Brightlife Volume 2, 2022

1

Molly’s

milestone

Reflecting on 100 years and still making memories every day. Molly shares her story page 11

Brightwater celebrates

120 years

of caring page 18

30 years of leading brain rehabilitation page 28

DOUBLE DIAMOND EDITION

VOLUME 2

21/22

2

Contents 03 04 08 10 11 16 18 22 24 28 32

Note from the CEO Brightwater CEO, Jennifer Lawrence celebrates the Double Diamond edition of Brightlife.

With lived experience comes great advice Doug Sparks shares advice about how to look after yourself if you have a loved one in care.

Brightlife

Volume 2 | 2021/22

Special thanks to our interviewees

The economic return of Aged Care in WA in the next decade Highlighting aged care’s significant contribution to the economic and social fabric of our state.

Molly Worsnop Joan Bagley Doug Sparks Lyn Beazley Lenni Duffield Reg Goodings Angelita Martini Robyn Bett Anne Hawkins Alice Manners Janet Wagland Chelsea Parnell

Lessons from a life well lived Centenarians Joan and Molly share their stories.

Photography

Changing lives through research We explain the Brightwater Research Centre’s unique work, including one of their most recent projects making a difference in the lives of young people.

Follow us on social media

Let’s talk about Huntington’s disease Huntington’s WA Executive Director Lenni Duffield and Brightwater’s Anne Hawkins talk about a disease not known to many.

120 years of caring Looking back over 120 years of Brightwater’s proud history in the Western Australian community.

The best reward is giving back Brightwater recruits community members to join our new Brightwater Buddy Volunteer Program.

Motivation to keep moving Tips and tricks about how to stay steady and strong on your feet.

Leading the charge in brain rehabilitation In a year of significant milestones, Brightwater Oats Street celebrates its 30th birthday.

Brightwater’s roving reporter wrap-up From new cafes and bus programs to building developments, there’s a lot going on across Brightwater.

Michael Bain Danica Zuks

@brightwcg @brightwatercare www.linkedin.com/company/ brightwater-care www.youtube.com/BrightwaterCare Speak to us today on 1300 223 968 or email us at welcome@brightwatergroup.com Brightlife is published biannually. You are receiving this magazine as you are part of our network of clients, family, friends and industry partners.

If you would prefer to be taken off our mailing list or if you have any ideas and comments about Brightlife send an email to communications@brightwatergroup.com

3

Dear readers, Welcome to the second edition of our recently revitalised Brightlife magazine.

We’re marking this magazine as the ‘Double Diamond’ edition, to celebrate our 120th anniversary. Traditionally diamonds are used to celebrate 60 years, so what do you do to celebrate 120 years? In our opinion, you double it. Just like a diamond, Brightwater is truly unique and one of a kind and always strong and bright. You can read about our journey, from its very beginnings at the turn of the 1900’s, through to 2021 on pages 18 to 21.

At Brightwater, we see it as a privilege to support our clients and celebrate their milestones with them. Every day we hear wonderful stories of a life well lived from all parts of our community, and we’d like to share just some of those stories with you in this magazine. Molly and Joan both celebrated their 100th birthdays recently, and as they reflect back over the last century, they both radiate a beautiful sense of humility. Read about our cover star Molly and Joan on pages 11 to 15.

18

11

Support for our Brightwater community comes in many forms, and we understand it’s not just for our clients but it must reach their loved ones too.

Making the decision to transition someone into residential care can be hard, and the resounding feedback from carers, friends and families is that you are not alone – the things you’re feeling like sadness and guilt – others feel this way too. It’s poignant feedback that many people find this period difficult, and I sincerely hope that you read our article on pages 4 to 7, and hear from someone with lived experience who can offer advice, Doug Sparks.

Our ability to evolve has enabled us to support Western Australians for 120 years. Much of this evolution has been achievable as a result of research, which can often be a catalyst for change, such as advances in clinical care.

Our Brightwater Research Centre underpins everything we do, and at the core, supports our clients. Read about our Brightwater Research Centre and some of their exciting initiatives on pages 16 and 17.

Happy reading,

04

Jennifer Lawrence, Brightwater Chief Executive Officer.

4

Doug Sparks

With lived

experience comes great

advice

“You are not alone.”

It is the first piece of advice Doug Sparks offers to anyone who has a loved one in residential care, and to those who are caring for their husband or wife who have dementia or similar conditions.

“ Everybody is in the same boat, you’re not alone. People muddle through, and it’s helpful for them to know it’s not just them struggling, it’s funny how people think everything is taken care of when someone goes into a care home, but it’s not true.”

Doug Sparks

5

What Doug is referring to, is that once you have made the decision to transition your loved one into residential care, you can be comforted that they are now being cared for by a team of professionals, but it is still difficult coming to terms with the personal loss you may feel by not having them as company around the home; the guilt that you might feel for making the tough (but right) decision to put them into care; and the sudden exposure to things that maybe you didn’t need to worry about before like the finances, maintenance around the house, or the cooking and cleaning.

As the husband of someone who has been in an aged care home with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, Doug understands first hand these problems people face.

“After 40, 50, 60 years or more, being separated from your loved one is no joke. It’s like a part of you is missing.

There are ongoing problems coping with guilt, anxiety, despair, grief and loneliness. And there’s often a problem with finances, or coping with housework.”

Doug is a strong advocate for providing carers – usually family members of people with dementia or similar conditions - with advice, support networks and collective knowledge of how to care for and support their loved one, but also how to care for themselves.

Doug is involved with various support groups which meet each week for people who are caring for a loved one with dementia.

“Being part of these groups and giving lived advice to the people that need it helps them and it helps me because it keeps my mind occupied after losing my wife.”

Doug said that by meeting with others in similar situations, it has helped him compile useful advice and information to support others. This varies from organisations people can contact for support, to practical and simple things, such as making a cup of tea for your loved one.

“ For some people with dementia, their perceptions of everything changes.

For example, a lukewarm cup of tea can be too hot because their sense of hot and cold change. So it’s about little things, like the tea being too hot that help people looking after loved ones with dementia understand.”

Doug Sparks

6

Together with members from his support groups and peers, Doug has compiled advice for carers of people with dementia (or similar conditions) living in a nursing home. Here are a few extracts from the booklet they have produced.

You are not alone The first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. Most, if not all, your fellow carers have the same thoughts and emotions.

Guilt There is no magic pill to relieve the guilty feeling you get every time you leave them; or go out somewhere without them. Now, you are continuing to look after them, by placing them in a home where trained carers, nurses and therapists look after them.

Take them out occasionally and keep them up to date with family news, go away for a few days, or longer – a clear break helps recharge your batteries.

Worry/anxiety Do the carers look after them like you used to?

What is the best way to deal with the stress? They are being properly cared for 24 hours a day by staff trained and experienced in handling people with dementia, and they know the best way to care for them. In the home, they have company and occasional concerts and outings. Get to know the carers and build a relationship with them.

For yourself, try some mindfulness or meditation or yoga exercises to relax.

Despair and Grief Take it one day at a time or one step at a time. Sing or talk aloud to yourself; nobody will hear you! Keep your sense of humour; you’ll need it if you listen to yourself singing. Join a carer support group; they will know what you are going through, and they will listen, if you want to talk.

7

Loneliness After so many years together, you miss the companionship. One piece of advice is, find a companion, not necessarily a partner, but someone to share joys and sorrows.

There is the oft repeated advice to join a club or your local seniors centre. Here are a few ideas: don’t just think about it, it’s going to be an effort, so just do it!

Research your family history.

A dog can be wonderful company. It will sense your mood and offer comfort in its own way.

Same goes for horses, but they’re too big for a lounge room.

Look in the mirror each morning and give yourself a big smile. This sets your face in ‘smile mode’ for the day and is more likely to find you friends.

Visiting Some people go every day, others once a week, or once a month. Do what feels right for you.

Finances You could well need guidance on managing your finances. Alzheimer's WA runs free financial seminars.

Doug is also a member of the Carer Representative Advisory Group CRAG, which is a group of representatives who advocate for carers. A carer can be anybody who looks after a loved one in residential care or at home.

CRAG gives carers the opportunity to: • Provide valuable feedback from a carer's perspective.

• Participate in the development of Policy and Procedures within the organisation.

• Provide a platform where the carer's voice can be heard.

• Feel supported by a likeminded community.

• Provide an insight into the more detailed aspects of corporate care provisions.

Contact Helen Christopher on Helen.Christopher@brightwatergroup.com if you would like to learn more about CRAG.

8

Brightwater Supported Independent Living Manager, Anne Hawkins and Huntington's WA Executive Director, Lenni Duffield

Let’s talk about Huntington’s disease “If you want to see the human spirit, resilience and hope, you only have to look to a Huntington's family.”

Lenni Duffield is the Executive Director of Huntington’s WA, which provides education and information services to those affected by Huntington's disease.

She knows that the life-altering neurological condition is one that impacts the entire family, because children of people with Huntington’s disease have a 50-50 chance of inheriting the gene that causes it.

“Imagine you know you're going to die because you've actually seen it through a parent, and you're yet to face that. And yet these people are filled with hope, they are filled with this amazing courage,” Lenni said.

Huntington’s disease is a degenerative and ultimately fatal neurological condition that causes cells to die off in parts of the brain that control mobility, speech, cognition and mood.

Symptoms can begin with mild twitching but progress to major movement and coordination problems such as jerkiness in the arms or legs. There can be speech and swallowing difficulties, as well as behavioural and personality changes: not surprisingly around a third of people with Huntington’s disease can experience depression.

Over time, and how long is very individual, someone with Huntington’s disease will become more dependent on others as the disease erodes their ability to do even the most ordinary things, like walking and talking.

9

Whether or not someone has inherited the disease isn’t obvious at birth. Mostly the symptoms begin after the age of thirty, although a small number of people will develop juvenile onset Huntington's disease before they turn twenty. There is no cure yet but those who work in the field emphasise the importance of supporting each individual to live life their way as much as possible for as long as possible.

residents to connect with their community and reach their potential.

“ It’s about doing ‘with’ them not ‘for’ them and encouraging them to do as much as they can.”

The need for support has never been greater and this has led Brightwater to announce an exciting new direction in providing specialist support and accommodation services for people living with Huntington’s disease.

Anne Hawkins Supported Independent Living Manager Brightwater Care Group

It is believed there are more than 200 people in Western Australia with Huntington’s disease but not all are symptomatic and therefore many are not known to service providers. Across Australia the condition is believed to occur in approximately one in every eight to ten thousand people.

Brightwater has been supporting people with Huntington’s disease for over a century and provides the only Huntington’s disease specific accommodation in Western Australia. Our expertise and experience means we can provide individualised support to empower our clients.

“ We're in the process of designing and developing a Huntington's campus that enables support for people at varying stages of the disease. It's time for a new space and for rethinking what Huntington's support looks like based on our expertise and our collaboration with other sector providers.”

“Despite having many common features, individuals with Huntington’s disease present in many different and unique ways. Our experience enables us to be agile and respond to a client’s changes in need in a timely, effective and personalised manner,” said Anne.

Anne Hawkins Supported Independent Living Manager Brightwater Care Group

Today that care is provided at one of two locations depending on the individual’s needs.

Kailis House in Belmont is for adults in the early symptomatic stages of the disease. It is a community house, designed so residents can live as independently as possible while still having access to support from trained Brightwater staff. In Carlisle, Ellison House is for adults living with the later stages of Huntington’s disease and provides 24/7 specialist support including palliative care.

At both facilities, Brightwater team members promote independence for as long as possible, with extra assistance whenever required. They encourage

While development and planning is still in the early stages, one thing can be assured: that Brightwater will continue to support people with Huntington’s disease to live their lives to the fullest, with maximum independence and mobility for as long as possible.

“ Just because you have Huntington's doesn't mean your life has stopped. It's just how to live your best life with Huntington's and what that looks like.”

Lenni Duffield Executive Director of Huntington’s WA

10

The economic return of Aged Care in WA in the next decade For the first time in Western Australia, 12 leading aged care providers - including Brightwater Care Group - have worked together with ACIL Allen, the independent economics, policy and advisory firm to present the Economic & Social Impact report into Aged Care in WA. The report clearly shows that our industry is a significant contributor to the WA economy and one we can all be proud of.

Brightwater CEO, Jennifer Lawrence unveiling the report

Key findings in this report include our industry being responsible for: • 1 in every 7 dollars of gross production in the healthcare and social assistance sector.

• One in every 25 full time equivalent jobs across Western Australia in 2019-20. (More than the total number of people directly employed by Rio Tinto, BHP, FMG and Woodside combined).

• 3 times the total economic activity produced by the arts and recreation sector, half the retail trade sector and a quarter the construction sector.

• More jobs in total than the total number of full-time jobs that have been created in Western Australia over the past 4 years.

• An additional 21,532 full time jobs, which equates to an additional 179 jobs every month for the next 10 years.

The predicted growth of the sector in the next decade is significant: • $6.2B gross product contribution in FY30 - up from $3.9B in FY20.

• $5.1B income contribution annually by FY30 - up from $3.2B in FY20.

• 57,528 full-time jobs contribution in FY30 - up from 35,997 in FY20.

• $578M GST and income tax paid to FY30 – up from $362M in FY20.

• 144,068 users of aged care services in WA by FY30 – up from 87,016 in FY20.

• For every $1 invested there is $2.11 in benefits returned in the WA aged care sector.

The economic contribution of the aged care sector extends beyond employment opportunities, providing income to suppliers of goods and services and significant additional taxation revenue to governments. The contribution helps to reduce the incidence and costs associated with more expensive health care; and most importantly, it improves the quality of life for elderly West Australians and their families.

You can download a full copy of the report on the news page of our website.

11

Lessons from a life well lived In 1926, the first domestic refrigerator was introduced in Australia.

World War II took place from 1939-1945.

In 1940 the modern colour television was invented.

In 1969, the internet was launched, and the first man walked on the moon.

When we think of the last 100 years our minds will often reflect on technological advances such as the first television or computers or major world events such as world wars. Yet when asked about their lives over the last century, Brightwater at Home Client, Molly, and resident of Brightwater Huntingdale, Joan, remain modest.

It seems when you turn 100, the questions everyone wants to ask you are things like, what are your fondest memories? What are the biggest changes you have seen? And what piece of advice would you give young people today?

Meet Molly

These are big questions and not easily answered. After all, with a wonderful life still being lived, memories are still being made every day.

Mary (Molly) Worsnop was born on the 18th August 1921, growing up in the small country town of Shackelton, approximately 200km east of Perth.

A little bit like Brightwater’s own 120th birthday this year, our age tells others we have experience and stories to tell, but there is always still room for more.

She attended a one-teacher school, where she was taught by her Mother. She moved to Perth at the age of 12 and then at 18 she began her own teaching career.

12

When reflecting on her time at school in Shackelton, she said she was not very good at sport and laughs as she remembers a school report saying “Molly runs hard, but not fast.”

However, it was at the age of 12, when Molly went to a convent school in Adelaide Terrace in Perth, that she discovered her talent for acting. It was here she was selected as an actress for the first time in a school play and she has never looked back.

Molly had decided that one day she would be an actress, but said “there were no jobs for actresses, so I interviewed for Teacher’s College.”

“Five very important gentlemen – they were all men in those days on the panel of course – asked me why I wanted to become a teacher. I said to them, ‘well I have thought about it and it is because I will get plenty of holidays!’ – I was still offered a spot at Teacher’s College.”

Molly taught at Greenmount School in the Perth Hills before moving to Sydney to teach. She went onto marry and have two daughters.

Whilst working as a monitor at Greenmount Primary School, she got a lead part in a play at His Majesty’s Theatre, starring in Lady Precious Stream.

“During rehearsals I got the mumps – a fortnight before the play was starting. My Doctor gave me some tablets and told me not to breathe on anyone. I got a very good review – that was 83 years ago,” she said.

After living in Sydney, Molly moved back to Western Australia and taught most of her life in various schools and in the last eight years of her career Molly taught drama.

Centenarian Molly Worsnop

Drama continues to be a party of Molly’s life. She has worked at the Patch and Playhouse theatres, acting in plays including A Street Car Named Desire and The Physicist. She has also starred in television advertisements and said upon retiring at the age of 60 was featured in at least 20 commercials on Australian television.

13

She also recently narrated a short film, which won an award for best short film at the Perth Film Festival, and today she produces plays at the Beaumont Retirement Village, where she lives.

Molly continues to attend a creative writing class, and her speech writing skills were put to the test at her recent birthday celebrations.

Molly celebrated her 100th birthday with 54 of her closest friends and family.

“I had a rather splendid party with lots of friends – young and old – and my daughter was the MC,” Molly said.

Molly adds that doing yoga, writing and being part of a book club help her keep feeling good. She says she always has something happening each day and stays very busy.

“ People always say I am amazing. They use the word amazing all the time. I don’t think I am any more amazing than anyone else. I do think being light-hearted about life and not taking anything too seriously is important and a secret to a happy life.”

Molly Worsnop

She also had a second party at her Retirement Village, where Molly said they celebrated with champagne and she was gifted a set of pearls.

So, what does Molly say in answer to those big questions?

When asked what her secret to a happy life is, she says: “Everyone asks me that and I don’t have a secret actually.

My mother lived for a long time too – she was in her 90s when she passed away – and I remember asking her the same. She used to say ‘just keep keeping on’ – I like that too.”

Meet Joan Ellen (Joan) Bagley was born on the 7th September 1921 and grew up on a few acres in Bullsbrook in Perth’s East.

Joan says her Mum and Dad met and got married in the same year – 1916 – with her Dad leaving for war the day after they were married. It was when he returned from war that Joan and her siblings were born.

Joan has two children of her own - Dawn and Daryl as well as three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She said growing up in Bullsbrook was a happy time.

14

“ We could not have been poorer, but also could not have been happier. We had nothing, but wanted for nothing.”

Joan Bagley

When asked about her life and the happy memories, Joan recalls some of the simple pleasures she enjoyed as a child.

“Our favourite treat to eat was jelly,” Joan says.

“Our parents made it for us on our birthday and at Christmas. They had to set the jelly overnight in a bucket and drop it down into the well, where it was the coldest. We then had to eat it before it melted again during the day.”

Birthdays were a special time as Joan would sometimes get a sixpence to go and treat herself to lollies, like aniseed balls, at the local store in Bullsbrook.

Joan’s love of horses is evident – and when she celebrated her 100th birthday at Brightwater Huntingdale, the staff surprised her with a special visitor. Joan’s love of horses even translates to poetry – the Man from Snowy River – she can recite it from beginning to end.

“I loved that poem because of the horses, but also because of the Man himself. ‘The man from Snowy River is a household word to-day.’”

“My horse was called Zip and I rode him everywhere from the age of 5 until 18. I loved him and could call his name from anywhere and he would come galloping to me,” Joan said.

Joan celebrating her 100th birthday with family

She also fondly remembers her Mum making all of their clothes and blankets from a material called ‘crouton’ and she said she and her siblings loved building cubbies in the bush.

Joan’s favourite subject at school was arithmetic, but she won an award in 1933 from her teacher and principal, Mr Cecil Charles Hill, for the best script work.

Joan and her siblings travelled the 3.5 mile journey to school each day taking turns on her horse, which she loved. Two on the horse and one walking.

Joan left school at the age of 14 and went to work in the boarding house at Pearce Airbase. She did several other jobs during her career, including helping her neighbours muster the dairy cows on her horse.

Joan also recalls running the Muchea refreshment room on the railway line during the second world war, servicing the soldiers travelling from Perth to Geraldton.

“I used to make 400 meat pies a day at one point. I used to make them with a short pastry on the bottom and puff pastry on the top. As soon as the train stopped, the soldiers hit that refreshment room hard – they could not get enough of the pies.”

Joan’s years as a young adult saw her with a busy social life of local country dances.

15

“Every weekend I would attend a dance on a Saturday evening – there is nothing more enjoyable than a good country dance with local people – it was a wonderful life,” she said.

Joan recalls winning a ‘popular girl’ competition at the age of 19, just before she met her late husband, Jack.

“Dad was so proud to think that his own daughter had won the popular girl competition – I will never forget it.”

Combatting ageism Have you ever apologised for being older or made jokes about your age? Perhaps you complained about your back getting sore ‘as a sign of your age’?

Ageism is so common we often even turn it against ourselves without realising it.

Ageism against older people is present in how we talk about ageing and what we think it means to be older.

Too often, we portray getting older as people who are out of touch or getting frailer, when we know that is not true.

Joan Bagley and her son Daryl

Today Joan loves looking after her own small potted garden outside of her room at Huntingdale, loves watching the cricket and is a mad West Coast Eagles fan.

Research by the Human Rights Commission shows that ageism exists in Australia – even if we are not consciously aware of it. The research found that Australians see older people as nice, but frail, onlookers to life.

In fact, Joan loves her footy so much – she has won the Huntingdale footy tipping competition several years in a row now.

When asked about the secret to a happy life, what did Joan say?

“I just went along with what was happening each day. I was happy with what we had. We had a simple life and a hard life, but I was content and happy in what I had.”

“ People today want more. I cannot understand that. I did not worry about what I had and did not care what anyone else had. We were just happy. My advice would be to be content with what you have. You can find happiness if you make up your mind to find it.”

Joan Bagley

One way to combat ageism is to dispel misconceptions about different age groups and bringing the community of all ages together to help reduce prejudice and stereotypes.

16

Brightwater's Research Centre Director, Angelita Martini and Senior Research Officer, Robyn Bett

Changing lives through research Taylor is a little girl who loved getting out and about with her dad but now dad has an acquired brain injury, and that changes things.

It is one of three books written by clinical psychologist Robyn Bett from the Brightwater Research Centre and Associate Professor Jeneva Ohan from the University of Western Australia in a joint research project.

“ There are some things that the little girl wants her dad to do with her, and things the dad wants to do with the little girl, that just can’t happen anymore. So they have to be creative and come up with ways to get around the difficulties.”

The study found that there was a lack of resources for children and young people who were impacted by a parent with an acquired brain injury or dementia. The other two books are for readers aged 7-12: ‘Jordan’s Mum’ is about having a parent with younger onset dementia and ‘Ground Control’ shows Riley adjusting to life after his mum gets an acquired brain injury.

Robyn Bett Senior Research Officer Brightwater Research Centre

Taylor and her dad are the main characters in ‘The Get Around’, a story book for young children that shows life after a family member experiences an acquired brain injury.

The study is just one of many undertaken by the internationally recognised Brightwater Research Centre in partnership with universities and industry bodies.

The Research Centre was launched in 2011 and in the last five years, 48 research studies have been completed and a further 20 are underway this year.

17

The priorities for research at Brightwater are brain health, brain injury rehabilitation, independence, ageing well, dementia care, quality of life, Huntington’s disease and nutrition.

The common element to all the research studies is a focus on improving the lives of Brightwater’s residents and clients and actively seeking ways to support clients, their families and our staff through improving service delivery.

“ The Research Centre provides an opportunity to investigate issues that are important to clients and staff at Brightwater, and to solve problems for the wider community.”

Dr Angelita Martini Director Brightwater Research Centre

As Director of the Research Centre, Dr Angelita Martini has prioritised the need for research studies to originate from within Brightwater, rather than only being externally driven. In her first year with the Research Centre, she conducted interviews with a range of people from across the organisation to identify clear themes. This lead to the mapping of strategic priorities for research projects, an approach that continues today.

“ The genesis of most of the studies comes from the staff. It's about giving staff the opportunity to look at what is best practice for their work area.”

Dr Angelita Martini Director Brightwater Research Centre

The Brightwater Research Centre occupies a unique position within the research sector, as study findings are applied directly into a care/community setting.

“Research is always trying to answer the unknown and create new knowledge. And we have the opportunity to do that in a timely and applied way,” said Angelita.

For student researchers as well as universities, the real life setting is a valuable opportunity to have direct contact with the people who can provide the evidence and data for their studies. That is, Brightwater’s clients and residents as well as the care staff and clinical health professionals who support them.

For Brightwater, having an in-house research capability promotes a culture that prioritises learning and growing, and reflects the organisation’s mission which is pursuing the dignity of independence.

It also enables continuous innovation that ultimately delivers new ways to enhance lives. Many of the studies will not only make a difference for Brightwater’s clients, residents and staff but also across the wider community.

Psychologist Robyn Bett hopes that the new children’s books she has co-authored on brain injury and younger onset dementia will be widely available and used as a way to start conversations that are often difficult for children and adults alike. For Robyn, that would be a proud legacy for one of the Brightwater Research Centre’s latest research projects.

“The hope is that these processes might help more communication, more openness, more ability to consider things and talk about them. And that will help the children feel less alone with the difficulties they face,” said Robyn.

To find out more about the work of the Brightwater Research Centre visit our website brightwatergroup.com.au/research

18

For 120 years, Brightwater Care Group has had a proud history in the Western Australian community, shaping the way we care for our most vulnerable.

Brightwater has responded to huge changes during the 20th and 21st centuries including two world wars; the great depression; medical cures and discoveries; an ageing population; advances in clinical care and; more recently a global pandemic and the Royal Commission spotlight.

Let’s take a look at Brightwater’s journey…..

1880

1890

By 1889 Lady Madeleine Onslow and Dr Athelstan Saw, convened a meeting at Perth Town Hall to address the desperate issue of care services. The ‘Home of Peace for the Dying and Incurable’ was founded at this historic gathering.

1900

1910

Home of Peace officially opened in 1902 with the first patient George T Simpson being admitted on 12 January 1903.

William Thorley Loton was elected as President of the home in 1905. An extremely influential individual for the home, he was knighted in 1923 and stayed until his death one year later.

In 1880, Sir Alexander Onslow - accompanied by his wife Lady Madeleine Onslow - arrived in WA to become the Swan River Colony’s 11th Attorney General.

Once sufficient funds had been raised, in 1901 construction of the first buildings began on a site bounded by Townshend and Hamersley roads and Thomas Street in Subiaco.

19

During this decade WA and Home of Peace was severely impacted by the Depression, but the social fabric remained strong enough to see Home of Peace through even the darkest months.

Major improvements were made to the home and in 1958; three new wards and an admin block were added, bringing the total number of beds to 214 with 185 nurses and domestic staff employed.

Did you know?

From 1908-1918, the Home of Peace cared for 350 patients under 55 with Cancer. Cancer was one of biggest diseases treated by Home of Peace.

This was before chemo treatment.

As WW1 progressed, it put Home of Peace in a difficult situation, with many nurses and doctors joining the war effort overseas. This included the home’s Matron, Miriam Phillips, who served in the war from 1917 to 1922. WW1 also absorbed much of the funding from the government.

1920

In 1919 two new wards were built on the premises, including staff quarters.

The 1930’s were known as the Shadow of War Era. Australia had recovered from WW1, but the residual effect of the war continued to have a strong impact on WA, and WW2 was on the horizon.

In 1931, Home of Peace celebrated its 30th Anniversary, with seven original members of the council still remaining.

In 1948, the name of the association was changed to ‘The Home of Peace for the Dying and Incurable’ to the ‘Chronic Sick’ to reflect a more accurate description of the care provided as medical discoveries had been made to treat illnesses and provide longevity to people with severe illnesses.

1930

1940

1950

From 1936 to 1937 significant extensions and renovations commenced to the Home of Peace after Matron Phillips toured Victoria and South Australia for industry comparison. The newly renovated home opened in 1937 with a public celebration, nearly doubling the amount of resident accommodation from 46-80.

In 1935, Home of Peace admitted its 1,000th patient since opening. Of the 1,000 patients, this included 616 with cancer, 83 with hemiplegia, 48 with paralysis, and 24 with heart disease.

Did you know?

During food shortages, staff used their own produce to feed patients and themselves, this included keeping ducks on the property, which in 1943 reportedly laid 1,400 eggs.

20

Although the growth of Home of Peace saw a huge increase in the number of beds, it could not keep up with the demand for admissions. In 1964 land was acquired in Inglewood with plans to build a new home to care for more people in WA.

The Homes of Peace constructed a range of non-institutional hostels which closely resembled residents’ own home environments.

The first of these projects saw the construction of four five bedroom houses in Joondalup; and similar facilities were later built in Huntingdale, South Lake, Kingsley and Redcliffe. Care homes for people with higher care needs were built in Edgewater, Kingsley and Marangaroo.

In 1997, the Homes of Peace became Brightwater Care Group, reflecting its new and dynamic nature.

In 1995 Executive Director Ric Leaver departed Brightwater and Penny Flett became CEO.

The first stage of the Inglewood development was built in 1966 with Stage Two completed in 1970 and Stages Three and Four in 1973.

In 1986, future CEO Penny Flett was appointed as the medical superintendent.

Brightwater’s Brain Injury rehabilitation centre opened in 1991 with its leading ‘Whatever it takes’ program.

1960

1970 By the mid-80s the Homes of Peace saw geriatric and disability services revolutionised in Australia. At this point the homes were almost entirely funded by the Federal and State Governments.

1990

Inglewood welcomed people with Huntington’s disease to their new Ellison House ward, named after a principal champion of people with Huntington’s disease, Dr Richard Ellison.

In 1998 Ellison House moved to Carlisle.

In 1999, a centralised Linen and Catering Facility opened in Malaga, with linen and catering staff transferring from aged care homes to a central facility.

In 1966 the name of the association changed again, removing ‘the Chronic Sick’ from its title and becoming the Homes of Peace, to signify its growth. The Homes of Peace was making headway to care for a variety of people who needed permanent care.

To cater specifically for residents with dementia, The Village was built in 1994, replacing the North Ward of the Inglewood site with five home-style units. It was lauded as among the first of its kind in Australia.

Over the next decade, a radical rebuilding program commenced which saw the development of 20 new services on 18 new sites.

1980

Being on the front foot of care needs for Western Australians, Brightwater saw the increase in people living longer and ageing in their homes. During the 90’s Brightwater piloted a four year program of in home service for 50 clients in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government. This eventually became Brightwater at Home.

As Brightwater reaches the year 2000, it had created six disability facilities between Warnbro and Marangaroo, with disability clients moving from Inglewood into these Supported Independent Living homes.

21

Did you know?

In 2000, Oats Street graduate Mark Le Flohic won gold at the Sydney Paralympic Games for cycling.

The first of its kind in Australia, a trial of the specialist dementia care unit commenced in 2019 for people with advanced stages of Dementia at The Village. The trial was so successful that it became a permanent service.

In 2020 Brightwater responded to the COVID-19 global pandemic, with huge changes impacting the aged care and disability sectors.

New measures were quickly put in place by Brightwater’s dedicated response teams to keep clients and staff safe.

In 2021, the global pandemic continued to instigate permanent changes to the way Brightwater operates and provides its services.

In 2004 and 2005 Brightwater acquires land to develop its largest aged care homes, Madeley and The Cove.

The success of The Village and international interest sparked further developments such as The Oaks and Oxford Gardens with Architect Brian Kidd. Recipient of the Order of Australia medal, Brian was nationally recognised for his research into accommodation for the aged.

In 2010, the Oats Street building was redeveloped to make way for a world-leading Brain Rehabilitation Centre. In 2012, the new centre officially opened. Read more about this on page 28.

Hearings took place in 2018 and 2019 for The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, with CEO Jennifer Lawrence invited to appear at the Commission during public hearings in Sydney.

Starting her journey with Brightwater in 2003, in March 2016, Jennifer Lawrence was appointed Brightwater’s Chief Executive Officer.

Industry collaboration became stronger than ever as aged care providers across WA come together to share ideas about the future of the industry, including how they respond to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and COVID-19.

2000 At the end of the decade the Brightwater Research Centre was established.

2010

2020

2021

In 2017 Brightwater embarked on its Capacity Building business, providing care to those in the community with a disability.

In 2004, Brightwater Linen relocated to a state of the art facility across from its existing laundry. The plant was designed with efficiency, growth and customer service in mind, to service opportunities in the accommodation sector.

Brightwater celebrated its centenary in 2001, providing direct care to over 15,000 people and assisted countless others in the community. Historian Deborah Gare compiled 100 years of history into Lady Onslow’s Legacy: A History of the Home of Peace and the Brightwater Care Group.

In November 2003, Kingsway Court Retirement Village welcomed its first residents, Alex and Thelma Fisher. Since opening, Kingsway Court residents have celebrated the village’s fifth, tenth and fifteenth anniversaries.

Construction commenced on Brightwater Central, a new development in Inglewood which will be home to a head office, the Brightwater Research Centre and a residential aged care community which will house 128 aged care clients living in one of the 16-person small-house communities.

“

Change is something that Brightwater has navigated for 120 years, and we will continue to evolve and grow into the future. To think that one organisation has been at the forefront of care for more than a century, it is a triumph that Brightwater has not only survived, but thrived,”

Jennifer Lawrence, Brightwater CEO

22

The best reward is giving back On Wednesday afternoons, it’s Happy Hour at Brightwater The Oaks: a time for the aged care residents to enjoy a bite to eat, a chat and a lot of laughter.

The Happy Hour is run by Glenda Ryves Lindsey, a Brightwater volunteer for five years who says it’s one of the most rewarding things she’s ever done.

“Making somebody smile gives me a great deal of satisfaction.”

Glenda Ryves Lindsey

Volunteers have been bringing joy and connection to our aged care and disability residents for thirty years.

When COVID-19 lockdowns brought the programs to a temporary standstill, it was an opportunity to make a good thing even better.

Barbara McKay is a volunteer at Brightwater’s Transitional Aged Care Home in Kingsley and knows the importance of human connection.

“Often they just want a friend, someone to talk to and someone to listen.”

Barbara McKay

It’s not just our residents and clients who benefit.

“I feel sorry for people who don't volunteer! You get so much back, miles more than you put in.”

Linley Wakefield

Linley Wakefield is the volunteer coordinator at Maddies Cafe at Brightwater Madeley. Its reopening after lockdown closures was welcomed by the volunteers who run it for the aged care residents.

Brightwater Buddy volunteers can be involved with a range of activities including arts and crafts, exercise groups, outings, entertainment or making meaningful connections with one-to-one visits.

Residents at Brightwater Supported Independent Living Home Warnbro enjoy outings with John Quilty and Erica Peet, who have been volunteers there for more than 20 years.

“We used this time to re-evaluate our program so that our volunteers and residents can build even stronger connections, and important long-lasting friendships.”

Alice Manners,

Chief Customer Officer, Brightwater.

The revitalised program is called the Brightwater Buddy Volunteer Program and matches volunteers with residents based on common interests, hobbies and backgrounds.

“The residents have become great friends to me and to Erica, and I find them very inspirational.”

John Quilty

“They all have a good sense of humour. It’s a pleasure to go out with them, it really is.”

Erica Peet

23

How you can take part

Become a Brightwater Buddy today

“ No matter your age, skills or amount of time available, we would love to have you on board.”

Alice Manners Chief Customer Officer Brightwater Care Group

1:1 Buddy We all crave social interaction and our 1:1 Buddies provide companionship to our residents. You will be matched with a resident who has similar interests to you for regular visits

Activity Buddy This could include taking part in activities such as table top games, reading, reminiscence chats, gardening and pet therapy Spiritual Support Buddy This includes providing pastoral and spiritual support to enhance the thoughts, beliefs and wellbeing of our residents

Client Concierge Buddy Based at one of our aged care homes, you will assist in meeting and greeting families and visitors

Site Support Buddy Helping through maintenance, hairdressing, or managing our mobile libraries

Becoming a virtual volunteer By being an in-person volunteer, you will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with one of our residents. With volunteering opportunities from Mandurah to Joondalup, we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds.

Many people in our community are missing the power of human connection, the excitement when a hand written letter arrives or the pull of a well written email.

By being a virtual volunteer, our Brightwater Buddy team will connect you with one of our residents where you will have the opportunity to send emails or write letters, to provide human connection.

Sign up today!

For more information, contact our Volunteer Services team on 08 9202 2800 or volunteer@brightwatergroup.com.

You can also visit the Volunteering page under the Support Us tab on our website.

24

Motivation to keep

moving

Tips to stay strong on your feet “There are plenty of little things that everyone (young or old) can do each day to assist in remaining steady on their feet. These involve integrating movement and function in to their everyday life so the skills you’re gaining carry over into functional tasks, such as practicing standing on one leg whilst brushing your teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil.”

“The other important thing to remember is to keep having fun in life and to keep trying new activities!” says Chelsea.

Meaningful ageing is about pursuing your independence at every stage of life. It’s about feeling empowered to live your best life no matter what the circumstance. We know as people age, mobility can decrease, and maintaining your motivation to move is an important way to keep steady on your feet. Building strength, mobility and maintaining balance are really important aspects to reduce falls.

“ Falls are often preventable. If you can recognise the risks prior to them contributing to a fall you can create a large change in an individual’s overall independence and quality of life. ” Chelsea Parnell Falls Physiotherapist Brightwater Care Group

Look at footwear – if you wear loose floppy footwear or sandals that are ill fitting, try and find more suitable footwear. Footwear needs to have a good surface underneath and a rigid toe so that it’s less likely to trip or catch.

Look at your environment and clear away excess clutter. Sometimes it’s about finding a better way to rearrange the room so there’s better access. You might also need to consider what sort of furniture you have, for example, if you’re in a really low or a really high chair that can make it difficult to get in and out of.

Put yourself on the do not call register, so you’re not getting those nuisance phone calls. It's those unexpected calls, when people get up too quickly and try to rush to answer the phone that can cause an accident. So make sure you're not getting any of the unwanted telemarketer calls because your instinct is to try and get to the phone.

25

Meet Brightwater resident with a motivation to move, Reg Goodings The expression, “Just like Riding a Bike,” is often used to describe something that comes as second nature and should be easy to do. But riding a bike for a 100 kilometre charity ride when you’re 88 years old? That certainly isn’t easy, but Reg Goodings defied logic by doing just so.

“I started riding in my later years, when I was 75 I bought a mountain bike, I just tore around and around and that sent all my neighbours dizzy, biking around the neighbourhood,” said Reg. At 88 years old, Reg signed up to take part in the Around the Bay 100 kilometre Charity Ride in Victoria. Reg takes us back to the competition, when he reaches Black Rock, a hill that spans seven kilometres…

speaker ‘here comes Reg Goodings at 88 years of age!’ … And there was another mighty roar.”

Reg now resides at Brightwater Oxford Gardens in Joondalup. His daughters have bought him his own exercise bike which sits just outside his room, and Reg uses the bike almost every day.

Brightwater Oxford Gardens Senior Physiotherapist, Holly Coopes has been working with Reg so that he can keep moving and most importantly, keep cycling.

“With just a little assistance from his therapy team to ensure the bike was set up correctly and to put a cycling program in place, Reg can continue his love of cycling for pleasure and health, and work towards his goal of getting back on his bike,” said Holly.

Cycling champion Reg Goodings

“My pace was right down to about four kilometres an hour and two of our best riders said they were staying with me the whole ride, I said to them ‘you won't be able to ride at this pace, just ride up to the top of the hill and if I don't appear soon come and look for me’.”

With sheer determination, Reg made it over the hill.

“We went on and I could see we were almost finished, and the rest of the group rode out to meet me coming in. As we rode in, I heard a mighty roar! I heard over the loud

Find out more about how our team can support people to keep moving and on their feet, by calling us on 1300 223 968 or visiting our website www.brightwatergroup.com

26

How you can support us Corporate Partnerships with Brightwater As a not for profit organisation, Brightwater relies in part on community and corporate generosity to enable us to deliver extras in many different ways to the people we support. Funds raised and corporate support is, and always will be, directed to the extra things that an organisation like ours would not normally be able to fund, such as life experiences for our clients, special equipment and programs or vital research.

This is where our Corporate Partners can and will make a difference, by providing their time, their talent and their resources. You can be part of our journey and our client’s future and in the process engage your staff, enhance your brand and become part of the process that makes people’s lives better.

Our Partnerships at Work Corporate partners who have worked with Brightwater have helped us to realise significant milestones as well as engaging their staff in the process. This is real collaboration at work.

Homeward Bound Program Many of our clients who transition into independent or supported accommodation have no or limited funds to set up a unit and need assistance with the purchase of home essentials. Our Homeward Bound starter packs help clients in their transition back into the community.

HiscoNFE have provided support to this program through the donation of vital starter packs for clients to transition back into the community.

The Getaway Program The Getaway Program was established in 2017 and enables clients with disabilities to participate in a range of adventure activities they’d otherwise not have the opportunity to do. Clients with moderate to high care needs enjoyed a residential camp thanks to The Downer Group who provided financial assistance and volunteers to help at the camp.

Brightwater Buddies Program Last year we launched our virtual volunteering program to support residents in our aged care and disability homes expand their opportunity for social interaction. Woodside donated to the program as part of its COVID-19 Community Fund. Their generous donation has helped to expand Brightwater Buddies to reach our at home clients and people in the broader community, to help keep these people socially connected.

27

Brightwater Buddies Concierge Program Each of our residential aged care homes will have their very own Brightwater Buddy Concierge to warmly welcome people into our homes and help them find their way around the site. The Business Experience team saw the value that these concierges could bring to each home and have thrown their support behind Brightwater.

The Weekend Entrepreneur The Weekend Entrepreneur Program was developed to enhance the quality of life of clients in eight identified homes by creating an avenue for productively engaging in sustainable entrepreneurial activities on the weekends. Thanks to Lotterywest funding, we were provided with the opportunity to produce a range of resources to support this program.

Family Connect Program Many of our clients who undertake rehabilitation have been away from their family and friends for an extended period of time. Our Family Connect program facilitates positive connections through a Family Connect gift. This could be via an interstate trip, accommodation for a family stay in Perth or the purchase of an iPad to enable a client to see and speak to their family. Quest South Perth kindly donated room nights to support these vital family connections.

Research In 2020 The Insurance Commission of WA funded significant research through the Brightwater Research Centre that looked into improving independence and reducing the cost of continence care for people with an acquired brain injury. The research trial was a success and as a result Brightwater has developed an approach to continence that has been rolled out across all Brightwater sites and made available more widely to the sector.

Other Programs that you can support • Life’s Possibilities • The Music Pharmacy • Getaway for a Day Program • Brightwater Buddies Schools Connect Program • Other projects with the Brightwater Research Centre

At Brightwater, we seek long-term partners who can help us achieve our goals. To talk about a potential partnership with Brightwater please contact Nicola Bedwood, Manager, Corporate Engagement and Philanthropy on 0427276016, nicola.bedwood@brightwatergroup.com or visit the Support Us page on our website: www.brightwatergroup.com/support-us/

28

Leading the charge in brain rehabilitation If there is one thing that Brightwater’s General Manager Community, Janet Wagland knows for sure, it is that the brain holds surprises for us all.

This year, the acclaimed Oats Street program turns thirty and, just like the brain, it continues to evolve.

It is something she saw firsthand in her role as Care Manager at Brightwater’s Oats Street Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre from 2002 to 2004.

“ In having conversations with clients and family members, I can have two people that, at the beginning of the journey look exactly the same, but will come out through it at the other end in different places. And so much of that is about the capacity of the brain to make other connections, and lay down new pathways.”

Janet Wagland General Manager Community Brightwater Care Group

Brightwater's Janet Wagland, Kelly Worlock and Alice Manners

But one thing has remained the same through the past three decades: the Oats Street program is about helping people to navigate the individual challenges of their brain injury and regain some level of independence.

29

A World First The Oats Street Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre was launched in 1991, on the site of a former hospital in East Victoria Park which was remodelled into three community houses. For the first time, people with an acquired brain injury could be accommodated in a home-like setting designed specifically for their needs, rather than in the traditional hospital setting.

“Hospitals are very structured places: nurses come and tell you when to get out of bed in the morning and what to do. You get served meals, you get told to go to the gym.

And when people would come to us, often you would see their real challenges in coping with their brain injury outside of the hospital, because there was no one actually instructing them what to do on a day to day basis,” said Janet.

Angelita Martini, Phil Cordery, Professor Lyn Beazley, John Stockbridge, Kelly Worlock

In addition to being WA’s Chief Scientist from 2006 to 2013, Professor Beazley is a neuroscientist who built an internationally renowned research team that focused on recovery from brain damage. Her research findings align with the Oats Street approach of supporting clients to do meaningful work to aid their recovery from brain injury.

Professor Beazley explains it through the example of the research she conducted with the lizard, whose symbol is displayed proudly at Oats Street. As a reptile, the lizard is able to regrow damaged nerves but they will only function if the animal is motivated to use them.

Instead, the environment at Oats Street enables residents to relearn and practice the skills they need in a domestic setting at the same time as undertaking specific therapy programs relevant to their brain injury.

“Basically they cook, they clean, and they live their lives.

That's how the program operates and that's how it's built. It's domestic style, not an institutional model. As far as we know, it is unique in the world and it's definitely unique in Australia,” said Janet.

While unique, the value of the Oats Street approach was soon recognised by then Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Lyn Beazley, AO who became an ardent supporter of the rehabilitation program.

“ If you're a lizard and you see a juicy mealworm then you are so motivated because they're a delicious lunch! So if we presented them with mealworms, their nerves recovered and they could grab them. But without mealworms, they were just sitting around doing nothing and then we didn't get the recovery.”

“ And that's exactly the program at Oats Street: you get rewarded. If you're learning how to make a cup of tea and you get it right, you get a cup of tea. You learn to dress yourself. Then in the end, you learn to live independently.”

Professor Lyn Beazley AO

30

Professor Beazley was so impressed with the work being done at Oats Street that in 2013 she established the Brightwater Lyn Beazley Scholarship for research into acquired brain injury rehabilitation. The scholarship aims to help Brightwater investigate the science behind the regeneration that takes place in the brain as a direct consequence of the Oats Street rehabilitation program.

Brightwater’s research culture is augmented by the availability of rich data, collected over thirty years of supporting clients. In that time, 756 people have been supported on their rehabilitation journey with an average length of stay of 18.5 months.

In recent years, the Oats Street care model has evolved into today’s multi-staged approach where clients move through a series of houses as their capabilities develop.

“The staffing model also changes from where they’re physically doing everything for the person because they've got such high care needs, and gradually getting them to do a few small things for themselves, right through to the end of the program where people are in independent living units,” said Janet.

31

Mark Elsing and Oscar Allen

In 2010 - 2014, the Oats Street site underwent major redevelopment and now accommodates eight purpose-built share houses and eight independent living units, as well as an education centre, basketball court and gym. The number of available places went from 24 to 48 places, and this year increased to 53 places, including services provided in the person’s own home.

Now Brightwater has purchased three houses adjoining the Oats Street facility, and consultations are underway to identify further opportunities for improving an already world class service that is unique in Australia in the provision of residential, individualised treatments.

For Janet Wagland, the success lies with each and every person who has committed themselves to getting the most from the Oats Street Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.

“ It's hard work to recover from traumatic injury and it’s the people who have the courage to actually engage in the program and follow through on it, that's the biggest success of the program.

I'm most proud of the people who go through there and get back on with living life.”

Janet Wagland General Manager Community Brightwater Care Group

One Oats Street success story is Mark Elsing who suffered a severe stroke in 2014 and spent three years undertaking intensive rehabilitation at Oats Street. After achieving many of his goals, this year Mark set his sights on a new one: a world record for the longest distance travelled in a wheelchair using one arm. His training for the challenge included sessions with some of Perth sporting greats, from the West Coast Eagles, Perth Heat, to boxing legend Danny Green who said it was a privilege to meet a ‘true fighter’. As well as tackling a world record, Mark is raising money for the refurbishment of the Oats Street gym, which formed part of his rehabilitation program.

“ I am passionate about giving back to Oats Street. I owe them everything and I will be forever grateful. I was told that there was so much I would never do again, yet through the program I was able to live independently.”

Mark Elsing

Mark Elsing and Perth Heat

32

Brightwater’s roving reporter wrap-up Here’s a roundup of just some of the activities that have taken place recently across Brightwater.

Brightwater celebrated the re-opening of the revamped Maddies Café at Brightwater Madeley. Since 2005, Maddies Café was a vibrant community hub, but was forced to close due to COVID-19 lockdowns. We made it our mission to reopen the café, and thanks to our Brightwater Buddy volunteers, the café is back up and running.

33

Residents had a ball at the Oxford Gardens Star Ball! This was an opportunity for residents to reminiscence and share stories about balls that they had attended in the past. All the ladies were shining in their tiaras, and the gentleman looked dashing in their bow ties.

Kathy Farmer received a fitting farewell when she left Brightwater’s Transitional Accommodation Program in Marangaroo to move into her own home. Kathy enjoyed an afternoon tea of all of her favourite things – sweets, country and western music and even miniature ponies! Kathy lived at Brightwater for 22 years.

Residents from Brightwater Birralee and Madeley got together for an inter-home Olympics. The Madeley-hatters and the Birralee Bombers battled it out for a gold medal draw!

Our new development is taking shape! The construction of our new residential aged care home, head office and research centre is progressing well. Brightwater Central will be home to our existing residential aged care home, The Village, as well as the new building and we are on track for opening in mid-2022.

Did you know that a reflexologist has joined our Brightwater at Home team? Reflexology is based on the theory that there are points on the hands and feet that correspond to organs and systems of the body. Some of the benefits include reduced stress and anxiety and enhanced body healing mechanisms.

To find out more call us on 1300 223 968.

Our Community Access Program offers more community outings.

We upgraded our existing buses to better support people who are ageing and people with disability. We have also added more therapy assistants to our team with dedicated time to take our residents on excursions.

34

Making COVID-19 vaccination options easy for our staff and residents has been an important part of our pandemic response, and we are proud that our residential aged care staff met the deadline for their mandatory COVID-19 vaccine. We were fortunate to have successfully tendered to run our own in-reach clinics, which made it easy for everyone to get vaccinated – both staff and our residents who consented to the vaccine.

Supporters, clients and staff from past and present, came together to celebrate 30 years of Brightwater Oats Street. The morning started with a wonderful welcome from the Oats Street choir – made up of staff and clients who get together each week to enjoy singing and music.

Some of our residents enjoyed an outing with the Perth Football Club to Hungry Jacks Carlisle as part of the Skills for Living Program.

Residents were gifted food and drink vouchers which they used to order themselves a meal at the counter, providing a simple yet important opportunity for residents to undertake day-to-day activities in the community.

Staff and residents across aged care were broadcast live on the Mental Moments Show. The 2021 Mental Moments Show is an initiative designed to continue the conversation on the importance of mental health in aged care.

Occupational Therapist and PhD student, Lily Cullinan, was awarded the Brightwater Lyn Beazley Scholarship. The scholarship is conducted through the Brightwater Research Centre in partnership with Curtin University and is focused on research with Brightwater’s world leading brain rehabilitation centre.

Millen Primary School joined the Brightwater Buddies Schools Connect Program! Students, families and staff showed their support by running a donation drive to collect toiletries and other goods for Brightwater’s Homeward Bound Appeal.

35

We can help

you be you

in your home too.

Christine loves chickens. She especially loves talking to her chickens. However, she couldn’t keep them if she had to move somewhere smaller. That’s why she loves having home care help from Brightwater. Our close-knit team of professionals helps you keep your independence with services such as physio, nursing and help around the house and garden.

Learn more about our services and what sets us apart from others. Go to brightwaterathome.com or call 1300 223 968

Brightwater Care Group Ltd Brightwater House, Level 3 355 Scarborough Beach Road Osborne Park WA 6017

T 1300 223 968 E welcome@brightwatergroup.com W brightwatergroup.com ABN 23 445 460 050 ACN 612 921 632