1. health and fitness
2. therapy

DUNGOG & DISTRICT NEIGHBOURCARE INC
Ph. 4992 3348 Fax 4992 2120
EM AIL kerr y@n eighbourcare.org.au
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT:
Chair: Lea Mitchell
Vice: Elizabeth Price
Treasurer: Doug Maddock
Secretary: Leslie Wright
Members: Jann Booth
Noeleen Carrol
Steve Gorton
Cindy Fisher
OFFICE STAFF:
General Manager Kerry Broad
Service Manager
Cherylin Brown
COORDINATORS :
Yvonne Puse
Debra Redman
Lurline Trustum
Kath Watkinson
Kim Windebank
FINANCE - Jennie Sullivan
- Ruth Byrne
ADMIN - Julie Saunders
DRIVERS :
Emma Pritchard
Colleen Jones
SUPPORT STAFF :
Jennifer Dunn
Tracy Green
Marisa Groves
Sharon Halpin
Carol Neilson
Louise Payne
Doreen Perrin and Admin
Cathy Shepherd
Jenny Thiecke
Mellissa Ward
LAUNDRY ASSISTANT :
Kathy Smith
What's inside your newsletter;
Message from the General Manager Kerry
Opportunity to Win an IGA voucher.
Lots of News for Volunteers
Information for carers
Mandatory Reporting information.
Frozen Meals information
Work Health and Safety
Seniors Information Service
What's on in the near future;
Stepping on in Clarence Town
Down Memory Lane @ The James
 5th March
How to Marry a Millionaire
 7th May
Rear Window
 25th June The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
Social outings 2015
 25th March Gloucester Gander.
 29th April Honeysuckle Hike.
 27th May Magical Mystery Meander?
 24th June Meeting Maitland Again!
Volunteer Events 2015
 11th to 17th May National Volunteers Week
 10th February Volunteer Meeting
 14th April Volunteer Meeting
Weekly events
Monday Tai Chi Gresford & Dungog
Tuesday Clarence Town Seniors, Dungog Therapy
Wednesday Gresford Yoga, Men's Group at the RSL Club
Thursday Shopping Bus
Friday Dungog to Maitland/Raymond Terrace/ Green Hills Bus
Gresford to Maitland Bus
Care & Share
To access Home and Community Care phone the Community Care Access Point on 1300 731 556
From the General Manager—Kerry
Welcome to 2015. The year when all funding was supposed to
cease and we all went out of business. Late last year just prior to
Christmas we received the good news from the Government that our
funding contracts would remain in place until 2017. Below is part of
a transcript from Assistant Minister for Social Services the Hon.
Mitch Fifield.
“The Government has announced that two years of funding will be
offered to the majority of service providers with contracts under existing programmes that will form the CHSP. This will provide a degree of continuity and certainty for
providers and their clients.
The introduction of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
(CHSP) is one of the changes the Australian Government is making
to help older people to stay independent and in their homes and
communities for longer.
From 1 July 2015, the CHSP will bring together the:
Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) Program ;
National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP);
Day Therapy Centres (DTC) Program; and
Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) Program
The new CHSP will build on the strengths of the programmes it replaces and will continue to support around 550,000 older people
and their carers, every year. Importantly, people receiving services
under the existing programmes will continue to receive the same
level of support now and when the CHSP begins. CHSP funding will
be around $1.7 billion in 2015-16, which will continue to grow over
the coming years, resulting in more services for more people. The
CHSP will be the entry level of Australia’s aged care system for older people who need assistance with daily living to remain living independently at home. Carers of these clients will also benefit from
services provided through CHSP. From 1 July 2015, older people
and carers seeking assistance will benefit from a single entry point
for services through MY AGED CARE, and a standardised national
assessment process delivered through the “My Aged Care Regional
Assessment Service.”
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Anne McDonald for
her dedicated service, on the Board of Management of Dungog &
District Neighbourcare. Anne’s knowledge of Aged Care and Government Policy has been invaluable in steering Neighbourcare into
the future. Anne resigned as it was felt she had a conflict of interest
due to the amalgamation of Lara with RSL Lifecare and her future
involvement as a member of the Advisory Committee, which has
been set up to improve Aged Care in our local area. We wish her
well for the future.
Tick-It Program
Funding has been received to enable Community Transport to assist
with after hours and weekend transport for individuals and families in
crisis who need to access the Maitland area.
 Funding will provide a safe alternative for families experiencing domestic violence as the nearest refuge is in Maitland.
 This funding will also assist families to have their children attend medical appointments.
For further details please contact Dungog & District Neighbourcare Inc.
49923348

Be in the draw for a
$50 IGA Voucher*
Do you receive Domestic
Assistance, Personal Care,
Meals on Wheels, Respite,
Linen or Homecare Packages or attend social outings
with Neighbourcare? Then
sign up for Direct Debit to
pay your accounts before
the 31st March you will go in
the draw for a $50 IGA
voucher*. If you have already signed up you will automatically be in the draw.
This is a great way to take
the worry out of remembering to pay on time. Your account balance will automatically be debited from you
nominated bank or credit
union account on 21st of
each month, or the next
business day. All you need
to do is ensure there are
funds in your account to
cover it.
As with all aspects of Neighbourcare service provision,
there are strict guidelines
we have to follow regarding
this for your protection and
ours. If you have questions
please speak to the staff in
the finance department or to
your banking institution.
Sign up by 31st March and
you will be in the draw for
$50 IGA voucher*. Contact
the office for a copy of the
forms needed or the
Dungog Commonwealth
Bank have copies available.
*Voucher cannot be used for cigarettes or
alcohol or exchanged for cash.
Did you know?
You are eligible for a Seniors
Card when you turn 60 if you
are a permanent resident of
NSW and are retired or work
less than 20 hours a week. This
card entitles you to NSW Government transport concessions,
travel and business discounts.
Call Service NSW on 137788
for more information.
The Department of Human Services
has GRANDPARENT ADVISORS
who can help grandparents with fulltime care responsibility
for their grandchildren,
access payments and
services. Contact a
grandparent advisor by
calling 1800 245 965
Seniors Information Service
Need information about options as you, or a
friend or family member, grow older?
Seniors Information Service can help you find
answers to questions like these:
 What concessions am I entitled to for
transport, health care or general living costs?
 Where can I go to learn to use a computer
and the Internet?
 How do I go about applying for a pension?
 What are my housing options? How do I find
out about retirement villages and what they
offer? And how do they differ from hostels
or nursing homes?
 Where can I go to volunteer my time and
skills, now that I’ve retired?
 How do I organise support in my home to
help me with self-care, housework or gardening?
 If or when the time comes, how do I find a
good nursing home in my local area?
 We can give you information and will send
you fact sheets on a range of issues. We can
also provide contact details for legal, health
or financial services that are qualified to advise you, ideally within your local community.
Information is available on the website
www.ageing.nsw.gov.au/ages_65/
seniors_information_service and if you want
more assistance, call us on13 77 88 (for the cost
of a local call from throughout NSW).
If English is your second language and you
would like an interpreter to help you with your
enquiry, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.
This information is from the Seniors Information
Services
web
site
www.ageing.nsw.gov.au/
Social Support/Day-care Outings
All of our Social Support/Day-care Outings are now
set at the one price of $40 per person, which is invoiced to you at the end of each month. This makes
the outings much easier to arrange, and for you, as
attendees to access and there is no extra waiting
time at the departure points collecting and sorting
money, as well as being much more secure for everyone.
The outings we have arranged, hopefully, provide
you all with an opportunity to visit somewhere you
haven’t been for a while. If you would like to attend
any or all of them, please contact our office on
49923348 as soon as possible to put your name on
the list, to ensure your place. Also if you require a
transport pickup to the departure areas, please let
staff know when you book.
Our current list of outings is on page 10 of this
newsletter.
Chicken, apple, celery and pecan
lunch snack
Recipe by Chrissy Freer thanks to Taste.com
Ingredients
75g cooked skinless chicken breast, shredded
1/2 red apple, cored, diced
1 celery stick, trimmed, diced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon low fat mayonnaise
2 Vita-Wheat style crackers
1 tablespoon pecan nuts, chopped
Combine the chicken, apple, celery, chives and
mayonnaise in a medium size bowl. Season with
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Spread chicken mixture evenly over cracker.
Sprinkle with the chopped pecan nuts. Serve.
This will serve one, double it and invite a friend
to lunch.
Volunteers News
What do you think about volunteering with
Neighbourcare?
A few Volunteers have provided feed back
about their experience of Volunteering with
us, so we thought we would share these extracts;
“Volunteering for this organisation has been a
very pleasant and rewarding experience for
me and I would urge anyone who is in a position to give some time, to do so and become a
part of this friendly and welcoming team. I
think you will enjoy it, I know I have.”
“Volunteering for Neighbourcare can lead
you into a variety of roles, all providing help
and support to people who need it and will
value both your practical contribution and
contact with you.
I have volunteered for meals on Wheels, assisted with transport and as a driver.”
Volunteer Driver Meetings
The next Volunteer Drivers meeting will be
10th February 2015
2pm till 3pm at the SES building
The following meeting will be on 14th April
This is a great opportunity to meet fellow
drivers share information and have some
training to assist you with your role as a
volunteer and gain information
Looking forward to seeing you there.
VOLUNTEERS
The arrival of the New Year can mean something different to all of us, but for two of our
Volunteers it means retirement.
Gloria Morris and Shirley Hampton have been
Volunteers with our Meals on Wheels Service
and will be sorely missed by both NeighbourCongratulations to the following volunteers who
care and our consumers in the community.
have completed 20 years of volunteering for Meals on
Gloria and Shirley have been partners since
Wheels.
2004 and have formed a close friendship
 Helen Atkins
through role. We at Neighbourcare sincerely
 Margaret Shearman
thank Gloria & Shirley for the kindness and
 Irene Muddle
dedication shown throughout the years and
 Pat Penman
Awesome effort, thank you for your commitment to
wish them both all the best for the future.
our community
THANK YOU
Volunteers play a very important role in our
organisation and are often our eyes and ears to
the world we therefore encourage you to reVolunteer surveys out shortly! port all concerns you may have or happenings
As part of our commitment to provide quality whilst out on your delivery run. We thank you
services to our consumers, we will shortly be for all care taken. New Volunteers welcome.
sending out a simple survey to ALL volunteers
to seek your input about what it is like to be a
volunteer with Dungog & District Neighbourcare Inc. We will want to know about your role
and any issues you may have. We know you are
busy and it’s just another thing to be done, but
we will appreciate you taking the time so we
can be sure that your experience of volunteering
is the best it can be. It will come with a selfaddressed envelope or you can drop it in at the
office.
Volunteers News
A bit about your safety !
Work Health and Safety plays a big role in our daily working life, with Government setting the Standards and
Regulations for all to follow.
Baskets – we encourage you to use a basket to assist carrying the meal items from the vehicle to the home of
the consumer . The use of a basket is for your safety and helps to prevent any items being dropped or burning/
scalding to yourself.
Hand Sanitiser – can assist against the spread of germs and bacteria, especially when visiting a number of
homes consecutively. A quick pat of a friendly dog, cat etc. can increase the risk for vulnerable people and yourself, please use sanitizer in-between deliveries.
Sunscreen – helps to prevent against UVA and UVB radiation from the sun, by not using it, it places you at a
greater risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Please SLIP SLOP SLAP. Neighbourcare hats are available, please
ask at the office
Badges –You are strongly encouraged to wear your Neighbourcare name badge when volunteering. Our new
badges have only your first name and not your surname on them. If yours is the older style or lost or damaged,
please add your name to the sheet provided at the sign in book and you will be issued with a new one.
Safety Vest – are now used by Volunteer’s across Australia while delivering services. When, you are out on
the road and need to be seen and kept safe a vest will assist to do this. We are currently looking at implementing
vests on our runs, so we will keep you informed.
The baskets, sunscreen and sanitiser can be found at the Volunteer cupboard on the veranda of the Hospital
Kitchen. At Tocal College, they are in the foyer in the pick-up area
If you would like to speak about this or any other issues please phone the office on 49923348.
Work Health & Safety information
January 2015
Duties of Workers under the WHS Act 2011
We need to remember that under the WHS Act 2011, Workers includes paid staff and volunteers.
The duty of care of workers is to take reasonable care in relation to their health and safety and the health and
safety of others as per the WHS Act 2011, s28 (a) & (b)
For example: Bullying is a breach of that duty along with psychological harm which is as much an offence as
physical harm.
Workers also have an additional duty to follow the reasonable directions of the person conducting the business
in relation to work health & safety matters.
There are at least six elements of the workers duties which are set out below. (please note that worker duties is a
separate item to due diligence)
KNOW – A Worker must make themselves aware of their legal obligations. They should know what rights they
have, such as the right to stop work if it is unsafe.
LEARN – A Worker has the obligation to participate in the training provided by the person conducting the business and to acquire the relevant knowledge, skill or instruction provided.
ENGAGE – A Worker has the obligation to engage with the person conducting the business in relation to work
health and safety matters. This may include participating in consultation about their relevant working environments, completion of risk assessments, safe work practices and consumer support plans.
REPORT – A Worker has an obligation to report risks and to report incidents.
COMPLY – A Worker has an obligation to comply with requirements of any safety management systems that is
in place. That is to comply with work health & safety policies and procedures that the person conducting the
business has in place.
VERIFY – A Worker has an obligation to inspect and verify that the immediate working environment is safe
before commencing work activities.
We are seeking Short Term Volunteers – If your New Years Resolution was to volunteer
some of your time we can accommodate you for a 12 month commitment.
Call Kim on 49923348
March 2015
Mon
2
Tai Chi
Tu e
3
Gresford / Dungog
9
Tai Chi
10 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
16 Tai Chi
17 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
23 Tai Chi
24 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
30 Tai Chi
Tuesday
Therapy
We d
Thu
4 Men’s Group 5Shopper Bus
Yoga
How to Marry a
Millionaire
11Men’s Group 12 Thursday
Yoga
Shopper Bus
18 Men’s Group 19 Thursday
Shopper Bus
Yoga
25 Yoga
26 Thursday
Shopper Bus
Daycare/social
support Outing
Fri
6
Care & Share
Friday Shopper
13Care & Share
Friday Shopper
20Care & Share
Friday Shopper
27Care & Share
Friday Shopper
31 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
April 2015
Mon
Tu e
We d
1 Men’s Group
Yoga
6
Easter
Monday
13 Tai Chi
Gresford / Dungog
20 Tai Chi
Gresford / Dungog
27 Tai Chi
Gresford / Dungog
7
Tuesday
Therapy
14 Tuesday
Therapy
21 Tuesday
Therapy
28 Tuesday
Therapy
Thu
2
Thursday
Shopper Bus
8 Men’s Group 9
Yoga
Thursday
Shopper Bus
15 Men’s Group 16 Thursday
Yoga
Shopper Bus
22 Men’s Group 23 Thursday
Yoga
29 Yoga
Daycare/social
support Outing
Shopper Bus
Fri
3 Good
Friday
10Care & Share
Friday Shopper
17Care & Share
Friday Shopper
24Care & Share
Friday Shopper
30 Thursday
Shopper Bus
This calendar may change due to unforeseen circumstances, please check with the
Neighbourcare office to confirm or if unsure of details.
May 2015
Mon
Tu e
We d
Thu
Fri
1 Care & Share
Friday Shopper
4 Tai Chi
5 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
11 Tai Chi
6 Men’s Group 7 Shopper Bus
Yoga
12 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
Rear Window
13 Men’s Group 14 Thursday
Yoga
Shopper Bus
8 Care & Share
Friday Shopper
15Care & Share
Friday Shopper
National Volunteers Week
18 Tai Chi
19 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
25 Tai Chi
26 Tuesday
Therapy
Gresford / Dungog
20 Men’s Group 21 Thursday
Yoga
27 Yoga
Daycare/social
support Outing
Shopper Bus
28 Thursday
Shopper Bus
22 Care & Share
Friday Shopper
29Care & Share
Friday Shopper
June 2015
Mon
1
Tu e
2
8 Queen’s
Birthday
15 Tai Chi
Gresford / Dungog
22 Tai Chi
Gresford / Dungog
29 Tai Chi
Gresford / Dungog
9
Tuesday
Therapy
Tuesday
Therapy
16 Tuesday
Therapy
23 Tuesday
Therapy
We d
3
Men’s Group
Yoga
Thu
4
Thursday
Shopper Bus
10 Men’s Group 11 Thursday
Yoga
Shopper Bus
17 Men’s Group 18 Thursday
Yoga
24 Yoga
Daycare/social
support Outing
Shopper Bus
Fri
5 Care & Share
Friday Shopper
12Care & Share
Friday Shopper
19Care & Share
Friday Shopper
25 Shopper Bus 26Care & Share
The man who shot
liberty Valance
Friday Shopper
30 Tuesday
Therapy
This calendar may change due to unforeseen circumstances, please check with the
Neighbourcare office to confirm or if unsure of details.
Did You Know that Neighbourcare is a Mandatory Reporting Agent….?
This means that if we are aware or informed of abuse or suspected abuse to the elderly
(and children) we must report it to the authorities for investigation. Listed below is an
overview of what is classified as abuse.
Forms of Abuse of Older People:
Financial and Material Abuse: the illegal or improper use of an older person's finances
or property. It may include stealing, misappropriating money, forcing changes to a will
or other legal documents or misusing Power of Attorney.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse: inflicting mental anguish through actions that
cause fear of violence, isolation or deprivation, and feelings of shame and powerlessness. It may include threats of physical harm, threats of institutionalisation, withdrawal
of affection (e.g. refusing access to grandchildren), removal of decision-making powers,
or preventing access to services.
Physical Abuse: the infliction of physical pain or injury. This can include inappropriately restraining or confining, inappropriately medicating, and damage to property.
Sexual Abuse: unwanted sexual behaviour including rape, indecent assault, sexual
harassment or inappropriate touching.
Neglect: the failure of a carer to provide the necessities of life to a person for whom
they are caring. Neglect can be intentional or unintentional
Social Abuse: preventing a person from having contact with friends or family, or access
to social activities.
If you are concerned phone;
1800 628 221 - Anyone can make the call
The NSW Helpline & Resource Unit offers a helpline that provides information, support
and referrals for people who experience, witness or suspect the abuse of older people
living in community in NSW ( from http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/)
Carers – who are they?
Carers play a significant and valuable role for the person they care for and support, as
well as for the broader community.
Many people who are frail or have a disability can only continue to live at home because
of the practical, emotional and economic support their carer provides.
The Australian Government has funded a Carer Resource to provide information and advice to carers. Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres can assist with referrals, counselling, support and resources on a wide range of topics including:
■ carer support groups
■ home help
■ financial entitlements
■ support services and
■ arranging respite.
Most of the services provided are free. The NSW Carer Resource Centre is operated by
Carers NSW and can be contacted on 1800 242 636 (free call).
Don’t forget to sign up, before the end of March, for direct debit payment of your account and be in the draw
for a $50.00 IGA voucher. See page 2 for details.
Down Memory Lane at the James Theatre
Join us for the following Movies at the
historic James as part of Down Memory
Lane 2015.
5th March How to Marry a Millionaire
staring Marilyn Munroe and Lauren Bacall
& Betty Gable
7th May Rear Window staring James
Stewart & Grace Kelly.
25th June The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Staring John Wayne Jimmy Stewart
& Lee Marvin
Cost is just $15 and includes the movie
and Devonshire Tea. 930 am start,
transport can be provided.
Booking Transports!
It would be helpful if when booking transport
you gave the coordinator ALL the details of
your request. These includes additional stops
you would like to make such as the chemist,
corner shop for milk or the Library to get a
book. Often you will be travelling with others
or the driver may have other bookings or things
to do. This would enable the services to support
you , our Volunteers and the staff more efficiently. Thank you for your help.
When Making Appointments
For all our Transport consumers when you are
travelling to Medical/Hospital appointments
please advise the medical receptionist that you
are travelling with Community Transport as this
will assist with your appointment times.
GOING OUT ON A MEALS ON WHEELS DAY
If you are heading out for the day and won't be
home to receive your Fresh Meal on Wheels delivery, please phone the office so arrangements
can be made, likewise for any holiday's, family
stays or trips out of town or to hospital all information helps us provide a better service to you
Stepping On
We will be conducting a Stepping On program at Clarence Town shortly. These classes
are designed to rebuild your confidence, restore your balance and improve your lifestyle
by working together with simple effective
exercises, shared knowledge to assist you in
your day to day life. These classes are free
and are to be conducted one day per week
over seven weeks for approximately two
hours. You will receive up to date information in relation to personal safety and
awareness, what to be aware of with your
medications, lifestyle, household layout, in
the community, etc., and a host of other very
valuable material to assist you to continue to
live your life in the manner you wish. If you
or someone you know is interested in attending these classes please call our office and
speak to Yvonne or Kath.
We have a large variety of Frozen Meals to
choose from including breakfast items,
Soups, Beef, Veal, Pork, Chicken, Fish, and
Vegetarian along with Desserts. We are also
able to cater for Specialised Diets, Low Salt,
Low Potassium, Gluten Free and Cut Up or
Pureed Meals. All are available to order and
a booklet is available, if you wish to receive
a copy please contact the office. 49923348
We also keep a selection of frozen meals at
the Neighbourcare Office which you are
able to purchase straight from our freezer.
Aider Programme
Is designed to reduce bush fire hazards on
people’s properties that are in a bush fire
prone area. They provide a one-off service
to support vulnerable residents on bush fire
prone land to live safely and confidently in
their homes. For details phone either the office or Aider direct on 0287414955
25th March 2015
Gloucester Gander
Departure: Dungog Railway Station 9 a.m. Return: 3 p.m.
Join us for a trip to Gloucester, a gander of the museum and a glimpse of the town,
before having a great lunch!
29th April 2015
Honeysuckle Hike
Departure: Dungog Railway Station 9 a.m.
Pick up at Clarence Town by 9.30 a.m. Return: 3 p.m.
Let’s take a (bus) hike into Honeysuckle, an hour to hint at what is to offer, then time for
hungry people to hunker down for lunch! What a honey of an idea!!!
27th May 2015
Magical Mystery Meander
Departure: Dungog Railway Station 9 a.m. Return: 3 p.m.
You never know where we might end up, but it will include a bus trip, some terrific food and
hopefully somewhere where you have not been for a while…. Curious? The only way to find
out is to book yourself in for this one!
24th June 2015
Meeting Maitland Again!
Departure: Dungog Railway Station 9 a.m.
Pick up at Clarence Town by 9.30 a.m. Return: 3 p.m.
A meeting to reacquaint you with some of the majestic historical buildings and heritage of the
Maitland area, followed by a marvellous pub lunch! What more could you ask for?
Consumer Survey Results
Towards the end of last year we asked consumers to
complete a satisfaction survey to identify any ways we
could improve the services we provide to you. Here is
a summary of what you told us.
From those who returned a survey,
 86% said they were very satisfied with their service
and 13% said they were mostly satisfied with their
services.
 The only comment made about how we could improve services was a comment about the meat provided in the Meals on Wheels meals.
 100% stated they are receiving services they require to remain living at home.
 89% of consumers said they feel very comfortable
with our staff and 11% said they feel quite comfortable with our staff.
 89% of consumers said they found the information
provided by Neighbourcare very useful and 11%
said it was mostly useful.
 97% of consumers said we assist them to meet their
goals and lifestyle choices.
 97% of consumers said if they had a complaint or
suggestion about the service they would feel comfortable ringing the office to discuss it.
 65% of the consumers, who answered this question,
said they were aware that someone could be their
advocate and 22% said they did not know about advocacy.
Thank you to all who responded to the survey the outcomes will enable us to assist you better.
This is a new small group
designed to give you an
opportunity to meet and chat with
friends over a meal.
Read Meet ’n’ Eat
12th March
then on the 2nd Thursday of each
month
Dungog Day Care Centre
Hospital Road
11am-1pm
You will have the opportunity to
chat about topics of interest to you
Share a fresh cooked meal
Borrow large print books.
Free transport available with the
hoist bus in the Dungog area.
For bookings contact Kim
49923348
Eating together is so much more enjoyable than eating alone!
What is an Advocate? Who can be my Advocate?
If you would like to ask someone to be your advocate, the following information will explain what is involved
If you appoint an Advocate it may mean that their attendance or involvement will be required when your assessments and reviews are being conducted. You may ask your Advocate to communicate or negotiate with us around
the services you receive or lodge a complaint on your behalf.
You are able to change your Advocate whenever you wish and we request that a new Authority Form is completed
each time so that we are clear on who your current Advocate is.
A copy of an Authority Form is to be completed by you and your Advocate and returned to Neighbourcare before
they can commence this role of Advocate. Our staff can give you additional copies of this form if required.
You and your Advocate should be aware of the following:
 Advocate must give their authority to act on your behalf and can relinquish the role at any time
 Neighbourcare must be aware of who is acting as an Advocate
 An Advocate is required to act in the best interests of the person they are representing
 An Advocate is made aware of any issues or developments which the consumer may be involved in.
 Consumer to provide feedback to Advocate about matters you, consumer, is involved in.
 Advocate to advise services about any changes in the consumers circumstances and/or changes in their care
needs
 Advocate is prepared to relinquish the role of Advocate should the person wish this to occur.
Quotable Quotes
To thinking without acting is thoughtless, to think
without acting is wasteful. - Anon
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. — Betty Friedan
Did you know…
The Advanced Care Planning Workbook can
help you think about the health decisions you
may need to make and how to discuss your
wishes with your carer and family.
A copy of the workbook is available from
www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Preparing for emergency situations
Your assessment process will involve a discussion of
Please remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the plans you have in place for emergency situations like
floods & fires and any assistance you may require
day, especially in our warmer months. Being hydrated
during such an event. We will discuss ways you can
can assist with good bodily function. Common symptoms of Dehydration are:prepare for these events and/or put you in touch with
dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, dark yellow urine, organisations that can assist you in this regard. Your
loss of appetite, fainting. (Health Direct Australia)
emergency plans will also be noted on your Support
Plan.
More than 6 million Australian volunteers give happiness to others each year. And
research says that those volunteers are happier as a result. So this National Volunteer
Week (11-17 May 2015), help us make Australia the happiest place on earth, by giving as much of your time as you can. Give Happy. Live Happy
EMAIL CONTACT
We at Neighbourcare recognise that many of you are connected to the internet so we would love to be
able to send you the newsletter and other relevant information by email. If you would like to do this
please reply by email to kerry@neighbourcare.org.au This would be a much more cost effective way
to keep you informed and communicate.
JOKE CORNER …
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. ''But why?'' they
asked, as they moved off. ''Because,'' he said ''I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.''
There was a man who entered a local paper's pun contest.. He sent in ten different puns, in the hope that at
least one of the puns would win. Unfortunately, no pun
in ten did.
I tried water polo but my horse drowned.
Dungog & District Neighbourcare is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments. It is managed by
Board made up of local community members. For further information Contact the General Manager Kerry Board or the
Service Manager Cherylin Brown on 49923348