A Message from the CEO
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is well into its consultations and hearings and I note that they are getting a balance of views from right across the aged care industry and the country. From my reading they have much material to consider in their forming a view on how to improve the aged care system and I look forward to reading the preliminary outcomes of their report in October 2019.
Westmont Village construction commenced in January 2011 and as at March 2019 the Village constructions is now complete with 123 Villas. Lanscaping will be completed shortly.
A final note as we begin the run up to the next Federal election. Please consider aged care as a matter of importance in this election, the consumers, the residents and the providers deserve and need the attention of our politicians.
Peter de Koeyer, CEO, 02 6043 9999
Homestead Happenings
The Aged Care industry is going through massive changes this year.
The Aged Care Quality Standards become effective 1 July 2019. The focus of the standards are outcomes for consumers and the level of care services that can be expected from the organisation.
A working group was set up in January to review the new standards against what we currently do and this has identified where we meet the standard, where we exceed the standard and where we need to improve. A self assessment report is currently underway. All staff have received training on the new standards at compulsory training days.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care is underway, and a new funding model is in its final stages of consultation and approval. We look forward to positive improvements for our ageing population.
Westmont Homestead continues to hold monthly resident meetings. Residents enjoy the opportunity to participate in their life here and their opinions are valued by staff.
Our annual staff training program has been developed and training days are underway. Topics including a variety of aspects in aged care.
We realise how important it is for all employees to remain motivated at work, especially in this specialized area. We want them to be satisfied in their work, and be aware of all the changes taking place.
Angela McInnes, Director – Care and Clinical Services, 02 6043 9845
A Message from the Chairman
“Residential Places allocated to our Westmont Dementia Cottages Project”
It is a great pleasure to announce that Westmont has been successful in the latest Aged Care Approval Round (ACAR) for 32 places to commence our Dementia Cottages project.
We thank the Federal Government for recognising the value of this tremendous project. It will allow half the original 64 places in 8 cottages to proceed. We will now appoint consultants and further refine our concept with the latest information available on design-ing facilities specifically for people living with dementia, and then proceed to document and apply for planning approval from our
local Wodonga Council. The projected start of construction is later this year with completion scheduled for the Fourth Quarter in 2020. The location is where our temporary caravan park now stands, the site is level, services pass through and near the site, so we are well placed to proceed quickly.
It is exciting for the Westmont Board to achieve this project commencement and move towards the final service of the master plan being available on site at 265 Baranduda Boulevard.
Andrew Brown, Chairman
Community Care
There is a lot going on in our sector at the moment, the Aged Care Royal Commission, a new framework for Aged Care Quality Standards and more modifications to My Aged Care and how services are accessed.
If you or your family members or friends would like to talk to our staff about My Aged Care and get a better understanding of how to navigate the system and what services you are eligible for, Westmont Community Care will be hosting two ‘Navigating Aged Care’ sessions at our Beechworth Road office on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th May.
These sessions will commence at 2.00PM with an informal presentation of information and resources. Followed by an afternoon tea and a chat with our Case Managers and Care Coordinators. We would like to be able to provide you with some accurate information and some tips on the best way to access services. It’s an opportunity to ask questions that are relevant to you and your needs.
Please phone the office and register your interest with our friendly reception staff.
As we welcome the cooler weather and hopefully some soaking rain, it’s time to think about having heaters serviced and smoke alarms checked ready for a cold winter.
Christine Odewahn, Director – Community Care
Apartment and Village Voices
Only a few weeks to occupancy of the last Villa, this will bring the final and total number of Villas on the Baranduda site to 123!
The ageing in place concept is working well with vacancies occurring in both Villas and Apartments as our residents move onwards through the organisation of Westmont.
At present, Westmont appears as an oasis surrounded by the brown dirt of the countryside. The grass, gardens, shrubs, trees and flowers are green and colourful and are a delight to behold. Residents will now enjoy even more the pathways and outdoor seating throughout the precinct due to the cooler weather.
A social scene is active and robust with many groups and individuals organising interesting events and a social committee supporting these financially. The Ray Snell Recreation Centre is available to all for bookings especially family affairs, birthdays – even funerals and wakes! These are a privilege to hold on-site especially for our departed residents and families.
You are also welcome to view our website www.westmont.org.au clicking on the “Our Services” tab for the frequently asked questions regarding Apartments and Villas.
As all aspects of Westmont are working from wait lists for prospective residents you are welcome to contact me on 6043 9832 for further information and registration to the Wait Lists for both Apartments and Villas.
Chris Boyer, Apartments and Village Manager
Homestead Activities
On a regular basis we have Commercial Club favourite, Bill Balldock, singing country music to the accompaniment of his guitar.
Another regular artist is Val Hayes – a wonderful pianist who plays popular tunes for the enjoyment of residents.
Happy Hour is conducted alongside the entertainment.
Personal Care Assistants Janet, Carmel and Shannon lead activities most days of the week in Belvoir. They are a committed and talented team.
Residents enjoy everything from craft (e.g. stick winding with wool and mural painting) to men’s shed and gardening to handwashing dishes in a sink-on-wheels. There’s even a ‘coffee club’ for cappuccino and latte lovers.
Julie Hovey, Activities Coordinator, 02 6043 9999
Hotel Services
Generally the first part of the new year is quiet, especially after the Christmas festivities are behind us. Some staff recuperated by taking leave, however for those who kept working they had to deal with some of the hottest days on record. Staff worked overtime during this period making sure residents were hydrated with plenty of cold water, cordial, ice cream and icy poles. Some duties were modified to provide some relief to staff.
In the month of February, catering welcomed three new Junior staff and farewelled three young adults to university. All began work with Westmont when they were 15 and as of this year, completed their gap year with us after Year 12 and have since moved away to university. They will all be missed by staff and residents as we watched them grow and mature from students to young adults.
Once again, the Ray Snell Centre was host to numerous functions over the summer months, including three birthday celebrations, Australia Day Breakfast, BBQs and the introduction of Chair Yoga. It is good to see residents and families using the building to its full potential.
Peter Ward, Hotel Services Manager, 02 6043 9851
Volunteers
Westmont Community Care has been actively recruiting new volun-teers for our Social Connections Program.
Volunteers for the Social Connec-tions Program assist with preparing morning tea and lunch for the par-ticipants.
If you enjoy cooking and preparing food and have half a day to spare, this might be a great opportunity for you to be socially and actively in-volved with our clients.
For further information please con-tact Kristene Gardner at Westmont Community Care on 02 6043 9867 or email kgardner@westmont.org.au
Kristene Gardner, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, 02 6043 9867
