TRUST Spring 2017

MAGAZINE

MARIACHI MUSICIANS LAUNCH MONTH OF MELODIES NEW AUSTRALIAN SPIRITUAL CARE SERIES UNVEILED NEW HOUSING IN LISMORE & GOULBURN Spring Edition 2017 • www.baptistcare.org.au

Pages throughout this report have accompanying videos you can view by simply pressing the PLAY button.

You can also watch stories from across BaptistCare on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT

Welcome to the Spring edition of TRUST Magazine.

At this time of year, with the days lengthening and the warmer weather upon us, I am once again reminded of God’s promise of hope, as Spring brings us both change and renewal.

As our front cover shows, we recently celebrated the joy of music with our residents at The Gracewood Centre (p4). The colour and fun of a mariachi band was just one of the acts which set our residents’ toes-a-tapping.

Our expertise in pastoral care training for volunteers has been recognised by the Health Television Network, who approached BaptistCare to further develop our training materials for their nationwide ‘Spiritual Care is Everybody’s Business’ series (p6).

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A young man’s story has been rewritten through the work of the HopeEnterprises Employment Training Program (p8). With renewed confidence, valuable life skills, and a hardearned qualification, Zac is now on track to a much brighter future.

Our commitment to supporting people at risk of homelessness or without access to affordable housing continues to progress through our partnership with the NSW Government and the Social and Affordable

Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Housing Fund (SAHF). Three Development Applications have now been approved, allowing preparations for construction to commence (p7).

Finally, in August we celebrated excellence at our annual You Can Awards Celebration Dinner (p12), which honoured 24 staff for their positive attitude and commitment.

As I read through this collection of stories, I found myself thinking of God’s proclamation in Isaiah 43:19, ‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert’. I believe that God’s life-transforming grace is continuing to work through us all at BaptistCare, as we bring comfort and hope into the lives of those we are so privileged to serve. Thank you for your ongoing support of our organisation as we go about this work.

Connect with us on LinkedIn Phone: 1300 275 227 BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

Editor - Megan Lloyd Johnson TRUST is the partners’ magazine produced by BaptistCare for its members, donors, supporters, clients, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and the wider community.

TRUST is distributed quarterly.

SAFETY AND SECURITY In June we had the privilege of visiting Israel for three weeks with a small group from various churches in Sydney and surrounds.

There were many highlights including: a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee, visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Garden Tomb and many more.

An amazing experience.

A common question, both before we left and when we returned, was around feeling safe.

We actually stayed within the old city walls of Jerusalem for seven nights at the Ecce Homo Convent. It was during Ramadan (Muslim Holy Month) so there were lots of crowded, narrow city streets; particularly towards the evening. Unfamiliar to us, particularly given our Australian context, was the presence of police and soldiers at every major intersection with their machine guns, not just slung over their shoulders, but ready to fire should the need arise.

Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN

we walked down! Two weeks after we left, three people were killed in the Dome of the Rock precinct. Were we safe, and did we feel secure? Yes. Would we have been at greater risk if we had arrived three days earlier or stayed longer? Not necessarily.

While we all have a heightened sense of concern regarding terrorism, and there are clearly some countries that are high risk, the reality is that harm can come to us wherever we live.

Our Police and security forces do a great job of protecting us, and indeed have thwarted serious terrorism plans.

However, as good as they are, no Government can guarantee our safety 100%. Aside from terrorism acts, death and disease are a part of our humanity. We cannot escape it.

So where does our security come from?

Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counsellor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don't need to search any further for security. - Elisabeth Elliot

Elizabeth’s first husband, Jim Elliot, was killed in 1956 while attempting to make missionary contact with the Auca of eastern Ecuador. Their safety and security was a constant reality.

Two days before we arrived, a woman was shot trying to attack a policeman, in the very streets www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

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MONTH OF MELODIES LAUNCHED WITH

MARIACHI MUSICIANS Mariachi musicians, Mexican dancers and churros kicked off a month of music at Kellyville’s aged care centre, BaptistCare The Gracewood Centre, in August.

The Gracewood Centre’s Music Melody Month saw residents enjoy a host of musical performances throughout the days and evenings, as part of BaptistCare’s ongoing music therapy program.

To get the music started, residents enjoyed the toe tapping and spirited performance of Sydney’s premier Mariachi Band, led by guitarist and singer, Hector Patricio.

“This special event brought our residents together over a celebration of music; filling their home with songs, while their everyday life is happening around them,” says Jan Martin, Residential Manager at BaptistCare’s

Resident John has mariachi dancer in a spin.

The Gracewood Centre, in Kellyville.

“Just as we have the radio playing in our cars, at home or at work, we want residents of The Gracewood Centre to be able to enjoy music as a continuing presence in their lives,” said Ms Martin.

BaptistCare’s Registered Music Therapist, Barnetta Lesta, is convinced of the power of music therapy, which has proven to be incredibly helpful to older people, especially those living with dementia.

“We know that music can have a profound effect, allowing older people to reminiscence by evoking memories and emotions,” says Ms Lesta.

“The music we experience from early childhood right into our

Hector Patricio and John.

Resident Jean, and her daughter, share the fun with visiting mariachi musicians and dancers.

For those living with dementia, music has been termed the 'super-stimulus’

senior years identifies us and it is connected to our personal memories in a powerful way.”

“During Music Melody Month, our residents heard piano music while enjoying dinner; a flautist playing gentle melodies in the corridor as they settled down for the evening and a jazz combo in our new café as they sipped their coffee with visiting family and friends.”

For those living with dementia, music has been termed the

'super-stimulus', as it penetrates the veil of dementia to assist with rhythmic response and song words. This encourages an improved mood and social interaction, while reducing agitation and depression, as well as a positive awakening of the inner self as residents reconnect with who they were and are today.

Music therapy literature shows that the instrumental timbres of the harp, flute and violin can penetrate the senses deeply, and promote comfort, rest, and calm.

“The soft, slow, low-pitched vocals and musical items, such as our harpist in the evening, will help to reduce anxiety, stress

and awareness of any pain for residents. In contrast, the loud, fast, high-pitched and highly rhythmic musical items, such as our Mexican Fiesta party, will stimulate, arouse, uplift and facilitate strong engagement and interaction among our residents.”

“We see some really lovely connections and experiences between residents, staff and families when we introduce music,” explains Ms Lesta. “It’s quite special.”

The Gracewood Centre opened in February 2017 and includes 138 spacious rooms as well a café that overlooks subtropical landscaped gardens, hair and beauty salon, therapy spa, chapel, covered terraces, and facilities for family gatherings. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

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NEW AUSTRALIAN SPIRITUAL CARE SERIES UNVEILED A new eight-part Spiritual Care Series was launched in late June by the Aged Care Channel (ACC) and Health Television Network (HTN), with the support of Meaningful Ageing Australia and BaptistCare.

Two years in the making, the genesis of this exciting program was BaptistCare’s Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors (VPCV) program, established in early 2015.

This original eight-week course, designed to equip people for volunteer ministry in their local community, has seen over 130 pastoral care volunteers from 12 training sites become active pastoral carers who regularly visit BaptistCare clients. This special role sees volunteers offer friendship and support; as well as the opportunity to talk and be heard.

Recognising the value and impact of BaptistCare’s VPCV program, the Health Television Network approached the care provider last year to assist with developing new written training materials for the series: ‘Spiritual Care is Everybody’s Business’.

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Streamed live from the ACC studio, the series launch featured a discussion panel of experts in the field of aged and spiritual care, including BaptistCare’s Ross Wakeley, Church Engagement and Volunteer Consultant (VPCV), Isla Hampton, CEO of Meaningful Ageing Australia, and host Leigh Hatcher, veteran Australian broadcast journalist and author. During the panel discussion, Ross talked about his hopes for the future of the series as it is adopted more widely.

“The process has been a privilege for me. I’m really looking forward to seeing the course impact the volunteers, while also changing the lives of those who are being cared for,” he said.

“The written materials are designed to complement the video content in a 180 booklet, to equip volunteer pastoral carers

Ross Wakeley, BaptistCare Church Engagement and Volunteer Consultant (VPCV).

with a resource for life, while also allowing facilitators to easily jump in and run it,” he added.

Ms Hampton of Meaningful Ageing Australia also believes the accessibility of this resource is vital.

“Every older person in residential and community aged care can now be offered spiritual care that is desired by and meaningful to them, thanks to internationally ground-breaking guidelines developed in Australia for all Australians whatever their background, culture, beliefs or faith. This series gives people a ‘way in’ to care for other people at a deep level,” she said.

You can read more about our Spiritual Care Series and Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors our website baptistcare.org.au.

Press play to discover more about this series

Click on 'Get Involved', select volunteering and then scroll down to the Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors.

ON THE HORIZON: NEW HOUSING IN LISMORE AND GOULBURN Floods earlier this year devastated the Northern Rivers region, adding further pressure to individuals and families who were already struggling to find affordable options, while in Goulburn many seniors are seeking relief and alternative options as they are forced out of expensive rental markets in neighbouring Canberra and Sydney.

Across both of these locations, BaptistCare is set to commence construction on another 55 units for people experiencing housing stress, with Development Applications approved by each local Council to expand the organisation’s existing community housing sites.

These latest developments are in partnership with the NSW Government, to develop and manage social and affordable housing catering to those most in need across the state, through the Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).

The SAHF is a key component of the Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW strategy that will result in more social and affordable housing dwellings linked to tailored support, to help households gain independence.

Construction on Lismore’s units will begin in November, and will take approximately 12 to 14 months to build. In Goulburn, construction will also commence late this year, with a similar building timeframe.

Kylie Bullow, BaptistCare’s Housing Manager in Lismore, has seen the organisation’s focus on community housing turn lives around.

“I think we’ve demonstrated very clearly that we are here to ensure that older people are not overlooked or forgotten, but that just like everyone, they deserve secure housing and the opportunity to live their very best life.”

“The community our residents have formed amongst themselves is really special to watch.”

“I can’t think of a better outcome for seniors than knowing you’re part of a community and have the support of an organisation that wants to give you more than just a roof over your head.”

BaptistCare’s community housing is supported by a local manager, who works closely with residents to create a strong community and provide assistance with wrap-around services such as home care, no and low-interest loans and chaplaincy support.

The organisation established a presence in Lismore and Goulburn in 2011 and 1998 respectively, in direct response to the need

for secure and affordable housing for seniors.

BaptistCare’s Illowra and Garimaleh Places in Lismore comprise 46 units, while BaptistCare Clinton Place in Goulburn has undergone a number of extensions and currently offers 69 units for seniors.

Through the SAHF, BaptistCare will construct 500 new dwellings over the next three years in eight locations across metropolitan Sydney, as well as regional and rural areas, with a focus on seniors and single parent families. The sites will include Lismore and Goulburn, as well as Carlingford, Five Dock, Narellan, Springwood, Gosford and Newcastle.

As this magazine went to print, the Blue Mountains City Council approved the Development Application for our Springwood development, comprising 15 units for seniors.

ZAC: LEARNING TO LEAD

Zac is the first person in his family for three generations to be gainfully employed.

His father, who was desperate to help Zac get a start in the workforce, set up a few opportunities for Zac and encouraged him to attend an information session about BaptistCare’s HopeEnterprises Employment Training Program (ETP) at BaptistCare HopeStreet, in the inner-city suburb of Woolloomooloo.

“I had to give it a chance,” Zac said.

Zac is a recent graduate of the HopeEnterprises ETP, where people experiencing social and financial disadvantage are assisted to build skills, increase their confidence and find pathways into employment.

Established in 2015, HopeEnterprises provides traineeships in cleaning services, gardening and lawn services (horticulture), maintenance and repairs, hospitality, accommodation services, and aged care.

Traineeships run for 12 months and offer participants part-time employment with BaptistCare, working at one of the organisation’s facilities.

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With ongoing support from a spoken young man who caseworker, trainees receive just needed someone to a nationally recognised give him a go.

Certificate II with successful He was given that opportunity completion of the course, in September 2017 when he as well as a Certificate of was accepted into a cleaning Attainment in LifeSkills. Beyond services traineeship with the qualification, the trainees HopeStreet’s ETP. also benefit from gaining Since undertaking the employment history, experience traineeship, Zac has grown in and references, as well as confidence, skills and discovered experience with resume an aptitude for leadership. writing, interview skills “It’s got me more and assistance with Since job searching.

When Zac attended the information session at Woolloomooloo, he sat quietly at the back of the group.

undertaking the traineeship, Zac has grown in confidence, skills and discovered an aptitude for leadership.

“He was shy, avoided eye contact, and didn’t say a word. He just listened,” BaptistCare’s HopeEnterprises ETP Consultant Yvonne Morgan recalls.

“But there was something about him,” she shared.

Yvonne learned from the team at BaptistCare HopeStreet that his name was Zac, and he was a quietly

experience, which is what I was lacking in the first place…

It is hard to get jobs without experience. These guys helped me out a lot. I am much less shy, that’s for sure. I will talk to anybody now,” Zac said.

His father, who has always hoped the best for him, is very proud of Zac and his achievements.

“He’s stoked that I went the whole way through,” Zac beams.

The HopeEnterprises ETP has made an enormous difference to Zac’s life and his

Zac’s eyes set firmly on his future.

expectations of the future.

“I will stick with this for a while…and become a team leader. Instead of being the follower, start leading instead.”

Vital to the success of trainees undertaking the ETP is the support provided through skills such as self-development, literacy, home budgeting and computer-skills, giving trainees the help needed to turn their lives around.

Zac is grateful of the start and the opportunity he has been given, and credits the level of support he received as key to his success.

“It’s a great atmosphere.

Everyone is friendly, kind, pretty much whatever you don’t

know you can ask and someone will always be there to help you out. It’s just a great environment,” Zac said.

Zac was offered a permanent role after his graduation in August 2017, and is now on track to become a team leader in the future.

BaptistCare HopeEnterprises services are led by experienced and suitably qualified professionals, with all staff holding current national police checks, and fully insured by workers compensation and public liabilities insurance. The profits raised from HopeEnterprises’ operations support BaptistCare's services for women's health and wellbeing, with a focus on dealing with domestic violence.

L to R: Zac ETP graduate, Rob Ellis GM Community Services, Yvonne Morgan HR Consultant, David ETP Graduate, and Gordon Buxton Sydney Operations Group Manager.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

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NIOLA’S FIRST MATRON CELEBRATES REDEVELOPMENT BaptistCare has unveiled its $11 million redevelopment of Niola Centre, with the Centre’s very first matron joining Niola’s current manager in a demonstration of 60 years of commitment to quality aged care in Parkes.

Marjory Field became a resident at Niola Centre this year, and is all too familiar with the history of the site, having been the first Matron of Niola when it was purchased by BaptistCare in 1957. She moved to Parkes from BaptistCare’s Yallambi Centre in Sydney back in the 1950s to get the Niola Centre up and running.

With the latest census data1 showing the over 60s demographic in Parkes is 5% larger than the national average, aged care services are increasingly important to the community and the redevelopment continues BaptistCare’s 60 year commitment to the region.

In early September, Marjory shared stories of how times have changed at Niola with local media who were invited to tour the newly developed Centre, alongside current residential manager, Kylie Sense.

“The Niola Centre and its significant refurbishment is our way of investing in the Parkes community and supporting Parkes residents into the future. We know the elderly face increasing disadvantage as they age and we are incredibly proud of the 60 years of care we have delivered to the Parkes Shire and the residents

BaptistCare purchased Niola, formerly a bush hospital, as a 12bed home in 1957. Following a recent 16-month redevelopment it is now Parkes’ most state-ofthe-art aged care centre.

The Centre will be home to 59 residents, increasing BaptistCare’s capacity to support the local ageing population and bringing both specialised and modernized services to the region.

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Press play to watch PRIME7’s tour of Niola Centre

we have been privileged to care for during this time,” said Paull English, BaptistCare General Manager, Residential Services.

“We have traced the rich history of the Niola site back to its original roots as a bush hospital and are delighted that we have been able to continue its long tradition of caring for the people of Parkes. Records show the original home may have been

Resident and former matron, Marjory Field spreads the news.

Marjory Field with current Residential Care Manager, Kylie Sense.

purchased by a nurse back in 1908 for just £65 sterling, a long way from the $11 million dollar investment we have unveiled today.”

“This redevelopment sets BaptistCare Niola Centre up for another 60 years of solid and dependable care that the community can trust. The building is highly contemporary and will enhance the exceptional care our skilled staff provides to our residents every day.”

The new Centre will also increase Niola’s capacity to care for residents living with dementia, with a specialised unit versed in the most cuttingedge strategies in dementia care.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT INCLUDE: • An additional seven beds taking BaptistCare Niola Centre from a 52 to a 59 bed facility;

• Addition of physio and consulting room for residents to meet health care professionals;

• All four bed wards replaced with new double and single rooms, each with ensuites;

• Addition of a dedicated hair salon;

• Rooms split across three separate wings, each with its own tastefully designed open plan communal area for residents to relax and enjoy activities; • Completely new commercial kitchen, providing freshlycooked meals;

• Addition of a Spa room for relaxation with stateof-the-art hydro therapy spa bath; • A new high ceiling lounge room, dining and family areas, all providing a warm and inviting communal space for resident and their families;

• Air conditioning and wallmounted flat screen TVs in all rooms;

• Two new courtyard areas;

• Expansion and full renovation to the onsite chapel where church services are regularly held;

• Installation of a new fire sprinkler system in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

• New nurse-call system; • Renovation to reception area;

• Upgrade to external façade on Bushman Street;

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016 Census, QuickStats http://www. censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/ LGA16200?opendocument 1.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

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24 STAFF RECOGNISED FOR CAN-DO ATTITUDE AND EXCELLENCE

Recipients of the 2017 You Can Awards.

In late August, BaptistCare celebrated outstanding staff achievement at the organisation’s inaugural You Can Awards Celebration Dinner.

With more than 4,000 staff across NSW and the ACT striving to deliver on the promise of Care you can trust, the Awards Dinner saw 23 outstanding awardees join with the BaptistCare Board, Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Group.

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The special event gave guests the opportunity to pause and publicly recognise the commitment each of these exceptional staff have made to delivering extraordinary service and quality care.

were established to recognise the achievements of staff, and give them the opportunity to appreciate and say thank you to each other.

The You Can awardees, who represent a broad mix of roles, divisions and locations across NSW and the ACT were publicly recognised for their positive attitude, commitment to the organisation’s values, and significant contribution to BaptistCare.

The new program is an easy to use system, accessible from any online device.

Awards are available across a range of areas and levels, with points earned used to purchase the recipient’s choice of reward from a massive online store.

Launched earlier this year, BaptistCare’s You Can Awards

In the first month alone, the organisation saw over

2017 YOU CAN & CEO AWARDEES: 900 awards submitted through the system, of which 61% were peer to peer ‘thank you’ awards.

As the evening concluded, the Annual CEO Award was presented to Debbie Kable, Care Development Manager in the residential aged care division.

Debbie is widely acknowledged for having a transformational impact on the organisation as she consistently provides unprecedented levels of support, guidance and care in assisting BaptistCare’s Residential Managers to deliver the best service possible to our customers.

Overwhelmed with the accolade, Debbie received her award to a standing ovation from every guest.

Allicia Sims Care Service Employee / Physiotherapy Aide KULAROO CENTRE Alyce Sturzaker Care Service Employee HOME SERVICES – CANBERRA Amy Gibson Manager Customer Engagement Centre (CEC) & CareCall Amy Wong Aged Care Funding Instrument Coordinator SHALOM CENTRE Andrew Svatos Maintenance Supervisor WARABROOK CENTRE Christine Langley-Thorne Office Coordinator CAREY GARDENS Damian Lambert Care Service Employee WARABROOK CENTRE Fariba Farshchi Care Service Employee HOME SERVICES – NORTHERN SYDNEY

Ross Low with CEO Awardee, Debbie Kable.

Kerrie Scotcher Care Team Manager MID RICHMOND CENTRE Leah Reardon Care Facilitator HOME SERVICES – CANBERRA Lisa Grainger Human Resources Information System Consultant SUPPORT SERVICES Mandar Gore Senior Systems Analyst SUPPORT SERVICES Peter Davis Capital Works Manager SUPPORT SERVICES Rhonda Clouten Services Manager CALOOLA CENTRE Robyn Helm Care Development Manager HOME SERVICES Sam Zammit Care Service Employee HOME SERVICES – WESTERN SYDNEY/NEPEAN

Fiona Minton Chaplain MARANOA CENTRE

Terri Northam StepUp Loans Client Coordinator COMMUNITY CENTRE WARILLA NORTH

Jenny Lu Care Service Employee HOME SERVICES – SES/INNER WEST

Tracey Jones Retirement Village Manager AMINYA & WILLANDRA VILLAGES

Jill Carnegie Service Scheduler HOME SERVICE – MURRUMBIDGEE

Yvonne Morgan HR Consultant SUPPORT SERVICES

Kate Walley Care Facilitator HOME SERVICES – WEST. SYDNEY/NEPEAN

CEO Award Debbie Kable Care Development Manager RAC RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

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RETIRING INTO THE JOYFUL WORLD OF VOLUNTEERING Walter and Gladys Rudolf, volunteers for 16 years at BaptistCare Morven Gardens in the Blue Mountains, share their experience of bringing joy to residents through craft, outings, events and music.

Back in 2001, when a family member became a resident at BaptistCare Morven Gardens, we began helping staff in the Fairholm Dementia unit, doing what we could with the time available to us.

On retirement, with more time on our hands, we wanted to do more to help the staff and residents throughout Morven Gardens. At first, we mainly assisted the chaplain: playing piano for the hymns; door knocking to invite the residents and make them aware of the service time; as well as helping them to get to and from the chapel.

A group of enthusiastic residents worked together to create pieces using paddle pop sticks, glue, paint and other craft items they could find. These creations were sold at the Annual Morven Fair as a fundraiser to support ongoing activities at BaptistCare Morven Gardens. We especially enjoyed this project for the joy it brought to the residents; they were happy and proud of their achievement, and felt a real sense of working together to support their home.

Our involvement with Morven’s Fairholm dementia unit continues. We have run the ‘La La Choir’ there for 15 years, and each week we lead

Throughout the years, we have assisted the Centre’s Lifestyle Coordinator to produce a large number of events and activities for the residents. We have accompanied residents on bus trips and picnics, taken them Christmas shopping and to concerts, and joined celebrations at the Annual Press play to see ‘Over 90’s Party’.

Our most memorable activity was assisting with the ‘Men’s Club’.

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more of Morven Gardens

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approximately one and a half hours of Music Therapy to residents living with dementia.

We play percussion instruments, sing, and sometimes dance with them to the music of ‘old time’ songs and hymns. Laughter and fun is the theme of this time.

We thank Morven Gardens for allowing us to be involved in the lives of so many wonderful people. We have been inspired and enlightened by our time there, and we hope this continues. We encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering at BaptistCare to get in touch with their local BaptistCare centre, and begin the journey that has changed our lives.

To learn more about volunteering, visit www. baptistcare.org.au/volunteer

CHANGE A LIFE Once you meet some of our wonderful clients there will be no turning back!

Many of our clients can be socially isolated in the community or bed-bound in our facilities. They love regular visits, or a phone call to check in on them.

As a volunteer, we’ll even team you up with a buddy who you can tag along with and be shown the ropes.

Visit our website baptistcare.org.au/volunteer and join our team.

HOW A SOCIAL CLUB IS CENTRAL TO MARIA’S LIFE Maria Moucho, 82, has lived with her daughter Marzieh and son-in-law Roger in their Sydney home for 16 years. ‘‘It’s a Timorese tradition that parents live with their children,’’ Roger says.

Maria has vascular dementia, a condition that has progressed over the past five years. For the family, the situation became a challenge. ‘‘It was tough,’’ Roger says. ‘‘There were

behavioural issues. She was hardly doing anything on her own. We really struggled to entertain her at home.’’

As Maria’s condition worsened, the family turned to respite care.

Many people care for an older relative. Although often rewarding, it can place stress on families if they are not equipped to provide every element of care someone needs.

BaptistCare respite services are designed to help the whole family, including carers. Respite care is focused as much on a carer as on the person who needs care.

It means carers have the opportunity to continue working and have time to themselves.

For the past four years, Maria has attended the BaptistCare Social Club at Kellyville, in Sydney’s Hills District.

The club is for people aged 65 and over who are frail, isolated or living with dementia. It’s also for their carers. ‘‘We hoped it would be good,’’ Roger says. ‘‘We felt a level of guilt, that it’s our responsibility to look after her. But it has outweighed our expectations.’’

BaptistCare transports Maria from her home to the Kellyville club six days a week. She has a personalised plan and each day can take part in activities from her plan.

Maria on a social club outing.

‘‘Singing, dancing, movies, outings,’’ Roger says. ‘‘They fill a void we really couldn’t. She receives entertainment, meals and enjoys a variety of activities.

It’s a godsend."

The social club is set within BaptistCare’s newly-built Gracewood Community. It’s in the Cumberland forest, which provides a tranquil backdrop for both clients and carers.

There’s a strong focus on people living with dementia, with qualified staff present to provide support and the activities on offer include music and dance therapy, gardening and art and craft. ‘‘Maria was quite withdrawn because of her condition, but the activities are designed to get her socialising,’’ Roger says.

Maria enjoying a day out and about with the social club.

– BaptistCare provides services for carers as well.

BaptistCare’s

There’s a ‘‘She used to go Social Clubs are support there four days for people aged 65 network, a week, but for this reason and over who are frail, annual weekend we made it isolated or living with retreats and six. Sometimes dementia, as well as monthly get she even togethers. stays overnight their carers. at BaptistCare’s ‘‘We were going Willmette Cottage.’’ on trips and functions, He says the cost is reasonable, ‘‘It’s government-supported, so Maria’s pension covers it. But I’d pay double for the service.’’

For Maria’s family, it’s not just a weight off their shoulders

we couldn’t believe this was part of the service,’’ Roger says. ‘‘We felt spoilt.’’

allowed Marzieh and he to enjoy more time together. ‘‘Maria’s been good since the care [began]. We still struggle on her days at home, but that’s when we do family things. The care has improved all our lives.’’

This article was originally published in the Sun Herald on 16 July.

For more information about BaptistCare's social clubs, visit baptistcare.org.au/socialclubs.

He believes BaptistCare’s support has delayed the progress of Maria’s dementia and has www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

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DAVID, CHANGED FROM THE GROUND UP David grew up on a dairy farm then got work in Sydney’s construction industry. But when he suddenly found himself without a job and no job prospects, the life he knew slipped away from him with terrifying speed.

With no money coming in, he ended up somewhere he’d never imagined he’d be – homeless.

For over two years David lived rough on a Sydney beach. He ate scavenged food and fish he caught with a rod that, along with a swag – a bag of odds and ends – was all he owned in his ‘home’.

Emotionally, he shut out the pain and fear of his situation by telling himself he was just camping. Also the desperate fight, minute-byminute, to find food and shelter took every shred of his energy and concentration. “All I needed to know was how do I survive?

Where do I go now?”

David remembers it being the coldest Winter’s day in years when case workers caught up with him. He was shivering in shorts, a singlet and thongs, as 18

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they invited him to come with them. David gladly accepted their offer of shelter.

become a cleaner.

From February to August this year, he also completed a traineeship through BaptistCare’s HopeEnterprises Employment Training Program which has given him a qualification, essential life skills, a regular income and a chance to secure a home of his own.

David tells us, “Just the thought of people wanting to make my life something… it brought a tear to my eye. From the ground up is how I describe it; I have been changed from the inside out.”

But the help David needed was more than a oneoff. He needed By supporting on-going support “Just the thought BaptistCare to address the of people wanting today, you can underlying make sure the to make my life problems help received something… it brought that had

by David and a tear to my eye. From led him into others does homelessness. the ground up is how I more than fulfil This would be their immediate describe it." the only way he needs. Along with could break free of giving nutritious his circumstances. meals, clean clothes, and While David was in the boarding house, he decided to start a course re-skilling himself to

a place to sleep, you will be supporting people to find their way out of the predicament

HOW OUR SUPPORTERS HAVE HELPED CHANGE LIVES CHAPLAINCY

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Chaplains across the organisation

4,960

Weekly travel to reach clients

1,361

Hours of chaplaincy every week

kilometres

they’re in. This includes providing opportunities to learn new job and life skills so they can make ends meet in future, financial assistance and counselling.

Without your support, many who turn to us would keep being pulled back into their struggles in an endless cycle.

Back into homelessness, poverty, unemployment, addiction or family violence. Because their issues stem from old scars that have never fully healed.

For instance, a high percentage of domestic violence survivors who come seeking safe refuge in our supported accommodation – grieving mums with traumatised little children – grew up in abusive homes themselves, and still feel unworthy of good relationships and a happy life.

To overcome such deep-seated issues, your financial help is simply critical. Your loving care would give freedom in even the most hopeless, saddest situations.

Please use the envelope provided with this magazine and send your donation today, or visit baptistcare.org.au to donate online.

COUNSELLING

6,647

217

Women completed group support programs

109

Men completed the Men’s Behaviour Change Program

100

Women and children assisted with housing

Hours of face to face counselling

FOOD SUPPORT

46218 7167

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

VOLUNTEERS

986 244

Volunteers First time volunteers

Meals COMMUNITY HOUSING

Food vouchers

162

Dwellings across NSW

How your gift can help people in need... $30

could help provide good clean clothing for someone experiencing homelessness

$50

could provide one quality hygiene pack to a woman living in community housing

$73

could provide a week of Emergency Food Relief for a family of four.

$110

could provide 2.5 hours a week of child-minding while a mum attends our 'Living Beyond Abuse' program.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2017

19

Make a difference every single day. “The clients I work with make every day enjoyable and so rewarding. I feel blessed.�

Join the BaptistCare family today Positions Available: www.baptistcare.org.au/apply