Byron BayCnr Marvel & Cowper Streets (PO Box 585)Byron Bay NSW 2481Ph: 02 6685 7676 Fax: 02 6685 5176Email: [email protected]

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/feroscare

Feros Village Wommin BayMcKissock DriveKingscliff NSW 2487Ph: 02 6674 4177 Fax: 02 6674 4171Email: [email protected]

LifeLink TelehealthcareShowcase on the Beach72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)Coolangatta QLD 4225Ph: 1300 851 771 Fax: 1300 850 770Email: [email protected]

Feros Care Health and WellnessShowcase on the Beach72-80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1)Coolangatta QLD 4225Ph: 1300 085 181 Fax: 1300 850 770Email: [email protected]

Editor: Jacinta Rose (T&J Rose Pty Ltd)[email protected]

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CEO’s WORD

LOOKINGFORWARD

We are very excited to have finalised Feros Care’s 2013 - 2016 Strategic Plan that will see the organisation capture opportunities presented in the Living Longer Living Better reform package for the aged care industry.

One change you might have noticed already is that Feros Care has taken on a new a look. We are currently launching a new take on our branding including a modern logo that will be rolled out across all of our services. The vibrant look aligns with our fundamental mission, which is highlighted in our new tag line: “Celebrating Ageing”. Read more about this development on page three.

There are also many other key areas we are going to continue focusing on including:

• Leveraging our reputation and experience in technology to lead the sector in research and development of smart and emerging technologies.

• Our visionary Byron Model of Care will see the rollout of sustainable programs that involve our new Health & Wellness workforce (see page 11), new models of case management and service

delivery, and the establishment of a community volunteer arm of the organisation.

• We are also going to remove geographic boundaries and pursue targeted opportunities across Australia. We have the capability to do this through our Community Gateway that offers centralised access and administration, and is the logistical hub for all of our services. Our one-point-of-contact structure allows us to ensure we roll out the same quality and standards wherever we provide services.

• Our focus for the “No Boundaries” strategic plan is to:

Develop innovative and responsive service models with clients in the “driver's seat”

Build and retain a workforce and culture that is renowned within the industry and beyond

Continue to grow and strengthen our organisation and service options for seniors.

Feros Care’s strategies and goals for 2013-2016 are bold and vivacious, just like our people and our vision! All the best,Jennene Buckley

The year has started off with a big bang for Feros Care. We were excited to hear we had won a tender to develop a National Broadband Network (NBN) enabled Telehealth Pilot in Coffs Harbour, NSW (under the Federal Government’s Digital Economy Strategy). The 18-month project kicked off in January and will involve up to 200 seniors living with chronic health conditions. Under the trial we are setting-up homes with our My Health Clinic At Home Telehealth technology, which will allow individuals to monitor their vital signs and talk virtually with their GP, Case Manager, health professionals and family (you can read more about the pilot trial on page four).

This is a great opportunity for Feros Care and something we have worked hard towards since our first Telehealthcare

pilot trial in 2010. Our primary goal for this project has been to:

• Demonstrate the benefits of Telehealth technology in the management of chronic disease

• Improve access to health services for seniors

• Reduce unplanned hospitalisation

• See a reduction in social isolation.

Feros magazine 1

Feros Village Byron BayFeros Village Byron Bay is our low level care residence that houses 40 seniors. We provide permanent and short term care for people needing support and assistance with daily living tasks.

Located just blocks from the famous beaches of Byron Bay and right near the town centre.

Phone: 0402 038 862 (Sarah Marciano) Email: [email protected]

Feros Village BangalowFeros Village Bangalow is our beautifully appointedhigh level care residence currently capable of supporting 64 seniors. We provide permanent and short term care for seniors needing 24/7 support.

The village is centrally located in the historic village of Bangalow, approximately 10 minutes from Byron Bay.


Feros Village Wommin BayFeros Village Wommin Bay is our centrally located residence, catering for 70 residents. We can provide low level and high level care (as available), and also offer dementia specific care and support. Within walking distance of Kingscliff beach (south of Tweed Heads on the NSW-QLD border), and next door to the popular Cudgen Sport and Recreation Club.


Feros Villages that feel like a holiday home!Feros Care is proud to offer resort style living in a village setting for seniors who need that extra care and support to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

ComeAlivewith us!

2 Autumn/Winter 2013

new lookfor

Feros Care has become well known for its forward thinking and innovation, so it’s only right that the company has had a modern make-over. The organisation’s Marketing Manager, Melissa Simpson, explains the bold new move.

For more than 20 years, Feros Care has served the Northern Rivers area of NSW and grown to cover towns along the Eastern seaboard. With this growth in mind, it was time that Feros Care considered launching a new logo and overall brand presence.

The evolution of Feros Care's services, care models and thinking demanded an evolution of our logo and brand association with innovation. After a rigorous tender process, a marketing company was chosen to develop our new logo and work across our suite of marketing collateral.

The new logo is modern, vibrant and memorable, yet it still honours the origins of Feros Care in Byron Bay with the inclusion of the Bird of Paradise flower.

The new logo is much more versatile and extends into a colour scheme per line of business (we’ve also thought ahead and allowed for business growth with further colouring). The logo is easier to place on merchandise, stronger in its visual impact and is easily reduced or enlarged without compromising its integrity.

Launching the logo is a mammoth task and the marketing team is hard at work behind the scenes updating all of our internal and external materials. The list is long but the usual suspects include brochures and advertisements in print, online and buses. We will produce new uniforms, new signage and new merchandise. We will also refresh the look and feel of our website.

For Feros Care, this is an exciting coming of age that reflects our reputation as a leader in the industry based on flexibility, excellence in execution and innovation.

Feros magazine 3

LifeLink kicks off NBN trialFeros Care has joined the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Strategy

to trial new models of healthcare using the National Broadband Network (NBN).

Earlier this year Feros Care’s LifeLink service won a tender to showcase the benefits of the NBN for healthcare and has since been working hard to roll out their Telehealth service known as My Health Clinic At Home (MHCAH) in Coffs Harbour, NSW.

From March 2013 to end of June 2014, up to 200 seniors can participate in the MHCAH trial, which will see homes fitted with the latest Telehealth technology.

Telehealth expert and LifeLink Operations Manager, Justin Wall, said “The aim of the pilot is to test new features that enhance the Telehealth experience, putting seniors in charge of their own health and wellness from the convenience of their own home.”

“The greatest feature of this trial is having seniors who live at home use the new video conferencing capabilities. This will allow people to easily have face-to-face consultations with their doctor or health specialist as needed, and enjoy video chats with their family and friends whenever they want,” said Mr Wall.

The availability of video conferencing is an important addition as Feros Care sees it allowing people to:

• Talk to their GP without leaving their home (treated and charged like a regular in-clinic consultation)

• Easily connect with their community case manager or Telehealth nurse for prompt and continuous care

• Increase their social opportunities and connections

• Avoid the difficulties of limited private or public transport.

The organisation also believes the use of Telehealth technology will give users the daily opportunity to learn more about their own health status and watch for improvements or declines.


Want to participate in My HealtH clinic at HoMe?

Ask yourself the following questions:• Do you live in Coffs Harbour?

• Are you aged 65 years or over?

• Are you housebound or feel isolated at home?

Do you have:• Diabetes

• Heart Failure

• Unstable Blood Pressure

• Lung Disease.

In the past year, have you:• Had more than two visits to hospital

• Seen two or more specialists

• Had more than one visit to your doctor in a month

• Had difficulty with your medication

• Had difficulty keeping your health condition

under control.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, contact Feros Care LifeLink to register your interest in participating in the trial.

phone: 1300 851 771Fax: 1300 850 770email: [email protected]

Feros Care’s Teleheath nurse Ceili Bock explains“By monitoring their vital signs daily seniors will be able to improve their self-management. Through personalised monitoring and feedback from Telehealth nurses seniors will also be able to develop a lifestyle that better managestheir health condition including diet, exercise or social aspects.”

Ms Bock said MHCAH is also great for improving social and mental wellbeing.

“Being able to use the video conferencing features (like Skype) means social isolation can be reduced and seniors won’t be limited by geographic boundaries – whether it is their doctor, nurse or family and friends that they are having virtual chats with.”

The MHCAH trial is open to seniors aged 65 and over who fit the selection criteria including those who have one or more of the following conditions:

• Chronic Heart Condition• Chronic Lung Condition• Diabetes• Unstable Blood Pressure.

All participants will be equipped with a MHCAH computer and vital signs monitoring equipment relevant to their chronic health condition. They will use this information to complete a daily health questionnaire, which will be sent to a Telehealth nurse for triage monitoring. If adverse results are detected further investigation by the nurse may be done or the senior will be asked to consult their doctor with the report (either in person or via video conference).

Mr Wall said the technology is user friendly to ensure anyone can take advantage of the benefits.

“MHCAH is designed for seniors with no computer experience. It’s like using a touch screen ATM, with pre-programmed questions and one-press responses. The results are also explained in easy to understand language. With people using the system everyday they will quickly become experts on the technology and their own conditions.

“The LifeLink team will fully install the equipment and test that it is working within the home. Users will also be given

in-home education to ensure they are comfortable with the technology, as well as on-going support,” said Mr Wall.

The trial is free for seniors with most able to access the equipment for 12 – 26 weeks. The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, under the National Digital Economy Strategy, is funding the trial.

Feros magazine 5

Helping you achieve the life you want!New research clearly demonstrates the benefits of allied health services - particularly for seniors. So Feros Care has introduced their own!

Our Allied HomeHealth services will work in partnership with you to build the confidence and skills

you need to carry out everyday activities and continue to live at home.

Allied HomeHealth will support you to:• Build strength and balance• Prevent falls• Manage pain

• Improve mobility

• Create a safer home• Care for your feet• Access aids to easily move around and continue

doing daily living activities and other practical tasks.

Laugh,Learn &Live Well

Phone: 1300 085 181 Fax: 1300 850 770 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.feroscare.com.au


As part of the government’s reform plan, Living Longer Living Better, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, opened tenders for the Home Care Packages late last year. At the time he said “This is an important step in the delivery of [the reform plan] that will see tangible increases in services, on the ground, across the country.”

The Home Care Packages have been created based on the Consumer Directed Care model, where the client is in the “driver’s seat”.

“Consumer Directed Care delivers services that allow consumers and their carers to have greater control over their own lives by allowing them to make choices about the types of care they access, including who will deliver the services and when,” said Mr Butler. What exactly though, does this mean for the senior at home?

The home Care PaCkagesFrom now on any senior starting a new care package at home can be put onto one of the four following packages (following approval by the Aged Care Assessment Team):

• Home Care Level 1 – a new package to support people with basic care needs (offering around $7,500 pa)

• Home Care Level 2 – similar to Level 1 but with a greater allowance for more support (offering around $13,600 pa)

• Home Care Level 3 – a new package to support people with intermediate care needs (offering around $30,000 pa)

• Home Care Level 4 – similar to Level 3 but with a greater allowance for more services (offering around $45,500 pa).

There will also be further supplements for dementia care and veterans (with an accepted mental health condition) that will be added on to the most appropriate package as outlined.

Service providers will work with seniors and their loved ones to work out an individual budget and service plan. The funding will need to cover the provider’s costs in managing the service, as well as the actual costs of the service.

These packages will replace previous packages such as Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs), Extended Aged Care At Home (EACH) etc.

key differenCesUsing the Consumer Directed Care model, the Home Care Packages offer clients greater ownership and control of their services, including:

• Working with community care providers like Feros Care to determine their own care and management plans, and lifestyle goals

• Determining the type of care and support accessed (including services that are outside the specified care outlined per package)

• How and when the services will be delivered

• Who will deliver the services (including accessing various providers)

• Access to their monthly budget (to monitor how their package is being spent on care services, administration fees, contingency etc. Left over money cannot be cashed out)

• An option to privately pay for “top up” services.

However, it is up to the senior as to how involved they become in their care plan and managing their budget

and services or if they would like another person or the community care provider to co-ordinate services on their behalf.

feros Care and Their ClienTsFeros Care’s CEO, Jennene Buckley, explains that this is going to be a big change for the aged care industry but is a service approach that the company has already been implementing for a number of years.

“For a while now Feros Care has worked hard to make sure our clients are in charge of the types of services they want and how they want them delivered. We work hard, in partnership with seniors, to ensure they are getting the lifestyle they want.

“There will certainly be a few changes that the company has to roll with from an administrative point of view, however, we are ultimately about supporting our clients to live their best life. We are proud to offer flexible and innovative service options that meet the senior’s priorities, goals, and lifestyle wishes,” said Ms Buckley.

For more information about the new Home Care Packages visit www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.

Feros Care has an open Aged Care Advisory Service that can help current clients or the public with any aged care inquiry. Call 1300 763 583 or visit www.feroscare.com.au

New Home Care Packages for senior AustraliansChanges are afoot in Australia’s aged care system and one of the first major introductions has just occurred. From 1 July all aged care providers will be offeringtheir clients new Home Care Packages (replacing the previous Community Aged Care Packages and Extended Aged Care At Home packages program).

Feros magazine 7

Feros Care’s General Manager of Community Services, Gabriele Taylor, is a big advocate of providing creative lifestyle solutions in the home. She says there are a number of things you can do to make looking for At Home support easier.

• Think about your current lifestyle or home activities and identify what is becoming harder to do by yourself.

• Then, sit down and start writing a list about anything and everything you would like to do on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to maintain the lifestyle you desire. It can range from going to card games, shopping once a week or having help with showering. Nothing is too big or small.

• Find items on the list that are currently being taken care of by a family member or friend and note if they will still be able to in the near future.

• Whatever items you have left are the key areas that you probably need an aged care provider to take care of.

YOu SHOuLD ALSO uSE THiS TiME TO THiNk OF THE BiGGER PiCTuRE:

• Are you happy living where you are?

• Do you want to downsize to a smaller place?

• Do you want to move to a retirement village?

• Do you think you would benefit from moving into an aged care residential village?

The next step is talking directly to aged care providers in your area and asking what care packages they have available and if they can assist you with the items on your list. This is the time to make sure your needs match the flexibility and willingness of a provider. While speaking to the providers make sure you also ask about their accreditation status and their reputation (e.g. have they won any awards?) to identify if the company has an appealing culture and good model of care.

Experts speak:

It’s possible that at some point as we age we will benefit from the assistance and support of others. At first it might be that our neighbours help mow our lawn or our children take us grocery shopping. What happens, however, when our needs change and we need a more formal arrangement to get care and support?

Some of Feros Care’s experts share their insights and tips on how you can determine the right kind of support you need to live the life you want.

What to do when looking for aged care

Help at home


If you’re the carer of someone needing aged care services then you also have an important role to play in finding the right care and support. Feros Care’s Lifestyle Partnerships Manager, Jo Cooke, is also the primary carer for her mum. She has been through this experience first-hand and has some personal tips to share.

• While identifying the help your loved one needs, also write down areas that could relieve you and help you maintain a positive relationship with that person e.g. personal grooming or bathing.

• Consider if you want respite time included in the care package.

• Do the "shopping around" together looking at both big and small aged care providers, remembering that bigger isn’t always better.

• Get involved from the start and speak to aged care providers about what they can do. Once you have found a provider work with them to create the right care plan.

• Never forget that you are your loved one’s advocate. If something doesn’t seem right, speak up. If you have a question, ask it.

Moving from your own home to a residential village is a huge task, both physically and emotionally. To help you and any family or friends that might be on the search with you, Feros Care’s Director of Clinical Services, Sarah Marciano, says you should consider these questions.

• What level of care have you been approved for (low or high) and do you understand why?

• As well as care services what are some of the lifestyle aspects that are important to you?

• What kind of living environment are you most comfortable in (e.g. hotel-like rooms or a relaxed, open environment)?

• What town or suburbs do you want to live in or near (e.g. close to family or within walking distance to the beach)?

WHEN ViSiTiNG RESiDENTiAL ViLLAGESCONSiDER THESE TiPS:

• Understand why you have been approved for a certain level of care and know that a village that meets these needs is going to be best for you.

• Ask how the village will meet your care needs and lifestyle wishes.

• Visit a village at their busiest times such as in the morning when activities are happening or around lunchtime when meals are being served (you could even ask for a taste).

• Ask to see all the facilities that are most appealing to you e.g. libraries, gardens, lounge areas etc.

• Try to speak to residents or staff one-on-one to get a feel for the culture and vibe of the village.

You can also consider “trying before you buy” by approaching a village for a residential respite place, before committing long term. Seniors and their carers can apply for an aged care assessment that could allow them up to nine weeks of respite care per financial year.

Feros Care has a helpful Aged Care Advisory Service. Whether you currently have services with them or not, they can help find services to suit your needs or discuss how you can access greater care and support.

Call the Aged Care Advisory Service on 1300 763 583 or find out more about Feros Care at www.feroscare.com.au

Making a village your new home

Are you the carer?

Feros magazine 9

Don’t miss a pill again! Using the base alarm, voice reminders can be programmed to broadcast at specific times of the day to prompt you to take your medication or prepare for a visit from a Care Worker. Family members can record the messages using their own phones (landline or mobile), ensuring you always have a friendly and familiar voice as part of your day.

Medication and Care Worker (visitor) Reminders

As the sun goes down, this device will ensure your lights automatically come on! Don’t let dusk or dark homes cause unwanted falls and injuries at your place. As you rise out of bed your lights can turn on, helping you avoid falls at night. Also, if you’re not back in bed within a set timeframe it can alert help to a possible fall.

Auto Night Lighting with the Mattress Sensor

LifeLink's telecare products and response service helps to minimise falls, medication errors and other mishaps or accidents in people’s homes.

All of our alarms, sensors and monitors are connected to a base alarm in the house, which will alert a centralised 24/7 response centre if there is an incident. The response centre will call the home first and/or contact next of kin, neighbours or emergency services depending on the situation.

Popular devices available from LifeLink:

Don’t ever be worried again about falling and not being able to get help! This sensor will detect if there is no movement in the house during pre-determined times, alerting to a possible fall. Sensing no activity, the alarm will be raised at the response centre and the team will investigate, sending family, neighbours or emergency services.

These and a number of other clever sensors and devices are available from Feros Care LifeLink!

e e-Connecting Your Health

Keeping you safe at home!

Inactivity Sensor

To find out more information visit www.lifelinkresponse.com.au or call 1300 851 771


As the aged care industry rapidly grows so too does Feros Care. It’s not just about keeping up but leading the

pack and adding new services, technology and models. The organisation has just introduced a new business arm known as Health & Wellness and its Manager, Kate Swanton, explains how they will assist clients in achieving healthier and moreactive lifestyles with the long-term goal of healthy ageing.

Feros Care is always striving to be innovative and provide the best services for our clients. New research clearly demonstrates the benefits of allied health services - particularly for seniors. Allied health therapies have been shown to be very effective in allowing older people to maintain or even regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Recent scientific studies have shown that:

• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy assessment is important in care planning to ensure the services deliver the best outcomes for clients.

• Seniors who receive allied health services as part of their care plan show greater improvement in self-care, home management and mobility scores than those receiving traditional home care services.

• Allied Health staff are vital to delivering effective programs for falls prevention, increasing mobility and chronic disease self-management.

• Podiatry services have been shown to provide many benefits for older people.

• Nutrition intervention is necessary to combat the growing level of malnutrition within older people.

• Psychologists can help older people successfully manage depression, anxiety and bereavement related issues.

Building on this research, our business arm will provide the tools and partnerships necessary to age positively in body, mind and spirit, regardless of age. Our Allied HomeHealth service will specifically focus on supporting clients with daily living activities and other practical tasks, as well as building confidence and the skills needed to carry out independent daily activities while living at home.

Allied HomeHealth provides a mobile service to clients’ homes or within residential villages. New clinics will also be available at Coolangatta, QLD, and Pottsville, NSW. Allied HomeHealth staff will create an individual program tailored specifically to the needs of each client.

Currently, we are providing assistance in the following areas (on the Gold Coast and North Coast NSW):

• Physiotherapy – assessment, treatment, mobility training and prescription of mobility aids to reduce falls and promote mobility

• Occupational Therapy – assessment, treatment programs, home modifications and splinting services provided with a focus on improved independence, community participation and safety

• Podiatry – treatment, footwear prescription and education to reduce falls and improve mobility.

In the future, increased services will be available across a wide footprint, including "virtual" services using the latest technology. This will include nutrition and psychology support.

Allied HomeHealth services are open to current and non-Feros Care clients. Our services can benefit anyone requiring allied health and wellness support.

There are a number of payment options available depending on the individual circumstances of the clients. Feros Care Allied HomeHealth services can be:

• Included in government care packages (dependent on availability and inclusion allowances)

• Rebated by Medicare

• Rebated by private health funds or

• Privately funded.

For any questions about Allied HomeHealth Services, contact the Allied HomeHealth team on 1300 085 181 or [email protected].

Feros Care’s new Health & Wellness service

Feros magazine 11

WHy dEprEssion isn’t a normal pArt of AgEingDespite stereotypes and pre-conceived notions, depression and anxiety are not a normal part of ageing. Feros Care is lucky enough to share this piece from beyondblue, showing their insights into mental health in older Australians.beyondblue is proud to help support Australian seniors as they enter what should be one of the most enjoyable times of their life.

beyondblue has a range of programs and resources for older people to help them face the challenges of getting older.

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) identified that 10 – 15% of older people living in the community experience depression. This is compared to around 6% of the wider population. The research also identified that rates of depression are much higher in older adults in residential care and also in those in older people who require significant support to remain at home.

Exact anxiety rates in older people are unknown, but are thought to be significantly higher than the wider population average of 26%.

Age itself doesn’t cause these mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are not a normal part of getting older. Rather, it is the cumulative effect of numerous risk factors including chronic illness and isolation that can leave older

Australians particularly vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

To raise awareness of risk factors and to promote the message that depression and anxiety are not

a normal part of getting older, beyondblue has launched a National Awareness Campaign

for Older People across radio, print and TV.

The campaign encourages seniors across Australia to learn about

depression and anxiety, and aims to get seniors talking about these

conditions in an effort to reduce the associated stigma. It also encourages them to seek help if they think they have some of the symptoms.


If you’re a Feros Care client and think you might have signs of depression or anxiety, speak to your Care Manager today or call us on 1300 763 583.

Recent beyondblue research revealed that significantly fewer Australians aged 65 and above recognise depression as a major mental health issue compared with younger age groups.

Other concerning findings of the research are that one in four older people continue to think (wrongly) that depression is a normal part of ageing and over two thirds believe it’s embarrassing to admit to having depression.

But on the flipside, an evaluation of the National Awareness Campaign showed many beyondblue messages are hitting the mark.

There’s a growing proportion of people aged 65 or over who would encourage a close friend or family member with depression to get treatment and also a growing number of older people who have sought treatment for their own depression.

It also found that 70% of older people felt that awareness of depression in older people had grown in recent years, showing beyondblue's key messages were getting through.

To build upon the work of the campaign, beyondbluesponsored Senior’s Week in NSW and the ACT in March this year and continues to support other senior festivals across Australia.

The theme in NSW and the ACT was “Live Life” and thousands of people attended events and heard that to live life to the fullest older people must take their mental health as seriously as they take their physical health.

beyondblue urges any older person who may be feeling down or sad, can’t be bothered participating in activities they once enjoyed or is having unexplained aches and pains to talk to a health professional.

These could be signs of depression or anxiety and older people need to know that not only are these symptoms not a normal part of ageing, but they are easily treatable.

Once treated, older people are often amazed at how much better they feel as they start to live life more fully.

To help aged care staff better identify depression and anxiety in older people, beyondblue recently developed a ground-breaking new program.

Making a difference: Understanding depression and anxiety in older people is available to all Registered Training

Organisations (RTOs) across Australia to use in their courses to help aged care students understand depression and anxiety in older people.

Given the role that staff can play in older people’s lives, it is vital aged care staff members are taught how to recognise depression and anxiety in older people and beyondblue has encouraged all RTOs to adopt the program.

This program builds upon the beyondblue Professional Education to Aged Care (PEAC) Program, which aims to improve the understanding of depression and anxiety disorders in older people by aged care staff already in the workforce.

For more information on any beyondblue older person’s initiative, go to the older persons or aged care page on the beyondblue website www.beyondblue.org.au or email [email protected].

Feros magazine 13

tHE drAgon storM!Despite torrential rain, wild winds and near-escaping marquee tents, Feros Care still came out for their traditional charity race late last year.

Held every November, the Kids in Need Dragon Boat Race Day is always successful – usually for the organisers but not so much the amateur rowers.

Team Feros entered three races and built up their rhythm and technique with each event. By the end of the day they were giving the professional teams a run for their money.

However, a little training in 2013 might see the team soaring ahead of the pack. Either way, Team Feros is just happy to support the local community and a worthy charity.

Social

turns15!Residents and staff celebrated Feros Village Bangalow’s 15th birthday in November last year.

Everyone turned out dressed in their finest party clothes and marked the occasion with drinks and a gourmet luncheon.

The day was extra special with Feros Care’s longest serving volunteer and founding chairperson, Shirley Nelson, present to officiate the celebration. Ms Nelson has volunteered with the organisation for over 33 years and officially opened Feros Village Bangalow in 1997.

Bangalow


It was a flashback to big hair, wild music and lots of neon clothing for Feros Care’s staff and volunteers who attended the annual Staff Dinner & Awards Night in September last year.

Around 160 staff came dressed in their 80s best and danced the night away. However, the formal part of the night saw several staff and volunteers recognised for outstanding work and commitment to the organisation and its clients.

The main award of the night is the Innovations Cup that recognises an individual’s ability to work outside the box, commit to forward thinking and execute a project that greatly benefits the organisation or seniors.

The 2012 winner of the Innovations Cup was Marion Griffin from Feros Village Byron Bay. Ms Griffin worked with a missionary to bring a charity project to the village and encouraged resident participation. The residents painted and sewed school bags and other items for children in a Madagascan orphanage.

Although it seemed like a small task at first, residents soon took to the project with great excitement and purpose. It gave them a sense of ownership and many refreshed old skills or learnt new ones.

Residents also used Skype and Facebook to communicate with the recipient organisation and hear of the difference their actions were making for the children.

Well done and congratulations Marion!

The following staff were recognised at the 2012 Staff Dinner & Awards Night:

Innovations Cup – Marion Griffin

Staff Choice Awards for Community NSW – Tania Garland Staff Choice Awards for Community QLD – Julie ivanow Staff Choice Awards for Residential Byron Bay – Sue McDonald Staff Choice Awards for Residential Wommin Bay – Sue Miller Staff Choice Awards for Residential Bangalow – Daisy Love Staff Choice Awards for Business Centre/Gateway – Melissa Martin

SevenStar outstanding participants:

Shining Star 2 – Lisa Fuller Shining Star 3 – Jo Cook Shining Star 4 – David Horner Shining Star 5 – karen Smith Education Competition – Dolores Fuller and Shirley Scott

Feros staff celebrate a great2012!

innovations Cup Winner Marion Griffin

Feros magazine 15

When the cold, damp weather is upon us, it’s often the easy option to shut ourselves indoors and hibernate. However, there really is no good reason not to keep active during the winter months.

WiNTERFiTNESS

If you’re steady enough on your feet, getting outside in winter can be invigorating, bringing some much-needed colour to your cheeks.

Take a few simple measures to keep you healthy:

• Wear suitable clothing – fabrics that breathe such as cotton and wool keep moisture away from your skin. Bright, reflective clothing is necessary to remain visible.

• Wear a hat – one third of a body’s heat loss is through the head.

• Layer up – several light layers are more effective than large bulky clothing. Air trapped between layers keeps you warm and if you get too hot, or start to sweat, you can remove as many as you need.

• Slippery surfaces – wet or icy ground can be dangerous and exercising in daylight will reduce the likelihood of tripping.

• Drink up – just because it’s not as warm as summer, doesn’t mean you don’t need to keep your fluid levels up.

Exercising outside may not suit some people and with the temptation to sit tight and eat more to fill your time, winter weight gain may seem inevitable. Simple indoor activity can reduce the kilos gained.

• Join a gym – obviously one of the more costly means of exercising but many gyms have winter or senior specials on during what is usually a quiet few months for the industry.

• Mall walks – window shopping can be fun and it’s free. Many towns have at least one indoor centre that you can amble around.

• Take a dip – local swimming pools are usually heated and swimming is an excellent form of low impact exercise.

• Mind and body – Pilates and yoga are often available in local halls and centres and are good for improving core strength and balance, which can help you keep your feet on slippery ground.

Simple indoor activity can reduce the kilos gained.

Finally, if leaving your house to exercise indoors is just too much trouble, or beyond your means than make use of what you have around your home.

• Exercise equipment – hiring a simple piece of gym equipment for a few months needn’t cost the earth – you can even share the cost with friends who can then pop over for a session or two.

• Use some elbow grease – housework is an excellent form of exercise, just use a little more vigour when scouring the pots or scrubbing the inside of the oven.

• Rent a DVD – not your favourite movie but an exercise DVD that you can follow for a few minutes each day.

• Step aerobics – no class or equipment needed, a gentle walk up and down the stairs, or even just around your house, a few times a day will keep your muscles working and your blood pumping.

Article written by Debbie McTaggart, YourLifeChoices.com.au


Agencies and Government Information Contact ListAGED CARE COMPLAiNTS SCHEME1800 550 552

AGED CARE iNFORMATiON LiNE1800 500 853

THE AGED CARE RiGHTS SERViCE02 9281 36001800 424 079www.tars.com.au

CARERS AuSTRALiA02 6122 9900www.carersaustralia.com.au

CANCER COuNCiL HELPLiNE13 11 20

THE DEMENTiA HELPLiNE1800 100 500

DEPT. OF VETERANS’ AFFAiRS133 254www.dva.gov.au

DiSABiLiTY AND AGED iNFORMATiON SERViCES1800 800 340www.daisi.asn.au

DEPT. OF COMMuNiTiES, CHiLD SAFETY AND DiSABiLiTY SERViCES13 74 68www.communities.qld.gov.au

EMERGENCY RESPiTE SERViCE1800 052 222 during business hours1800 059 059 outside standard business hours

EMERGENCY SERViCES000

FEROS CARE1300 763 583www.feroscare.com.au

GuiDE DOGS QLD1800 810 122

GuiDE DOGS NSW02 9412 9300

FEROS CARE LiFELiNk (TELEHEALTHCARE SOLuTiONS)1300 851 771www.lifelinkresponse.com.au

NSW FAMiLY & COMMuNiTY SERViCES(OFFiCE FOR AGEiNG) 13 12 44 (Seniors Information Service)www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au

NSW HEALTH02 9391 9000www.health.nsw.gov.au

OFFiCE OF HEARiNG SERViCES1800 500 726 (Client Contact Line)1800 500 496 (TTY users)www.health.gov.au/hear

QLD HEALTH07 3234 011113 HEALTH (13 432 584)www.health.qld.gov.au

Ruby M Feros

There aren’t many who remember the colourful character of George Feros. He is the man behind the Feros Care name and he started it all by fundraising for an aged care hostel on the streets of Byron Bay in the early 1960s.

His only child, Ruby M Feros, survives George and wanted the story of her father’s passion to be recorded for all to read. George came to Australia as a stowaway from a small Greek Island in the Aegean Sea. He went from being a wealthy businessman to a penniless ragamuffin. In her book, Ruby tells how her childhood of loneliness and tears while living with George is now one of great rejoicing for the achievements of Feros Care in its pursuit for excellence in aged care.

George his passion, can be purchased for $50 from Feros Care or from Ruby Feros ([email protected]). All proceeds go to Feros Care.

GeorGe his passionRead about where it all began:

Feros magazine 17

‘It’s a lifestyle choice’Feros Care's At Home services are designed to support your individual needs.

Daily living tasks Domestic cleaning Personal care & grooming

Attending appointments Transport Social outings

*Extra dementia support available

Phone: 1300 763 583 Fax: 1300 850 770Email: [email protected] Web: www.feroscare.com.au

SuPPORT WiTH:

feros magazine autumn/winter 2013

Documents

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coolangatta qld

marine parade locked

feros care lifelink

aged care industry

visionary byron model

new health wellness

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