May Newsletter

Hello Good People,

Welcome to another Newsletter.

Over the past eight (8) weeks I have been very busy working with our peak advocacy body, Leading Aged Service Australia to understand the impacts of the Royal Commission Final Report recommendations, distilling the 148 recommendations, identifying the most important priorities for Aged Care reform and immediate impacts for our Everglow clients.

Everglow is also a committed member of the Australian Aged Care Collaboration (AACC) campaign.

As key decision makers and Government advisers are deliberating on the 2021/22 Federal Budget across all portfolios in Government. We are contributing to ensure Aged Care is absolutely front and centre in their minds and given the attention it deserves. This is a once in a generation opportunity to address the shortcomings in the aged care system identified by the Royal Commission and improve the lives of all older Australians now and into the future.

The AACC has presented the Reform Priorities Report ‘Aged care – the way forward’ to Ministers, MPs and other key decision makers in Government.

More than just priorities for the Budget, this report calls on Government to set out in full its response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report and provide a statement of intent and a pathway for longer-term reform.

We have requested that a statement of intent contain an indicative implementation timetable to provide clarity and certainty for the community, older people, aged care service providers, financiers and investors about future policy settings and program design for Australia’s future aged care system.

Over 20 years and 20 reports have failed to achieve long term change for the better and this Royal Commission is our chance to do so – we are determined to make it happen.

I have now begun to include updates on the 148 recommendations that impact home care delivery to clients and their carers in our regional information sessions. Once the budget is announced in May, I will have a greater understanding of what recommendations the Government is going to implement. This will allow me to provide you all with clear direction and any changes to service delivery.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veteran’s Home Care (VHC)

I have written to Phil Thompson OAM MP to seek some assistance and guidance on the above matter. Everglow has previously demonstrated we are passionate about services to Veteran’s and their equitable access to such. Recent developments in North Queensland are concerning and our ability to get any direction or success from DVA have been frustrating.

Our concerns raised are in relation to two major providers under the VHC clawing back services, with BlueCare completely ceasing VHC on 01 April 2020. Over the past three months, Everglow has also been approached by another panel member to take over clients in the Burdekin.

Currently, based on the approved provider list from DVA updated in February 2021, there are only four providers in the Hinchinbrook and Burdekin regions. Two of which are clearly scaling back. Everglow provides brokered services to a third approved provider on the list.

This is not an ideal situation for the veteran community. Everglow has been trying since October last year to seek guidance as to how to deliver services under the VHC as we have physical branches in these locations, including Townsville. We have been unable to gain clear guidance.

I have sought assistance from Phillip to cut through the spin and guide me to the right area or contact to raise this very serious issue. Having two of the panel members scaling back or ceasing out of a panel of only four is not a good outcome for Everglow members that are veterans.

As always, I continue to advocate on behalf of our members and welcome any feedback from you in relation to your services or any opportunities for improvement.

Until next month, stay safe.

Wayne

DID YOU KNOW?

Gentle Exercise: Improves muscle strength and bone density reducing the risk of falls through improve balance. Activity that raises the heart rate increases blood flow to the heart and boost your overall health which can be beneficial for many chronic conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight and moving your body guided by qualified instructions promotes and improves one's confidence, socialisation and overall well-being.

Colour Therapy: Colouring relax the brain and can reduce anxiety and stress. Colouring also focused on direct attention, increases creativity and enhances motor skills. Colouring is relaxing, peaceful and interactive offering socialization and inclusion. This is also a great activity to make memories for your self and your loved ones and art makes a great keepsake.

Music Memories: Music and song lifts your spirits and releases happy emotion while improving speech and cognitive skills. As well as improving memory, music allows us to remember wonderful times of the past. Music and song can improve respiration, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac output and relax muscle tension which increases your immunity and provide a workout for your brain and your lungs. Our music and song classes offer client the choice to play musical instruments, sing, listen and enjoy or do it all. Relaxing the brain and can reduce anxiety and stress. colouring can also be focused on direct attention , increases creativity and enhances motor skills this also a great activity to make memories for you seld 

See Below for the Time and Date of our activities

Monthly Functions And Weekly Activities.

Ayr

Friendship Craft Group - Last Friday of Every Month at 9:00 am (Cost: $5.00)

Morning Tea is provided following all classes. Please call our friendly team  on 4728 2540 for more information on the venues of the above activities      

Ayr Monthly Function  (Mothers Day Morning Tea & Movie) 

Date: Tuesday 11th May 2021 

Venue: Stardust Drive-In

Time: 09:30am

Cost $15.00

Please call the office on 4728 2540 to RSVP by 10th May 2021 

Everglow Information Session

Date: Wednesday 19th May 2021 

Venue:  Ayr RSL Club, 101 Burke Street Ayr

Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Cost: FREE

Please call the office on 4728 2540 to RSVP by 14th May 2021

High Tea

Date: Tuesday 25th May 2021

Venue: The Bridge Restaurant 14 Eighth Avenue Home Hill

Time: 10:00m - 12:00pm

Cost: $20.00 

Townsville                                              

Gentle Exercise - Every Monday 9:30 am and 11:00 am and Every Friday 9:30 am and 11:00 am 

Creative Crafts-  Tuesday 25th May at 09:30 am - 12:00 pm

Music Memories - Every Thursday 11:30 am - 1:30 pm 

Mind Matters - Every Wednesday 09:30 am - 12:00 pm 

First Session is Free 

Morning Tea is provided following all classes. Please call our friendly team on 4725 1822 for more information on the venues of the above activities.  

Everglow Activity Centre (Open Day Expo)

Date: Tuesday 18th May 2021 

Time: 10:00am - 02:00pm 

Venue: Everglow, 155 Hugh Street, Currajong

Lunch Cost: $10.00

Please call the office on 4725 1822 to RSVP by Friday 14th May 2021                                                                    

Ingham

Gentle Exercise - Every Tuesday 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Craft - 5th and 19th May 9:00 am - 11:30 am 

Bingo - 7th May 09:30 am - 11:30 am 

Hoy /Cent Sale - 21st May 09:30 am - 11:30 am 

Dance Well -  Every Thursday 10:00 am - 11:15 am

First Session is Free 

Morning Tea is provided following all classes. Please call our friendly team  on 4776 2296 for more information on the venues of the above activities   

Mothers Day Luncheon

Date: Friday 7th May 2021

Time: 09:30 am - 11:30 am 

Venue: Everglow Office Ingham

Cost: $15.00

Please call the office on 4776 2296 to RSVP by Thursday 6th May 2021

Italian Day (Gnocchi and Pizza Lunch)

Date: Friday 28th May 2021 

Time: 12:00 pm - 02:00 pm 

Venue: Everglow Office Ingham

Cost: $20.00 

Please call the office on 4776 2296 to RSVP by Tuesday 20th April 2021

Give us a call for more information about our services and products.