NEWSLETTER

June 2015

COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT

Hello everyone. Winter is upon us so I hope that you are all keeping warm. It is a bit of a change for our new team leader, Sandra who hails from warmer climes. However Sandra has hit the deck running and won’t have time to get cold! There is so much news already for this newsletter that I am just going to opt for a quick

word only. Thanks for completing the surveys. Please remember that we welcome and

encourage feed on our services. As with our other services, this newsletter is a partnership between consumers and staff, and we encourage you to contribute. If you require assistance to contribute, please contact Life Choices –Support Services staff on 67302500.

Kind regards Janine Johnson

What a wonderful welcome I have had since joining the team here at Life Choices – Support Services. I have had a great time meeting everyone who attends the groups that come to the different activities that are held during the month. Not long ago, our consumer survey was completed by many of you. Well, the results are in and available for you to review. Please let us know if at any time you would like to provide us feedback. There is a section at the back of the newsletter for your feedback or you can call in and see us, or telephone. The Direct Support Team has been very busy indeed, and by the look of their photos, up to quite a bit of fun at Farmability. Tony and Kim have been helping out in all sorts of places and getting lots of services organised for new and existing consumers. Judi and her team are progressing well with the HCP reviews and are asking their consumers to think about ways to keep healthy, fit and participating in social and community activities. There is a great selection of gentle exercise and Tai Chi session that are run each week that may just suit. I attended a class and unfortunately for Noel had such a great time that I have talked him into running a session once a week for the Life Choices – Support Services team so we all stay fit and healthy too. The group out at Yetman certainly are an active lot. I hear that they are into lots of sewing, craft and therapeutic shopping for fabric. I am looking forward to visiting out there in the near future to get in on the act with Charmaine. There are a lot of changes happening in the way funding is provided for the support services you receive. The Administration and Intake team have started the ball rolling with some information about the Federal Government’s My Aged Care program. We are setting up a room in the building so that if or when you need to call My Aged Care you can come and see us and we will help you through. The HACC team have also been busy. Activities have been to an outing to Bingara with lunch at the Roxy Greek Cafe, National Volunteers Week, and Reconciliation Week. Trips have recommenced to the Moree Artesian Spa Baths and a luncheon at the Great Central Hotel is also planned. Meals on Wheels continues with the amazing volunteers like a well oiled machine.

Disability Support team have been out and about as much as the HACC team over the last few weeks. There have been outings to Armidale to visit the Museum of Antiquities and the Glen Innes Bowling Club. One of the activities planned is a game of ten pin bowling at the Shake, Rattle ‘n’ Bowl followed by lunch in Inverell. Other activities that are available to enjoy include the cooking program, tai chi/gentle exercise, library visits, music, woodwork and Easy Moves for Active Ageing.

Regional Disability Support Services team have been heads down and full steam ahead finalising lots of things including respite for eligible carers. A special mention of appreciation goes out to our volunteers. It was wonderful to meet so many of you at the National Volunteers Week celebration. The services we provide would not be the same without you.... Thank you. As you can see, there is a lot going on and I have a big job ahead of me, but with the support of the team and amazing volunteers, I believe that this will be the best time of my life. Take care and I look forward to seeing you at your next visit to Life Choices – Support Services. Regards Sandra Royal

Consumer Survey Results

The results are in for the 2014-15 Life Choices – Support Services Consumer Survey. Thank you all that participated in the 2014-15 Consumer Survey. It is exceptionally important for us to have your feedback either through the Consumer Survey or during the year as it is used to continually improve the way we work with you. Below are charts of the results.

DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES After a cold finish to autumn we can now look forward to the official start of winter, 1 June. The sooner winter starts the sooner it can finish! I am very pleased to have returned to our Direct Support Team following some relief duties as the acting Team Leader Life Choices – Support Services. Whilst it was a good opportunity and a learning experience, the Team Leader position is a move away from the ‘hands on duties’ associated with Direct Support and I am pleased to be back in more familiar surrounds. Special thanks to Kim Newberry and the team for maintaining the high level of service delivery during my absence. I recently had the opportunity to meet a few more of our consumers whilst standing in for our maintenance worker Stephen. It is always good to put a face to the names we see every day and also to visit some of the many places in which you all live. The next few months shall prove interesting with changes in several areas of our business including government funding and the expansion of the Direct Support Team. I wish everyone a happy and healthy winter, rug up and keep warm!! Regards, Anthony Williams, Direct Support Services Supervisor

Direct Support Staff with consumers at Farmability

Life is in the fast lane as the end of the financial year is coming up very quickly. We are looking at all the HCP budgets and your support facilitator will be contacting you shortly regarding next year’s services with some of you have already been contacted.

If you have a HCP please think of new aims for the coming year. Ideally things that will make your life in the community better, and keep your health and wellbeing on the up and up. Some things to think could be to add a gym session to your package or chair exercises, maybe Yoga, whatever makes you happier and healthier.

For consumers on the National Respite for Carers program, there are to be some changes as these are to meld with other services to become the Commonwealth Home Support Program which we will soon have the guidelines for. You’re Life Choices – Support Services Support Facilitator will contact you to discuss the changes and coordinate your transition to the new program if that is what you choose to do - more on this to follow in future newsletters.

During last month a few consumers went on a holiday to a farm near Copeton Dam that is all about Farmability and fun.

The ladies went on the first stay and I have been told they had a great time. They were night owls and then got to sleep in.

The Life Choices – Support Services staff that accompanied them were reported to have been a great support and made the outing even more entertaining.

The men went the following week and did some fishing and archery and a tour around the farm with lunch at Bundarra on the way home.

Good thoughts to all, Judi Handebo, Regional Aged Support Services Supervisor

The cooler weather is on its way so we are using our “sun room” for morning tea now. It’s great to look out on to the garden.

Inverell Shire Council have installed a new colour bond fence along the hall boundary , so we have a great place now to sit and meditate, stitch or just chat.

Ladies are continuing to turn out amazing projects, mostly quilts but they are on the third one in the last couple of months! Needless to say, we have been visiting many fabric shops and finding more.

We travelled to Warwick for fabric shopping but also found a great nursery (plants not babies) that also has wonderful gluten free food and lots more. We’ll be going back there.

A few of the ladies also travelled to Tamworth to check out the CWA state conference display of cakes, handicraft and recycling. There were some wonderful innovations. The main rug making prize was won by a gentleman who had woven a magnificent rug in Australian tartan. How many of us knew there actually was an Australian tartan – not me. These ladies also found a new fabric shop in Tamworth – more money spent and ideas flying around for the next quilt.

Coolatai days are well attended, friendship and stitching the main ingredients.

Now that the weather is getting cooler, we will be having more days in Yetman. Consumers are looking forward to conferring over new recipes, and planning and cooking these for the daycentre meal.

Until the Spring, stay warm and well – that’s all from us in Yetman. Charmaine Potter Support Facilitator, Yetman

Intake is getting ready for the Federal Government changes on how people will be referred to Life Choices – Support Services. The Regional Assessment Service (RAS for short) will start on 1 July 2015.

In July, people who require an assessment will need to phone a centralised telephone number for My Aged Care. Once the phone call is made, the RAS assessor will visit the person being referred and complete an assessment, after which the RAS assessor will send the referral and assessment to providers. If you choose, you can ask at the time of assessment to have your referral sent to Life Choices – Support Services. If you know of anyone who is getting assessed by the RAS then let them know that they can ask the assessor to put the referral to Life Choices – Support Services.

If you are a current consumer of Life Choices – Support services and you’re interested in finding information, eligibility and assessment, or services please phone your Support Facilitator at Life Choices – Support Services or 02 67302500.

If you are not a current consumer of Life Choices – Support Services and want some information on services, eligibility and assessment, come in and see us. We will help you with the My Aged Care website www.myagedcare.gov.au or telephone My Aged Care and help you through the process.

Also, just reminding everyone that your Life Choices – Support Services account can be paid over the telephone using a credit card. Just phone us on 02 67302435.

Take care, Jeffrey, Karen, Kim and Karen

During May, our consumers have enjoyed outings to Copeton Waters State Park and to the Museum of Antiquities at the University of New England in Armidale.

We are planning an outing to the Historic town of Bingara in June and will be having a lunch outing on 24 June to the Great Central Hotel in Glen Innes. Check out our calendar of events for more information or call us on 02 67302500.

Trips to the Moree Artesian Spa Baths have recommenced on a monthly basis during the cooler months. These natural mineral hot baths are renowned for relieving aching joints and muscles and are enjoyed by all during our visits.

11 – 17 May 2015 was National Volunteer Week. On 15 May we treated our wonderful volunteers to a relaxing afternoon. The volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation, a movie accompanied by popcorn and a delicious afternoon tea. The amazing contribution made by our volunteers enables our organisation to provide many services to our community.

27 May - 3 June 2015 was National Reconciliation Week. Our staff and consumers participated in a flag raising ceremony with the families and children at the Aboriginal Playgroup on 28 May and on 2 June had a yarn up to share memories and cultures, and a group artwork followed by lunch at the Life Choices - Support Services centre.

On 10 June 2015, there was an outing to Bingara to have lunch at the historic Roxy Greek Cafe and a tour of the Roxy Theatre and Greek Cafe Museum.

Our craft group has been busy crocheting and knitting soft toys and blankets to give to charity and to raffle. Earlier in the year they crocheted some lovely socks which will be donated to our local Aged Care facilities to keep the residents toes nice and warm.

If you are interesting in participating in any of our activities or want to receive information on what is happening around, please phone our team on 02 67302442.

Regards, Jane Claxton, Local Aged Support Services Supervisor

2015 Reconciliation Week celebrations

DISABILITY SERVICES Consumers in the Day Options Day program enjoyed an outing to Armidale. We visited the Museum of Antiquities at the University of New England. All who attended found it very interesting, looking at and taking photos of the many ancient items.

The Thursday Evening Outing to the Glen Innes Bowling Club saw 14 consumers attend. Our next Thursday Evening Outing will be at The Club Hotel Experience Bistro on Thursday 25 June 2015.

An outing has been planned to visit Inverell on Wednesday 17 June 2015 and have a game of ten pin bowling at Shake, Rattle ‘n’ Bowl. Lunch will be at the Inverell RSL Club and then the group will have time for some retail research.

Down at the Gunya, the frost has finally seen our tomato plants perish but there are hundreds of carrots popping their heads through the ground.

Other activities that are available for consumers to enjoy include the cooking program, tai chi/ gentle exercise, library visit, music, woodwork and Easy Moves for Active Ageing.

On behalf of the Day Options team, I would like to welcome Sandra Royal as our new team leader.

Until next time, Lindy Lute, Local Disability Support Services Supervisor

The Disability Respite and COPS–D section of Life Choices – Support Services has undergone some changes since our March 2015 Newsletter.

Glen Muggleton, Support Facilitator – Disability, has gone off to expand his horizons. We will all miss him and all wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

We welcome Jeffrey Burnet to the team. Jeffrey brings with him a wealth of knowledge and will be working alongside me to support you all.

There have been some temporary re-arrangements of program and staffing. COPS-D is under Judi Handebo’s supervision while we make adjustments to how we help our consumers.

Disability Respite is available throughout the 13 Local Government Areas that make the New England region. To qualify for help you need to be caring for someone with a disability that is recognised by the Ageing, Disability and Home Care branch of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services.

We will be contacting Disability Respite consumers to discuss how best we can help through support and chosen activities, this year and into the future.

Please feel free to call as we are only too happy to assist you with all your enquiries and questions. You can contact us on the Life Choices – Support Services general number 02 6730 2500 for information about the different services we offer.

Regards, Simon Kerry, Regional Disability Support Services Supervisor

Quotes of the Month

Recipe of the Month

CREAMY POTATO SOUP Ingredients

4 (6-ounce) red potatoes 2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 cup pre-chopped onion

1 1/4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups 1% low-fat milk, divided

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 bacon slices, halved

1.5 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/3 cup)

4 teaspoons thinly sliced green onions

Preparation

1. Pierce potatoes with a fork. Microwave on HIGH 13 minutes or until tender. Cut in half; cool slightly.

2. While potatoes cook, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté 3 minutes. Add broth. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk; add to pan with 1 1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; stir often. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper.

3. Arrange bacon on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel; microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes. Crumble bacon.

4. Discard potato skins. Coarsely mash potatoes into soup. Top with cheese, green onions, and bacon.

Jokes of the Month

Three Senior Pals

Three seniors are out for a stroll. One of them remarks, “It’s windy.” Another replies, “No way. It’s Thursday.” The last one says, “Me too. Let’s have a soda.”

Hearing Better Now

An elderly man was having hearing problems and went to see a specialist. The doctor fitted him with some hearing aids that brought his hearing back to full strength. After a few weeks the man came back to make sure the new equipment was working properly, which it was. The hearing specialist said, “It all seems perfect. Your family should be delighted you can hear everything now.” “Oh no,” the man responded. “I haven’t told any of them. I just sit quietly, listening carefully. I’ve changed my will four times.”

The Game

On an overseas flight, a lawyer and an older man were in adjoining seats. The lawyer asked the senior if he’d like to play a little game. The older man was tired, and he told the lawyer he only wanted to sleep. But the lawyer insisted the game was a lot of fun. “Here’s how it works,” he said. “I’ll ask you a question. If you can’t come up with the answer, you have to give me a dollar. Then it’s your turn to ask me one. But if I can’t answer it, I have to give you $20.”

The senior figured if he just got this over with, maybe he could get some sleep. So he agreed to play. The first question from the lawyer was “How far apart are the earth and the moon?” The senior stayed completely silent, reached for a dollar, and gave it to the lawyer. Then he said, “My turn. What walks upstairs backward and comes downstairs forward?”

The lawyer was stumped. He thought and thought. He tried to remember all the riddles he knew. He searched every corner of his brain. He even cheated and asked the flight attendants and other passengers. Finally he gave up. He woke up the older man and gave him a twenty. The senior stuffed the twenty in his coat and went immediately back to sleep. The lawyer couldn’t stand it. He woke up the older man and said, “I have to know. What walks upstairs backward and comes downstairs forward?” The senior got out his wallet, gave the lawyer a dollar, and went back to sleep.

Community Services

National Standards for Disability Services

Standard 3: Individual Outcomes

Your service supports you to make choices about what you want to do. You can work toward your goals.

You have the right to make choices about what you want to do.

The services you use should let you make your own decisions about:

what you want to do

how you will reach your goals.

What should my service do? Your service should:

let you make choices

help you make goals and support you to reach them

notice the things you are good at

let you seek support from other people – such as your family, friends, or an advocate – if you want to

work with other services if that’s what is needed to reach your goals

respect everything about you when you are making choices and decisions, including:

o your age o whether you are a man or woman o your cultural background, religion or faith o your sexuality o whether or not you are married.

Home Care Standards

Service user rights and responsibilities Principle: Each service user (and/or their representative) is provided with information to assist them to make service choices and has the right (and responsibility) to be consulted and respected. Service users (and/or their representative) have access to complaints and advocacy information and processes and their privacy and confidentiality and right to independence is respected. 3.1 Information provision Each service user, or prospective service user, is provided with information (initially and on an ongoing basis) in a format appropriate to their needs to assist them to make service choices and gain an understanding of the services available to them and their rights and responsibilities. 3.2 Privacy and confidentiality Each service user’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality is respected including in the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. 3.3 Complaints and service user feedback Complaints and service user feedback are dealt with fairly, promptly, confidentially and without retribution. 3.4 Advocacy Each service user’s (and/or their representative’s) choice of advocate is respected by the service provider and the service provider will, if required, assist the service user (and/or their representative) to access an advocate. 3.5 Independence The independence of service users is supported, fostered and encouraged.

Suggestions and Feedback

Life Choices – Support Services values your feedback on what we do well and what we can do better. If you feel that we have failed to abide by the agreement between you and Life Choices – Support Services in any way, or that we have done something particularly well, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

It is important to us that you are aware that by exercising your right to give negative feedback about our service your right to current or future services will not be affected.

This form can be completed and delivered to Life Choices – Support Services or posted to PO Box 95, Glen Innes, 2370, NSW. We appreciate the opportunity to improve our service delivery to clients and thank you for your input.

Your Name:

Your Address:

Your Phone Number:

Date Submitted:

Your suggestion or feedback:

What you would like to happen about this:

Thank you for taking the time to fill out this form. Please expect a written response within ten (10) days of lodging this letter. If you do not receive a response, please contact the Team Leader, Life Choices - Support Services on 02 6730 2500.

Office Use Only

Date received: Other Information:

Date reply sent:

Date added to CIR:

Filed by:

Please remember that we welcome and encourage feedback on our services. As with our other services, this newsletter is a partnership between consumers and staff, and we encourage you to contribute. If you require assistance to contribute, please contact us on 02 6730 2500.

How to contact us

Team Leader Life Choices – Support Services – Sandra Royal: Phone: 02 6730 2520

Email: sroyal@gisc.nsw.gov.au

Manager of Community Services – Janine Johnson: Phone: 02 6730 2306 Email: jjohnson@gisc.nsw.gov.au Director of Corporate and Community Services – Anna Watt: Phone: 02 6730 2317 Email: awatt@gisc.nsw.gov.au

Staff: Life Choices - Support Services

Sandra Royal, Tony Williams, Simon Kerry, Judi Handebo, Lindy Lute, Jane Claxton Jeffrey Burnet, Vicki Malone, Teresa Chard, Charmaine Potter, Jenny Lethbridge, Violet Mackenzie, Katrina Johansen, Stephen Mather, Karen Symons, Kim Newberry, Noel Schmidt, Michele Shead, Ron Webel, Lisa Weiss, Kathy Carpenter, Denise Davis, Kathleen Douglas, Sarah Handebo, Colin Jackson, Lida Jansen, Emily Johnson, Kerry Kilner, Elizabeth Leeson, Julie Matheson, Estelle Ridgeway, Barbara Newsome, Crystal Patterson, Soraya Raper, Leanne Ryan, Dianne Campbell, Naomi Levy, Tania Martin