1959 - 2019• Grand Dame of mecwacare turns 107 Pg 3

• New friendships form in isolation Pg 4-5

• mecwacare’s All Stars Pg 6-7

• Changing Communities. Changing Lives Pg 9

IN THIS EDITION

mattersmatters

Caring for Victorians since 1959

WINTER 2020

Michele Lewis Chief Executive

Pictured on the cover: mecwacare Jubilee House resident Robert Gordon receiving a window visit from his son Oscar for his birthday.

2 WINTER 2020

Our approach was to remain calm and ensure a coordinated and controlled response. With new cases of the coronavirus reported every day, we were very aware of the significant concern among the mecwacare community and our responsibility to protect some of the most vulnerable people.

We proactively implemented a range of robust infection prevention and control measures, developing COVID-safe business continuity plans based on the latest government advice to protect our residents, clients and staff. This included Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff, such as clear face shields, cloth face masks, hand sanitiser, disposable gloves and aprons. Our staff completed training in COVID-19 infection control and associated topics to strengthen their ability to continue providing high-quality and safe care, and were strongly encouraged to download the COVIDSafe app.

In our 13 residential facilities, we introduced stringent measures that go beyond the official guidance, which I believe contributes to COVID-free facilities in keeping all of our residents and staff safe and supported. This included one of the most difficult decisions, to limit visitors to essential visits only.

We have made some very tough decisions and getting the balance right has not been easy. We have received overwhelming support from residents and their families about these measures and a lot of positive feedback about the visitor restrictions. A large majority supported the restrictions however, we acknowledge that there were some families who do not agree with this position. I personally agonised over every decision as I am acutely aware of the importance of regular social interaction with loved ones. At the end of the day, our number one priority is to protect our precious residents.

We have set up iPads at all our homes to facilitate face-to-face communication with loved ones via Skype, Zoom or Facetime. We continue to encourage “window visits” and more recently, we installed glass

mecwacare Jubilee House resident Alan Gostin enjoying an enhanced window visit from his wife Judy.

partitions inside all facilities to enhance window visits while minimising risk to our residents. This allows family members to visit their loved ones face-to-face and aims to address some of the concern people have been feeling during this period of isolation.

Our planned activity groups and day centres were sadly, forced to temporarily close as well as our four opportunity shops. As winter approached, we cautiously reopened the stores for those who rely on us for affordable blankets and warm clothes.

As the community “flattens the curve” and restrictions start to ease, complacency threatens to undermine our combined efforts and it has become more important than ever for everyone to remain vigilant.

We are continuing to check the temperature of all staff, family members and visitors who enter the main entrance of our sites, asking the four key questions associated with potential COVID-19 exposure, and enforcing physical distancing of 1.5 metres, use of PPE and best-practice hand hygiene.

Staff and visitors at our aged care facilities must now provide evidence of having received the influenza vaccination, as directed by the federal government.

On behalf of the mecwacare Board, I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our staff for their incredible efforts to maintain a safe environment for our residents, clients and their colleagues. Their commitment and passion have no doubt saved lives.

To all our residents, clients and their families… thank you for your ongoing understanding and patience during this very difficult and challenging time. Your messages of support are very much appreciated.

We have worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our residents, clients, staff and volunteers in the face of the coronavirus.

When the global COVID-19 pandemic reached our shores, mecwacare’s immediate priority was to maintain continuity of service for the 16,500 people who rely on us for care and support each week.

Protecting our Protecting our precious residents precious residents and clientsand clients

Pictured on the cover: mecwacare Jubilee House resident Robert Gordon receiving a window visit from his son Oscar for his birthday.

mecwacare’s most senior resident Iris Nankivell turned 107 at the Noel Miller Centre in Glen Iris on March 23.Due to the coronavirus and subsequent social distancing and visitor restrictions, mecwacare was unable to celebrate the occasion with the grandeur it deserved. However, Iris – dressed to impress in pink – still enjoyed a glass of champagne and some sweet treats.

For Iris, age has never been a barrier during her remarkable life. She lived in her Toorak home until the age of 102 and remained an active participant in her local community, volunteering at an opportunity shop until the age of 97.

Iris married her husband Phillip in 1940 and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary shortly before he died in 2005. They never had children.

Iris, who has memories of the Spanish flu pandemic back in 1918-19 and who survived an enemy attack on her passenger ship during the Second World War, credits her longevity to laughter and sunshine, as well as a loving and supportive family.

She says she is not afraid of COVID-19.

Iris continues to turn heads as she walks unassisted through the halls of the Noel Miller Centre with speed, purpose and an all-knowing smile. She is the first one at Happy Hour each week.

And her sweet tooth is legendary, particularly her love of liquorice chocolates which she claims have medicinal value.

Everything in moderation, she says.

Many believe that reaching such an age is a reason to slow down and relax, but that’s not the way Iris has ever lived.

Iris and her family have already started planning next year’s birthday celebration, which promises to be an extravagant affair to make up for the low- key one this year. And she promises the champagne will flow freely again albeit in moderation.

mecwacare Noel Miller resident Iris Nankivell celebrating her 107th birthday.

WINTER 2020 3

Grand Dame Grand Dame of mecwaof mecwacarecareturns 107turns 107

#isomail– new friendships form in isolation

When the coronavirus pandemic hit Victoria in early March, no one could have envisaged the enormous impact it would have on our everyday lives. Of all the precautionary measures implemented, enforcing social distancing and self-isolation became crucial to protecting people from the virus, particularly the elderly.

With 13 aged care facilities across Victoria, keeping our precious residents safe meant visitor access was limited to essential visits i.e. palliative care and special needs. To help residents maintain connections with the outside world, we launched #isomail (isolation mail) – a social media initiative that encouraged people in the community to write and send pictures to our residents. Initially aimed at children who were spending more time at home due to school closures, #isomail took off with adults jumping on board to send virtual hugs and love in the form of letters, cards, photos and drawings.

Pictured: Above, mecwacare Park Hill resident Marj Cavanagh; left, mecwacare John Atchison Centre resident Merv McKenzie; and right, mecwacare Noel Miller Centre resident Margaret Bloxham.

WINTER 202044

5WINTER 2020

Pictured: Top, mecwacare Calwell Manor resident Luigiana Dixon; middle, mecwacare Park Hill resident Derek Waite; and bottom, mecwacare Calwell Manor resident Barbara Vance.

Our post received an overwhelmingly positive response, reaching more than 208,000 people via Facebook. We had shares, likes and comments from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, and as far and wide as Fremantle in WA, Kingaroy in Queensland, the US and Cape Town in South Africa! It even featured on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program.

While the coronavirus threat might be easing, it is heartening that we are still receiving letters, cards and pictures, and we hope this continues long after the virus has passed. Special bonds have formed between kind strangers and our residents, with some striking up ongoing friendships.

If you would like to participate in #isomail you can email us at fundraising@mecwacare.org.au or post your correspondence the old-fashioned way to 1287 Malvern Road, Malvern, VIC 3144.

mecwamecwacare’scare’s All StarsAll Stars

6 WINTER 2020

Pictured: Naderah Fusca, Julie Little, Neville Buhariwala, Deanna Bantick, Anne Wright, Neha Sharma, Lavanya Shetty, Shannon Glover, Jessica Maund, Angie Dixon Burn, Maria McIntosh, Mary Pisano, Roisin Alexander, Melany De Angelis, Jude Drendel, Dilini Perera, Grace Mendoza, John Soumprou,, Mike Harrison, Lara Davis, Judy Plummer, Karen Cunningham, Katrina Everingham, Mark Donald, Katelyn O’Callahan, Estela Acosta, Stewart Ramsey, Miranda Kellett, Maria Gagliardi and Kishor Kumar.

mecwacare’s 2,000 staff across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria share a common goal – partnering with the elderly and people with a disability to live fulfilling and purposeful lives. Whether in residential centres, clients’ homes, offices or out in the community, they seek to achieve the vision of enhancing life-changing experiences with our community.

With the unprecedented intrusion of COVID-19 on daily life, mecwacare’s essential workers have risen to the challenge and continued to provide care and support in line with a range of precautionary measures.

Salute to our Nurses

7WINTER 2020

Dee Greenwood, Dee Greenwood, Continence Nurse Advisor, Continence Nurse Advisor, South East Metro Home Care South East Metro Home Care Services team.Services team.

Pictured: Naderah Fusca, Julie Little, Neville Buhariwala, Deanna Bantick, Anne Wright, Neha Sharma, Lavanya Shetty, Shannon Glover, Jessica Maund, Angie Dixon Burn, Maria McIntosh, Mary Pisano, Roisin Alexander, Melany De Angelis, Jude Drendel, Dilini Perera, Grace Mendoza, John Soumprou,, Mike Harrison, Lara Davis, Judy Plummer, Karen Cunningham, Katrina Everingham, Mark Donald, Katelyn O’Callahan, Estela Acosta, Stewart Ramsey, Miranda Kellett, Maria Gagliardi and Kishor Kumar.

mecwacare’s 2,000 staff across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria share a common goal – partnering with the elderly and people with a disability to live fulfilling and purposeful lives. Whether in residential centres, clients’ homes, offices or out in the community, they seek to achieve the vision of enhancing life-changing experiences with our community.

Our All Stars campaign highlights the amazing contribution of aged care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the most vulnerable people in our community to stay healthy, active and safe.

We are featuring mecwacare staff from every facet of the organisation to acknowledge the care and support they provide to our residents and clients, either directly as a frontline worker or behind the scenes keeping the business running. Their passion and commitment to keep our residents and clients safe during this challenging period – and every day – is truly inspiring and we can’t thank them enough.

We are so proud of them. They are all stars in our eyes.

This is a collage of just some of the selfless and passionate staff who support mecwacare’s 16,500 residents and clients across Victoria each day. You can read about our All Stars on the mecwacare Facebook page.

Nurses play an essential role in every aspect of mecwaNurses play an essential role in every aspect of mecwacare care – on the frontline in our residential aged care facilities, – on the frontline in our residential aged care facilities, clients’ homes, community centres and behind the scenes clients’ homes, community centres and behind the scenes in the fundamental areas of quality and risk, research, in the fundamental areas of quality and risk, research, learning and development, clinical and business projects. learning and development, clinical and business projects.

This year’s theme for International Nurses Day was This year’s theme for International Nurses Day was Nursing Nursing the World to Healththe World to Health and focused on the true value of and focused on the true value of nurses to the people of the world. Never has this beennurses to the people of the world. Never has this beenmore poignant than during the global COVID-19 pandemic. more poignant than during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Celebrations were extra special this year because the World Celebrations were extra special this year because the World Health Organisation has designated 2020 as the Year of Health Organisation has designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife as it coincides with the 200th the Nurse and Midwife as it coincides with the 200th anniversary of the birth of the world’s most famous anniversary of the birth of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale. When they chose to nurse, Florence Nightingale. When they chose to acknowledge nurses, the WHO could not have acknowledge nurses, the WHO could not have predicted just how critical they would be during predicted just how critical they would be during this unprecedented world health issue. this unprecedented world health issue. But it’s not just about how nurses rise to the But it’s not just about how nurses rise to the challenge in a crisis, it’s the care and compassion challenge in a crisis, it’s the care and compassion they deliver every day to some of the most they deliver every day to some of the most vulnerable people in our community vulnerable people in our community and how they manage their and how they manage their many and varied health many and varied health challenges. challenges.

One of our greatest accomplishments is that Registered One of our greatest accomplishments is that Registered Nurses are rostered on every shift at our residential sites Nurses are rostered on every shift at our residential sites and daily in home care, which gives our residents, clients and daily in home care, which gives our residents, clients and their families great comfort knowing they are there and their families great comfort knowing they are there when they need them most. when they need them most. We have an amazing team of nurses at mecwaWe have an amazing team of nurses at mecwacare care and and we thank them for their passion, selflessness and willingness we thank them for their passion, selflessness and willingness to go the extra mile and continue providing high-quality, to go the extra mile and continue providing high-quality, safe and respectful care.safe and respectful care.

Our goal during the COVID-19 pandemic is to maintain continuity of service for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They are relying on us more than ever to support them to continue living independently in their own home, especially during the challenging period of self-isolation.

For many of our elderly clients, staff visiting their homes to provide nursing care and support is the only physical and social interaction they have. In these frightening times this has never been more important.

We have redeployed staff from other areas of the organisation to phone every client, particularly those who do not receive a regular service, check in to make sure they are staying healthy and safe, and to remind them that we are still here to support them through this very uncertain and unsettling time. We communicate regularly with clients via telephone, email and mail, and provide additional information and resources such as how to reduce their risk of coronavirus.

A range of precautionary measures based on the latest government and department of health advice

As an essential service, mecwacare provides care and support to thousands of clients in their homes across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Keeping Keeping the home the home fires burningfires burning

has been implemented to protect our clients and staff, including providing every worker with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face shields, hand sanitiser and gloves.

Due to the ever-changing and unprecedented nature of the coronavirus, we have prioritised services:

1. Medication management 4. Meal delivery2. Personal care 5. Respite care3. Unescorted shopping 6. Domestic assistance

Our planned activity groups have been suspended, with one-on-one visits from staff in participants’ homes offered to help fill the void of these very important social outings. Sadly, we also had to temporarily close our day centres until the risk has passed and government restrictions are eased.

We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to all our clients and participants for their patience and understanding during this time. We can’t wait to see you all again soon!

8 WINTER 2020

mecwacare Direct Care Worker Simon Mangan

This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week was Changing Communities. Changing Lives. These words resonate with mecwacare as it aptly describes the 490 dedicated volunteers who selflessly contribute their time to our residents and clients – and it pays homage to our roots.

mecwacare was founded in 1959 by a small group of volunteers concerned about the elderly in their local community. More than 60 years later the number of lives that have been changed by our volunteers is impossible to calculate but they have continued to play an integral role.

Due to the coronavirus, we were not able to hold our annual appreciation morning tea to acknowledge our long-serving volunteers.

mecwacare would like to thank every one of our volunteers, past and present, for the positive contribution they make in our residential aged care facilities, community centres, opportunity shops and delivering meals to clients.

An extra special mention to Glenys Crozier on her 40 years of volunteering at mecwacare O’Mara House in Traralgon, as part of the hair salon team.

9WINTER 2020

Changing Communities. Changing Lives.

mecwacare’s annual Employee, Volunteer and Contractor Awards ceremony is currently on hold due to the coronavirus. However, we felt it was appropriate to announce that Olwyn Syle and Don Jones are the recipients of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award for their outstanding contribution to the local community.

Olwyn, 89, has been serving customers as a volunteer at the East Malvern Op Shop for 20 years. Unfortunately, like most of the world, Olywn has been forced to self-isolate at home to stay safe.

Olwyn greets every customer with a smile and people visit the store just to have a chat with her. Olwyn proudly supports other volunteers, often coming in on her days off to provide words of encouragement, whenever needed. Olwyn loves to learn new skills – which has not changed as she approaches her 90th birthday – and she says with pride that “mecwacare has always looked after us volunteers”.

Olwyn has spent a lifetime working with children living with disabilities and is an advocate for the less fortunate, supporting victims of natural disasters and abuse through her generous gift of time. She will always encourage a customer to return to the store and let her know if the product met their needs, which has resulted in a long list of regular customers eager to discuss their purchases.

Don Jones has been a volunteer at the mecwacare Malvern Centre for the past 10 years and is known for his inclusive, infectious and positive attitude. He runs the footy tipping competition, hosts bowls and reading groups, and visits residents for one-on-one chats as often as he can. Don is also a regular visitor at the mecwacare Noel Miller Centre in Glen Iris and Trescowthick Centre in Prahran, where he spreads his enthusiasm among the residents and staff alike.

Congratulations Olwyn and Don!

Long-service awards 40 Years

• Glenys Crozier – 1980 (O’Mara House)30 Years

• John Atchison – 1990 (Board Member)25 Years

• Robyn Baxter – 1995 (Barry Fenton Centre)• Clive Wright – 1995 (Barry Fenton Centre)

• Diana Burrough – 1995 (East Malvern Op Shop)20 Years

• Susan Calwell – 2000 (Board Member)• Margaret King – 2000 (Malvern Op Shop)

• Robert Anderarda – 2000 (Hawthorn Op Shop)• Peter Magree – 2000 (Noel Miller Centre)

• Olwyn Syle – 2000 (East Malvern Op Shop) 15 Years

• Susan Barton – 2005 (Board Member)

mecwacare Volunteer of the Year Olwyn SyleV V

OOLLUUNNTTEEEERR of the Yearof the Year

Would you like to volunteer at mecwacare? We have many volunteer opportunities available. If you would like to know more, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Julianne Neilson on 03 8573 4888 or email volunteers@mecwacare.org.au

mecwacare Direct Care Worker Simon Mangan

New heights reached as building works progress despite coronavirus

While many aspects of daily life slowed significantly in the first half of 2020, it has been business as usual on the building front as mecwacare renovates, rejuvenates and adds to our extensive list of service locations across Victoria to support more people than ever before.

WINTER 20201010 New Home Care Office

Elstoft House

mecwacare Elstoft House is being upgraded with a dining room (pictured above) being converted into a cafe, a new library and laundry, new artwork and carpets throughout for our aged care residents to enjoy in their new Hamlyn Heights home.

In addition to the upgrades, Elstoft House has undergone renovations to make way for a new home care office that will be the base for our growing services in the Geelong region.

New heights reached as building works progress despite coronavirus

Robin Syme Residences

Richmond Hill

While many aspects of daily life slowed significantly in the first half of 2020, it has been business as usual on the building front as mecwacare renovates, rejuvenates and adds to our extensive list of service locations across Victoria to support more people than ever before.

Our luxurious Robin Syme Residences in Malvern are rising before our eyes, with a spring completion date in sight. A time-lapse camera has captured the build every step of the way, providing a glimpse into the process of constructing this stunning new retirement living complex in the suburb where it all began more than 60 years ago.

For more information, visit www.robinsymemalvern.com.au

Simon Price Centre

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Building works were completed on the expanded Corporate Services office in Malvern, with staff moving into the adjacent building in April. This provides staff, including the South East Metro Home Care Services, Home Care Packages, Admissions and Intake teams more pleasant working conditions and additional meeting spaces. There is also a new kitchen and outdoor seating area. This work is timely as it also allows for greater spacing in line with the current COVID-19 guidelines and will assist in the organisation’s ongoing growth. mecwacare is adding a second aged care centre in Richmond to its residential portfolio, refurbishing the Richmond Hill Hotel on Church Street. Located 300 metres down the road from mecwacare Rositano House, works will commence soon to transform this iconic location into a modern residential aged care facility.

Works are underway in Mont Albert on a brand new two-storey building for the mecwacare Simon Price Centre. This will provide more beds and amenities for residents and increased space for staff to undertake care and activities. The ground has been levelled in preparation for the foundations and the project will progress over the coming months.

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All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Simply call us with your payment details (freecall) 1800 163 292 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We accept AMEX, Visa and Mastercard.

To make a secure online donation using your credit card, visit our website www.mecwacare.org.au

Fill out the donation form and post your cheque or card information to us in the reply-paid envelope enclosed or mail to mecwacare, 1287 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144.

Please complete and return this donation slip to support mecwacare’s life-changing work.

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Residential Services P 03 8573 4812 E admissions@mecwacare.org.au

mecwacare Annie’s Court Shoreham

mecwacare Calwell Manor Safety Beach

mecwacare Elstoft HouseHamlyn Heights (Geelong)

mecwacare John Atchison Centre Hoppers Crossing

mecwacare Jubilee HouseCaulfield North

mecwacare Malvern CentreMalvern

mecwacare Noel Miller CentreGlen Iris

mecwacare O’Mara HouseTraralgon

mecwacare Park HillMornington

mecwacare Rositano HouseRichmond

mecwacare Simon Price CentreMont Albert

mecwacare Trescowthick Centre Prahran

mecwacare Vincent House Westmeadows

Opportunity ShopsP 03 9571 4221 (donations) E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au

HawthornMalvernMalvern EastWindsor

Community Housing ServicesP 03 8573 4970 E housing@mecwacare.org.au

BeaumarisGlen IrisSandringham

Retirement LivingHoppers CrossingMalvern (opening soon)

Corporate Services 1287 Malvern Road Malvern VIC 3144 P 03 8573 4888 P 1800 163 292 freecall E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au www.mecwacare.org.au

Home Care and Nursing Services P 03 8573 4980 E intake@mecwacare.org.au

Melbourne ServiceMelbourne

Nillumbik Office Greensborough

North West Metro ServiceKeilor East

South East Metro ServiceMalvern

South East Region ServicePakenham

South West Region ServiceBallarat and Geelong

Warrnambool Region

Gippsland Service Inverloch

Bass Coast Region

Home Care Packages (statewide)P 03 8573 4777 E homecarepackages@ mecwacare.org.au

Community ServicesP 03 8573 4980 E community@mecwacare.org.au

Barry Fenton Centre and Podiatry Service Malvern East

Rivendell HousePakenham

mecwacare service network

Disability ServicesP 03 9572 9000 E community@mecwacare.org.au

Fisher Street CentreMalvern East

Introducing Robin Syme Residences – independent retirement living in the form of luxury two and three-bedroom apartments in Malvern.

Residents can enjoy stress-free independent living, with a range of communal facilities including a gymnasium, café, dining rooms and business lounge. Residents will live in comfort and style, with the freedom of choice to lead the life they want and the reassurance of access to long-term support, if required.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Contact Pauline and Dianne – 9831 9876 robinsymemalvern.com.au 1253-1259 Malvern Road, Malvern

The time is now! Make the decision to move into one of these beautiful residences and change your life.

OPENING SOON

Disability ServicesP 03 9572 9000 E community@mecwacare.org.au

Fisher Street CentreMalvern East

mecwacare 1287 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144

T 03 8573 4888 E enquiries@mecwacare.org.auwww.mecwacare.org.au