CEO Message

Hello good people,

Welcome to 2021. I hope this finds you all well and in good spirits.

Welcome to another Everglow newsletter.

This month begins an exciting time for Everglow. We are seeing an amazing increase in people taking up Home Care Packages with Everglow.

That doesn't mean our level of services will drop as we continually recruiting to keep pace with demand. We have some fresh new faces in the team, so please say hello and make them feel welcome.

Over the past three years Everglow has grown to be one of the largest NQ owned and operated community care organisations.

The changes to how payment of Home Care Packages to Everglow have started to be implemented by the Government. I outline these for you at our AGM last year and our Christmas functions. Moving into the year, this will provide the government with far greater visibility as to how much of your package funding you are using, as Everglow will only be paid for what you use beginning in September.

Our team will be working with you over the next few months to understand the impacts on your services and how these changes will affect you. We will guide you throught the changes.

As always, I welcome any feedback from you in relation to your services or any opportunities for improvement.

I hope you all have a happy and exciting January.

Until next month, stay safe.

Wayne

Disaster Management 

What to do to be prepared for a Summer (Wet Season?) in North Queensland

Dealing with the Heat

The consistent heat and humidity in the north can take a toll on our health so it is important to remember to

• Hydrate – make sure you have enough water every day.                   
• Keep your home as cool as possible. You can do this by opening a window to catch the breeze or putting on fans and/or air conditioners as required.

Keeping your home as cool as possible is important when a Personal Care Worker is performing a service.  Your home is their workplace, and you need to provide a safe environment for them to work in. By opening a window or turning on a fan or air conditioner, you can play your part in keeping them safe from heat-related hazards, for example, dehydration or heat stress.

 Severe Weather Events (Fire / Flood / Cyclone)

Every year we prepare for a cyclone that often does not arrive and as a result, we often become complacent.   It is better to be prepared and safe than sorry after the event.  To ensure you are ready:

• Secure items and tidy up around your property
• Prepare an emergency kit
• Have an evacuation plan ready and if your area floods the location of your closest shelter
• Talk to family members/friends/neighbours who can help you, as they become a part of your support network in an emergency.
• Talk to your Personal Care Worker if you need information (e.g., planning your emergency kit or evacuation plan).
• Ensure your details and contact information is current.    If something has changed, let your Case Manager know.

When Preparing Your Emergency Kit

• Non-perishable food items (do not forget the can opener) and bottled water
• Essential medication / First Aid Kit / toilet paper / toiletries e.g. toothbrush / soap etc.
• Battery powered radio / mobile phone and charger / torch / battery
• Change of clothes plus hat/sturdy gloves / closed in shoes/sunglasses
• Camp oven or gas burner / basic tools/garbage bags
• Important documents – Legal / banking / insurance / memories (photos)

 Important Phone Numbers

 Police / Fire / Ambulance - 000

Townsville City Council - 13 48 10 – townsville.qld.gov.au

Burdekin Shire Council – 07 4783 9800 – www.Burdekin.qld.gov.au

Hinchinbrook Shire Council – 07 4776 4600

State Emergency Service (SES) - 13 25 00 – ses.qld.gov.au

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group – disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au

Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group – www.facebook.com/BurdekinDCC

Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group – facebook.com/hinchinbrookdisasterinformation

Department of Transport and Main Roads - 13 19 40

Townsville Hospital and Health Service - 07 4433 1111

Translating and Interpreting Service - 13 14 50

Ergon Energy – Emergency - 13 16 70 – ergon.com.au

Ergon Energy – Faults - 13 22 96

Origin Energy – Gas leaks only - 13 35 74

Telstra Faults - 13 22 03

Optus Faults - 13 13 44

Remember your family members or personal contacts

Monthly Functions Are Back !!!

Ayr

Information Session On                                                                                                                                      -Navigating the Aged Care System                                                                                                                   --Everglow Services and Activities                                                                                                                      -Future Planning                                                                                                                                                    -Q&A       

Date: Thursday 28th January 2021                                                                                                                  Venue: Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr                                                                              Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Tea Provided                                                                                        Please call the office on 4728 2540 to RSVP by 20th January 2021

Ayr Monthly Function                                                                                                                            Date: Thursday 18th February 2021                                                                                                                Venue: Queens Hotel Cafe, Corner of Queens and Edward Street, Ayr                                                    Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm                                                                                                                                  Cost: $12.95 for lunch                                                                                                                                        Please call the office on 4728 2540 to RSVP by 12th February 2021 

Townsville                                              

Activities have resumed for 2021

Gentle Exercise                                                                                                                                                    Every Monday 9:30 am and 11:30 am                                                                                                        Every Friday 9:30 am and 11:30 am                                                                                                                  Please call the office on 4725 1822 for venue locations                         

Colouring Therapy                                                                                                                                              Every Tuesday 10:00 am - 11:00 am                                                                                                                Held at Everglow's Corporate Office 24-28 Ross River Road, Mundingburra 4812     

Please call our friendly team on 4725 1822 for more information.                                                      First Session is Free                                                                                                                                            Morning Tea is provided following all classes     

Townsville Staff Information Evening                                                                                                            Interested in becoming a Personal Care Worker. Come along to our Free information session          Date: Wednesday 27th January 2021                                                                                                              Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm                                                                                                                                  Venue: Everglow Corporate Office, 24-28 Ross River Road, Mundingburra 4812 

Townsville Monthly Function                                                                                                                            Date: Wednesday 24th February 2021                                                                                                            Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm                                                                                                                                Venue: Townsville RSL, 139 Charters Towers Road, Hyde Park 4812                                                          Cost: $20  ( Meals will be served at 12:30 pm)                                                                                                Please call the office on 4725 1822 to RSVP by Monday 15th February 2021                                                                              

Ingham   

Due to the current weather, Ingham will resume Activities week starting Monday 18th January        Gentle Exercise will commence on Tuesday 19th January                                                                            Please call the Ingham Office on 4776 2296 for more information

Exercise is meant to improve your health, not cause you to get hurt. As always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise programs.

These six user-friendly exercises for seniors to do at home and will focus on the core areas of Strenght, Balance, Flexibility.

Exercises for Strenght

Chair Squats

Pretending that you are about to sit down in a chair can strengthen your entire lower body

1) Stand in front of a chair with your feet as far apart as your hips                                                2) Bend your knees while keeping your shoulders and chest upright                                            3) Lower your bottom so you sit down                                                                                                4) Then push your body back up to return to a standing position

Exercise for Balance

Single Foot Stand 

This exercise is similar to standing like a flamingo but less dangerous

1) Stand behind a steady, unmoveable chair and hold onto the back                                            2) Pick up your left foot and balance on your right foot as long as is comfortable                      3) Place your left foot down and then lift up your right foot and balance on your left foot

Exercises for Flexibility

Tight and sore muscles make it difficult to do things that were once simple such as pulling up your socks or reaching for something high up. Improving your flexibility helps you maintain good posture and move more freely and easily.

Don't forget that stretching for flexibility should be slow and controlled. Warm-up your muscles first by walking and moving. Hold a stretch for up to 30 seconds while you breathe deeply in and out.

The Head Turn

One of the simplest and easiest stretches to do! This exercise involves a movement you do whenever you shake your head "no".

1) Stand or sit with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed                                              2) Turn your head slowly to the right until you feel a light stretch                                                  3) Hold that position and then turn slowly to the left

This Exercise helps to keep your next mobile, that's important for driving and being aware of your surroundings

Monthly Function 

Christmas Luncheon 

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