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DVIJE STVARI

Ide djed u dućan i kaže mu baba: - Kupi dvije stvari, zapamti, dvije stvari: kruh i mlijeko. Varaća se djed i nosi četkicu za zube, a baba će: A gdje ti je pasta?!

******** Draga, što ima za ručak? Ništa mili! Pa i jučer je bilo "ništa"! E, pa skuhala sam za dva dana...

******** Pita Mujo Fatu: Kako se ti ne iznerviraš kad se izderem na tebe? Fata će smireno: Pa lijepo, odem da očistim WC. A kako ti to pomaže? Koristim tvoju četkicu za zube!

******** Što je ironija? Kada ti cijeli život sole pamet, a na kraju umreš od šećera

Healthy Hint for December

Walk each day for 20 minutes with a loved one/friend, alternating your walking

speed from fast to slow every 2 minutes to improve your health.

FUN CORNER

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Direct Care Workers

CHRONICLE

December 2013

Contents

Welcome

DCW Corner

OHS

From Marina’s Desk

From Gordana’s Desk

From the Brokerages

Desks

DCWs PD

Christmas Recipes

Multicultural Award for

Excellence.

Fun Corner

Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Chronicle!

The year is coming to a close and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all once again for the amazing and passionate care that are part of your daily routines at ACCS.

It has been a year of change and challenges and I thank you for your patience and resilience.

Everybody works ‘above and beyond’ and your ongoing enthusiasm and support for our clients is much appreciated.

I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and a safe New Year.

Silvana, Brokerage Services Liaison Officer - Dandenong

Volume 2 Issue 4

Kindness is the

language which deaf

can hear and the blind

can see.

~Mark Twain

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DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner

Following pay period 09/12 – 22/12 – please note ALL THE PAPERWORK related to this pay period needs to be submitted by 3.00 pm Monday 23 December as it needs to be processed by 5.00 pm on that Monday 23rd. Failure to submit paperwork by 3.00 pm result in no pay until the following pay period.

ACCS is processing pays from 7.00 am on Tuesday 24/12, therefore salary packaging payments will be in your accounts from 25 December onwards (depending on which bank or credit union you are with).

ACCS OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION

Tuesday 24 December Christmas Eve – offices close at 1.00 pm

Wednesday 25 December CHRISTMAS DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY office closed

Thursday 26 December BOXING DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY office closed

Friday 27 December office closed

Monday 30 December office closed

Tuesday 31 December office closed

Wednesday 1 January NEW YEARS DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY office closed

Thursday 2 January 2014 offices opened for business

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It is official! On Wednesday night, December 4th 2013, Australian Croatian Community Services were recognised for Meritorious Service to the Community and received Victoria’s 2013 Multicultural Award for Excellence.

This memorable event was held at the Governor’s House and the award was received by His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov, AC, QC, Governor of Victoria.

What a great achievement for our organisation – and credit to you all, past and present founders, members and staff! THANK YOU!

Big ‘thank you” also to Jenny Matic, who nominated us!. It was also pleasing to see that another Croatian organisation received the Award (Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria). Congratulations to HKUD LADO Geelong!

Photo: Jenny Matic (left), Florio Skratulja (right), president of ‘Lado” and Franci Buljat - CEO.

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CROATIAN CHRISTMAS CAKE

Sastojci

tijesto

4 dcl jogurta

2 jaja

2 paketićavanil šećera

malo soli

2 žličice šećera

20 žlica glatkog brašna

1 paketić praška za pecivo

1 žlica rakije

ulje za prženje Priprema

1 Umješati sve sastojke, da se dobije

glatka smjesa.

Ukoliko vidite da vam je smjesa rijetka

(da se razljeva iz žlice) slobodno dodajte

još koju žlicu brašna!

2 Vaditi žličicom (i drugom si pomagati

odvajati, ili prstom) smjesu i pržiti u

vručem ulju. Ulje ne smije biti prevruče.

3 Čim, porumene (a to je brzo), okrenuti

na drugu stranu i pustiti da se isprži do

kraja. Ukolko pečete u dosta ulja, da

lijepo plivaju, one se počnu same

okretati.

4 Vaditi u zdjelu u koju ste na dno

metnuli papirnati ručnik ili salvetu da

upije višak ulja.

5 Posipati štaub šećerom. Poslužiti.

Christmas Lunch - Croatian House Footscray

A special thank to you, DCWs and volunteers who helped our clients attend Christmas Lunch

on 03 December 2013.

Without you we could not be able to achieve such a high number of clients attending the

lunch on the day.

“The smiles on “their’s” faces were priceless…”

Special thanks to organisers of this lovely event; Lily, Senada, Danijela and Darko from HACC

Department as well as CACP and Brokerage liaison officers and all other staff whose in any

way helped this event become a ‘success’.

‘Since my arrival to Australia 30 years ago, I have never been to a place like this. I absolutely

enjoyed every minute of it…” - Stana Beslic

“The day was very special. The carers were so helpful, and caring, - I have no words to

describe it.” Excellent job…” - Teresa Matotek

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DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner DCW Corner

Photo Identification Badges

All Care Workers should have their photo identification

badge. It informs others that you are a staff member from

the organisation.

Please see your manager if you have not received yours.

The identification needs to be worn so that it is visible when you are arriving at

client homes. As it is on a lanyard you may find it helpful to put it inside your shirt

or take it off when doing tasks that require bending over (probably most tasks).

Having the photos has also created another idea. I would like to make team posters

so that we can proudly show off all our fantastic staff. It is anticipated a team

poster would be at most A3 in size and would be only used in the office area.

Please come and see Silvana if this causes you any concern.

If a service user wishes to give you a gift, you must advise ACCS and obtain CACP Program Manager approval so that family, their carer or administrator can be notified. A note must also be made and signed The Gift form by the service user in the Communication Book. This is an important protection for you against possible accusations of theft or improper use of your position to obtain benefit.

It is ACCS policy that staff MUST not accept gifts from clients.

Staff are, in no way, to undertake any discussions or take part in organising the

service user’s Will and/or deciding upon the service user’s possessions. If a

service user discusses this topic with a carer this is to be immediately reported

to CACP Program Manager.

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SAFE WORKING CHECK LIST

Should you be doing the task?

Plan how you will carry it out

Prepare the work area

Check the equipment you will use

Maintain good posture

Handle the load safely

Look out for hazards and risks

Leave the work area clear and tidy

Report any safety concerns

BACK OFF

Protect your body with

SAFE MANUAL HANDLING

Bend your knees

Abdominals braced

Close to and facing the load

Keep your back straight

1. Plug your PDL powerguard into a fixed socket outlet and switch socket ON.

2. Press RESET button to activate your PDL Powerguard. The indicator will change from BLACK to RED.

3. Switch OFF socket outlet, then check that the Indicator has changed to BLACK. If this does not occur, remove your PDL Powerguard and contact a qualified service agent for advice, before use.

4. Switch ON socket outlet again and press RESET button to acivate your PDL Powerguard. The indicator will change from BLACK to RED.

5. Press TEST button, then check that the indicator has changed to BLACK. If this does not occur, remove PDL

Powerguard and contact a qualified service agent for advice, before use.

6. Press RESET button again to activate your PDL Powerguard. The indicator will change from BLACK to RED.

7. Plug required appliance or tool into your PDL Powerguard and operate as

normal.

HOW TO USE YOUR PDL POWERGUARD

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Communication and Computers 4 Work - Dandenong

Computer access for Direct Care Workers

Check it out. Not so confident with computers? No worries, come and ask for Silvana and she

will show you how easy it really is! At the click of a mouse you will have:

nternet Access – want to know more about a particular health condition? Google or check

out the Better Health Channel website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, check your

email through webmail.

Feel free to drop in during breaks where you have some time on your hands.

I am in Footscray Office on Mondays and Wednesdays and in Dandenong Office

on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Silvana - Brokerage Liaison Officer 0421 566 041

Farewell to a very passionate and dedicated

Brokerage DCW Linda Kovacevic (left) - pictured

with Silvana, Brokerage liaison officer and we

welcomed a new DCW Ivanka Garic (right) to a

Brokerage Team on South and East Regions.

Miroslav, Katica, Ivanka and Zdenka

Combination of computers and English lessons will help DCWs increase their knowledge in

reading and writing and to improve their verbal skill helping them better report to their

Managers about client issues. Last lesson (week eight) is ending on the 18 December 2013.

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Due to high demand for home care support services, and not having enough of its own packages, ACCS continues to offer other agencies practical fee for service assistance in providing care for their clients. Direct care workers are matched specifically to complement the needs and personalities of the agencies' clients. Our support workers are trained through extensive training programs. Currently, there are 10 DCWs in the North West and 5 in the South East who form part of the brokerage team. Brokerage currently provides services to 46 clients through 13 external agencies. These agencies include:

The Brokerage Service Liaison Officer’s role is designed to assist with the following;

▪ Respond to home support service needs to current clients in Metropolitan Melbourne on CACPs and EACH packages

▪ Promoting and negotiating Brokerage Services to outside agencies and advocating for clients awaiting services

▪ Liaising with other relevant service providers and maintaining service agreements

▪ Researching, collating and preparing material and information for Brokerage Service program as required and reviewing policies and procedures

▪ Management of direct care staff through quarterly supervision sessions, regular DCW staff meetings and annual KPI’s

▪ Managing staff related issues such as leave, regular training and ensuring staff satisfaction.

▪ Participating in relevant meetings, networks and professional development activities

Brokerage North West also has been allocated four disabled parking permits by the local council which has greatly improved accessibility for clients and staff. Work continues on the brokerage policies and procedures manuals as the brokerage department extends its scope to provide private brokerage services to clients.

Brokerage Team

Silvana Pavlovski - South and East Mirjana Mihoc - North and West

FROM THE BROKERAGE DESKS

Benetas RDNS CareConnect Community Support Options AccessCare Southern

Baptcare Villa Maria Brotherhood of St Laurence Carers Victoria City of Melbourne

ISIS Southern Cross Care Salvation Army

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Slips, trips and falls Stairs/steps and slippery surfaces present a likely hazard. Stairs and steps ¨ Look where you are stepping ¨ Walk up and down them slowly and do not rush ¨ Do not skip steps, stand on every tread Wet and slippery surfaces ¨ Avoid walking on wet surfaces until dry ¨ If you have to enter the area then take slow short steps ¨ Don’t be in a hurry ¨ Pay attention to where and how you are walking ¨ Keep you hands free for support in case you begin to fall

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From Marina’s Desk

As another succeful year comes to an end,

I would like to thank NW CACPs DCWs

Mirjana, Milena, Ermina, Berta, Steven

and Bozena who have done a great job

week in and out. I have to say how proud

I am to have such a great team who are

doing their job with such passion and

dedication.

Christmas lunch for the CACPs clients was held at the Croatian House in Footscray.

There has been excellent attendance of 21 NW CACPs client who enjoyed eating

delicious traditional Croatian food complemented by Croatian songs which ensured

this small event made a big impact on their life. It was fantastic to see our clients

enjoying the program organised for them. At the end, each client has received

ACCS’s newsletter ‘Skrbnik’ and a small Christmas present.

This year we celebrated the five years since DCW

Milena Konjevic started to work with ACCS. I

am extremely proud of having her part of my

team.

Whatever your hopes and aspirations are, I hope

2014 is the year that sees them comes to life.

I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year surrounded by your loved ones.

Marina Rozic; Program manager

Milena with Marina and Franci Buljat-CEO

Berta, Mirjana, Bozena, Marina, Milena and Ermina

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From Gordana’s Desk

As we reflect on what we are grateful for on this year’s Thanksgiving, let's remember the

priceless direct-care workers who provide long-term services and supports to our

community’s elders and people living with disabilities.

A Day in the Life of a Care Worker Zdenka Ambros

6am – Oh boy, the alarm goes off. I jump out of bed and somehow find the way to the

bathroom. I scream as I realise the scary person facing me is in fact me. I am now wide awake

ready to take on the world of caring. I grab my bag and double check I have enough gloves,

timesheets, aprons and, most importantly, the smile is on my face.

7.30 am – I am running out of the door to do a 30 km drive to my first client.

8.00am –at exactly 8 am I enter the home of my first client who usually greets me with a

smile and cheerful “hello”. We have our regular morning talk and I catch up with my client’s

wellbeing. I check how she is, how she feels and I also check the communication book from

the night before to see if there are any issues or concerns I have to follow up. I organize

myself (washing hands, putting on gloves and aprons) and proceed to assist my client with

personal care and/or home care... I leave at 10.00am and I make my way to my next client.

10.15 am – My second client greets me at the door and we chat about the latest news, the

weather and, of course, we make a fuss of her dear little dog who loves to bark at me until I

acknowledge she is beautiful and I say “hello” to her. I make a cup of coffee and get on with

the domestic chores. I love listening to client’s conversations with her adored dog that is

clearly her best friend .I leave at 11.15 am ready to drive to my next client at 11.45am.

11.45 am - I arrive at my next client. My client needs some time to open the door as she is

using her walking frame. I have to keep in mind that she doesn’t like me to address her as

‘BAKA’ but Mrs. This client loves her independence therefore she informs me every time

what she would like assistance with. Today she wants me to make the bed, clean the kitchen

and make us a lunch. She likes companionship and to talk to me about her past and children. I

then leave at 13.45 pm. Time to run to my next client.

14.15pm - I assist my client to clean up the kitchen as she made her lunch and we chat about

the morning’s events and her plans to see her family at the weekend. Mission accomplished.

16.15 pm - I arrive to my last client for this day. The client is in a good mood and is very

happy to see me. She wants me to take her for a walk before she goes to bad. We return after

30 min and I assist her with preparing light dinner. I turn on her favourite channel on the TV

and leave her as comfortable as possible with a cup of tea and a sandwich. I

leave at 6.15 pm.

6.45 pm I arrive home and just chill. Tomorrow is another day.

Zdenka with a client Blazena