pennwood annual report 2012

...innate worth of every person... ...respect for human rights... ...diversity within unity...

Strategic Plan 2012-2015

Brainstorming the future direction for small stand alone Aged Care Facilities with consideration towards

the staff and residents within multicultural aged care.

Pennwood

I particularly enjoy representing the residents and thanking the people who perform

in the Activity Room. I look

forward to doing this on Open

Day when we will be meeting the

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing.

We have the Hon Mark Butler attending morning

tea on the 16th of November to discuss the aged

2 - Strategic Plan 2012

PATRICIA BANKS

Hello to all my Friends at Pennwood.

This is my second year in this position and I

am beginning to enjoy the role and feel

comfortable in it.

Strategic Plan 2012 - 3

care reforms. Miriam Modra, our volunteer, has known him since he was a boy and thinks highly of him. She wanted to do a special High Tea for him, unfortunately she will be recuperating from surgery and will not be ambulant.

I am happy to report on the food and note there is always room for improvement. People have to be reasonable as some like it bland, others spicy so I recommend they purchase some sauces and top up flavours to individual liking. The new creamy porridge is fantastic.

This year we lost our great friends Rose Smith, Margot Djordjewitsch, Dorothy Wade and Lyle Gilligan. They will be sadly missed and we will not forget their smiles and shared comments.

I enjoy living in a multicultural environment. I look forward to Slava Day on the 14th November. Recently we all watched the movie to learn more about this special religious occasion in preparation for this year’s event. The movie depicts how residents and staff prepare for our special feast day and honour Saints Damian and Cosmos. Bishop Irinij talked about the Saints. Vesna prepared the Slava Bread and the Chef chopped up the pig. This DVD is now available on our website to view. The new website is also well worth looking at www.pennwood.org.au.

Residents and staff speak many different languages to communicate to each other. Some of us have hearing and speech defects. Along with the different accents and dialogues, it’s amazing how we can overcome barriers to communication. I always feel good after the pastoral care. Residents of all faiths appreciate the Church Services and we all appreciate Robert’s strong voice. Sadly I can no longer sing because of my throat.

The new building project has come to fruition, we all thought the building and grounds looked bare so we have been working on laminated table settings and decorating the building with pictures and ornaments. Amilje, Marica and other residents have done a great job in the gardens and we are now attracting birds. The raised herb gardens are looking good. Lizzy’s garden is pretty and blends in well, too.

Some residents have still got the old TVs. I understand the government has a free scheme for pensioners to receive a free digital receiver to convert to the new channels. They also have a new scheme for complaints processes and we watched the DVD to keep us informed about the changes. ARAS, the Aged Rights Advocacy Service have also supplied us with information on how to run and make the residents meetings more interesting.

This year lots of staff went to Europe and the new staff required time to step into the role. The lifestyle team attended training and are always suggesting new ways to age positively and keeping residents fit and well. We have enjoyed all the entertainment and all the new ideas and new programs in the last year. Pennwood Green have a similar programme and system which is coordinated by Heather Hurley.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and welcome any issues of concern and suggestions for improvement for me to raise at the Residents Meeting at this time or in the future.

Yours Faithfully,

PATRICIA BANKS RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT 2011-12


Future direction for Pennwood the next 3-5 yearsThe South Australian Gerontic Excellence Group (SAGES) meet monthly to discuss industry changes. In response to the new aged care reforms we held a seminar with peak industry leaders to discuss the future direction of small aged care facilities. The SAGES Group is the only organisation that has a voice for small stand-alone facilities. The outcomes of this planning day is vital for our survival. The SAGES Group will continue to apply pressure to local and central government to raise awareness of these important rural and country facilities.

Along with the SAGES Group our Board and key staff discussed the way forward and how we are go-ing to deliver services in the home.

Monica BelosevicMonica is an active member of her community and has worked on both Boards since 2000. She has been Director, Secretary and today she is Chairperson. Monica has been active and supports her community in times of need and is a wonderful advocate for her community in local government , She is also a savvy business women.

Jelica (Helen) MarjanovicThis year Helen has taken on the role of President from Miso Tepavcevic of the Serbian Orthodox Church Congregation of St. Sava, Hindmarsh and has been using all her creative talents to refurbish same.

Helen is extremely hard working and a great listener, she is Secretary to the Board and has been an active member for a decade. She is a Justice of the Peace. Helen worked as Personal Carer in Aged Care prior to going on the Board.

Milimar (Miso) TepavcevicMiso Tepavcevic was president for 1 7 years at

SAGES Group Plans The Future


Hindmarsh Church. He works tirelessly in his community and also helps in the Church. Miso worked closely with the late Father Slavko and acted as a good sounding board to many people in his community.

Kristina VogrinKristina Vogrin is Treasurer to both Boards. She has worked for over 7 years in this position. Kristina is an Enrolled Nurse. She cares passionately for her community and is always available for support and writing cheques or attending Finance Meetings.

Ivanka AlimpicIvanka Alimpic has been a Board Member for 6 years. She worked as a secretary and is a great listener and confidante person for people in her community.

Akos NagyAkos Nagy is the new member of the Pennwood Green Board. He has been assisting the Hungarian Community for almost 15 years. He is keen to assist in every way he can. He works hard for the Hungarian Community.

SAGES Group Plans The Future

NEW MANAGER FOR OUR FUTURE DIRECTION TO HOME SERVICES

I am pleased to announce we have recruited a new Manager to develop our Home & Community Services. Here is her story.

Hello I am Nancy S.Stjepanovic and I have many years of experi-ence in residential and community aged

care. I have working at Pennwood Village

for almost 12 months and have a great rapport with

staff and residents.

My speciality is home care and community services I am also a qualified Counsellor, Enrolled Nurse and Accredited Aged Care Trainer. I am involved in change management and counselling and have a track record of establishing community services and flexible care programs. I am of Serbian background, speak Serbian fluently and some Italian and German. I arrived in Australia in 1972 with my family, Mum, Dad and brother set-tling initially in Campbelltown, later moving to Western suburbs and currently reside in the Northern suburbs. I enjoy outdoor sports, yoga and walks on the beach. In winter I crochet and knit and surf the net in between. My Mum is delighted that I am work-ing with and supporting my community.

Pennwood Aged Care is expanding their services to multicultur-al communities by applying for government funding in the ACAR of 2012-13 for home care packages with dementia and challenging behaviour component, carer respite, day centre activities and social connections.

As older people prefer to live in their homes as long as possible the Australian Government responded with extra home care packages being allocated to multicultural communities including Dementia specific care.

This year all home care packages are based on consumer directed model allowing older people and their carers more control over the way they use the budget.

We have conducted a community needs survey and received a welcome response from the Serbian community regarding home services and it’s delivery to the wider community.

We are in the process of developing a framework for systems to deliver the service. We have marketing material available if you are interested. If you know of anyone who would be interested please ask them to make an appointment to see me at the Village. My office is in House 5 and I will be visiting both Serbian pension clubs at Hindmarsh and Kilkenny as well as the Hungarian cari-tas society at Norwood. I have also been invited to the Ukrainian church at Woodville and hope to do that soon.

I am looking forward to getting involved with residents’ cultural events and meeting consumer needs in the home and community.


Leadership TeamResponsibilities


History of the Board of the Serbian Community Welfare Association of SA Inc.The Board have worked tirelessly in a voluntary capacity to promote multiculturalism and harmony in the Serbian community of S.A. They learned from the dedication they saw amongst the older members of the community and wanted to carry on these traditions. More than ever The Board will have to demonstrate the ability to remain focused and persist in the face of all these new changes, forming partnerships and networking with key industry leaders, such as ACH and Resthaven to forge forward in a variety of different settings.

The Board has been dedicated, committed to delivering quality care with European Flair to elderly people from many different cultures in their care, tailoring our services to meet resident’s cultural preferences:

• In the 80s, they set up a support welfare system for refugees from war- torn Serbia.

• They were involved with Ethnic services, an organisation formed to advocate on behalf of new migrants with government departments to secure grants and services for their community. The Board maintains its commitment to advocacy for multicultural aged care (MAC) by representation on the MAC Board.

• Later in 1989 together with the Hungarian Caritas Society they secured High Care licenses for Norwood Nursing Home which then moved to a new 40 bed facility at Oakden in 2003. The bilingual skills of the Board and

Staff ensures that the Non English Speaking Background people in their community (NESB) clearly understand the complexities and steps required to access community services or enter an aged care facility and are able to advocate on the residents behalf. The Board’s responsible governance, role modelling and compassion for others ensures that the staff at Pennwood emulate their commitment to their culture.

• In the early 90s, following a successful submission to government, the Board built the Pennwood Village, a 40 bed Low Aged Care Facility which has recently been upgraded to 60 beds.

• The Board also has a strong bond with the Hungarian Caritas Society managing 20 beds at the Oakden site. Residents from Pennwood visit the Pension Club weekly to socialise and maintain links with the community.

• The Board works tirelessly in the Serbian Orthodox Church School and Congregation of “St. Sava” Hindmarsh Inc which offers pastoral care.

• The Board network with the Circle of Serbian Sisters “ Queen Mary” Auxiliary for the Church of Hindmarsh, the choir and the board of education for the Serbian Orthodox Church Diocese.

• In addition to their leadership qualities, the Board members possess the ability to support individual members of their community and relate at a cultural, spiritual and emotional level. Two members Monica and Helen are Justices of the Peace.

New Site King Street end of Pennwood Village


Staff Gender Division

Staff Age Division


Staff Ethnicity

Resident Ethnicity


Pennwood Village Staff


Pennwood Green Staff

2012 has been a busy year for both Site Managers and Clinical Nurses . With the new expansion of twenty beds, we have seen in excess of over forty new admissions and

discharges from Pennwood Village while Pennwood Green is busy with preparations for Accreditation in 2013

TRAINING

Clinical Management

Pennwood Village and Pennwood Green have made a commitment to continuous training of their staff in the clinical as well as management roles. Staff at both sites are working towards Certificate IV in Training and Assessment so all Personal Care Workers and Enrolled Nurses can been credentialed for competencies such as medication management.


Focus“As we draw to the end of 2012, we look

forward to many improvements and advances at a clinical level in 2013-2015.”

Future Workforce PlanningDolores and Jenny have been continuing with Clinical Audits and are currently training staff to complete the same. The auditing and care planning process has become highly complex and demanding with the robust systems required for quality assurance. Introducing the “on floor” staff to care plans, audits and assessments will not only assist Dubravka and Theresa but also expand the clinical skills of the Carers, Enrolled Nurses and Graduate Registered Nurses.

Over the last twelve months senior staff have been required to work on the floor in both times of staff absences and due to increased numbers of resident frailties. This has provided us with valuable insight into what happens on the floor.

Considerable time has been spent organising in house and external training for all staff including: dementia training, medication management, pain management, compulsory CPR and diabetes training to name a few. Ongoing training for staff will ensure that in the coming future we will be a highly skilled team providing outstanding services to our residents.

Workforce planning and preparing the team for the future direction in aged care, such as care for both high and low level care residents’ needs in both sites. It requres changes in mindset and attitude as well as clicnical skills update.

The Clinical Team at Pennwood Facilities will be trained in assessing the need for and delivering alternatives before the use of psychotropic medication. Management of dementia and mental health illnesses has become paramount in the aged care industry.


Pennwood Green

Why is it important to promote residential care and how Pennwood will be involved in Community Care in the future?

Providing Good Living For Older People

Connecting the Communities project For the last two years Resthaven has received funding from the Australian Government to assist the

Serbian CALD aged in our community deliver a range of projects and initiatives to assist in the provision of care.

Living Longer Living BetterThe new Aged Care Reform Package Living Longer Living Better released in April 2012 by the Australian Government highlighted a number of priority programs to support people in the home, assisting Corers to access respite and other supports; accessing residential care, strengthening the aged care workforce; supporting consumers and research; ensuring better health connections; tackling the nations dementia epidemic; supporting older persons from diverse backgrounds and building a system for the future. The full report is on http://tinyurl.com/8xgj6o5

The Minister also announced a National CALD Ageing Strategy to be drafted and in place by December 2012 and further promoted the need for a national Network for CALD Ageing, to be spearheaded by the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA)

Making sure that residents receive the most appropriate quality care in the best location not only provides them with better health care outcomes but a greater life expectancy for the resident as well as saving money by preventing multiple hospital admission for resident who remain at home. It can also add to the staffs job satisfaction and extend the scope of their roles.

Our Commitment to a Multicultural ApproachEnsuring wherever possible multilingual staff and contractors are used and continuing to support the Pennwood multilingual workforce.

Pennwood currently employs over a hundred staff a lot of whom are bilingual. We also employ contract cleaners and a host of multilingual staff who continuously refer our services to family and friends, as a consequences a lot of our residents often make new friends or reunite with old ones. Satellite TV is available in many different languages depending on residents choices. Residents choice in cultural food adds to an interesting array of food from a variety of European cultures.

Our Residents SurveyBest Practice Guidelines (BPG) Program BPG are developed using the best available evidence and are used to provide clinicians with evidence based recommendations to support clinical practice. Implementation of BPGs promises significant improvements in resident outcomes with reductions in falls, pressure ulcers and incidence of incontinence. The BPGs with highest impact on residents outcomes also have the greatest impact on nursing practice and


include:

• Prevention of falls injuries in Older Adults.

• Assessment and Management of Pain and Risk assessment of Pressure Ulcers.

• Screening of Delirium, Dementia and Depression in Older Adults.


Good Health For AllHarmonization, welfare and OH&S HANDBOOK includes a new Information Directory. Developing safe systems of work can have an enormous benefit for Pennwood and the brand new comprehensive guide to workplace safety has enabled staff to review systems to ensure we all practice safely and enforce the welfare health and safety act.

Keeping proper records is a vital part of any workplace safety management system. As some staff do not have English as a first language managers need to closely supervise these staff to ensure progress notes are written clearly and precisely.

Our Workforce and VolunteersRecognition of volunteers as part of the workforce and their role as interpreters in assisting staff and residents in a multicultural environment is vital for the day to day running of events.

Volunteers play an important role in this organization and I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to Miriam and Graham Modra for their contribution to Pennwood Village for Miriam's impressive High Tea Events. For Graham's input on the Building Committee. Also for both of them for their attendance at Relatives Meetings and helping with Minutes. For all the other Serbian Hungarian Ukrainian and Polish Volunteers.

At Pennwood Green we are extremely grateful for our Hungarian Volunteers in particular to Lazlo for assisting and interpreting for Irene the Physio with her exercise programs. Mrs Jean Bishop celebrated her 90th Birthday and much loved and appreciated Hungarian Volunteer Laszlo Tito was 88yrs old in September.

Thanks also to Magdalena Brekally and Ann Pinzel for their generous donation of time as well as articles and Raffle Baskets for the Activity Fund Raiser. For Mrs Joan Bishop who attends regularly to play the Piano for residents. These older volunteers shine with happiness and our richly rewarded when dialogue from a withdrawn resident or perhaps a song or a few words is gently encouraged from a resident when they least expect it.

The Face of Care in the FutureWorkforce Planning and Staff Development training. The new State Chief Nurse Lydia Dennett advised the Advertiser that there was 'a greater role for simulation' in helping nursing students to be ‘workforce ready’ . She also said she would like to see a closer relationship between nurses and the university sector in research. She also said we need more enrolled nurse training places and a focus on equipping nurses to treat patients in their homes and to deal with the growing levels of age related and chronic diseases. She disagreed that there were nurse shortages but felt more was needed to be done to ensure retiring nurses pass on their knowledge and expertise. This year we also trained staff in social media and introduced more computers and a range of e-learning. Twelve staff completed Frontline Management. Two care staff were successful in becoming Enrolled Nurses. We took on 2 Graduate Nurses, recruited 4 more RNs and 3 students from Seaton High School to complete and train in Cert111 as part of a carer Development stepping up the ladder to RN training from Year 11 &12 to Uni.


Under landmark changes to the aged care system, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, announced a 10-year plan to reshape aged care, beginning 1 July 2012.In a response to consumers choice more people will get to keep their home, and more people will get to stay in their home as they receive aged care.

Services Provided During 2011/2012Name ChangeIn a spirit of unity and in an effort to bring together both communities the Board have decided to bring about a name change. This is something our members have been requesting for some time. Norwood Nursing Home’s name has caused much confusion since we moved to Oakden. A great deal of thought was placed on the decision for a name change and after much debate and discussion we chose Pennwood taking a piece of each facilities name.

Pennwood Village and Pennwood Green sounds great, the freshness and vibrancy reflects the changes that these facilities have gone through in the last 2 years.

Pennwood Village at Pennington continues our vision of the Serbian Village with church, walks and water features. It is a timely reminder of the growth in our village and a name that truly reflects the spirit and atmosphere we have worked tirelessly to achieve. These changes are an important milestone which will benefit those people in our community wishing to enter aged care. Our new 20 bed facility offers accommodation for couples as well a state of the art clean green future for the new Pennwood Village.

Attendees were keen to hear James Underwood speak. The recent announcement of the 2012 Aged Care Approval Round had just occurred and these new places include individually-tailored packages of home care services. James discussed many options on how to remain competitive in aged care. He discussed Consumer Directed Care, his pet topic the benefits of linking with Child care Centres. He also suggested building retirement villages and ILUs alongside centres as an options to deliver better outcomes for consumers.

Aged Care Reforms


The Productivity Commission Report: Caring for Older Australians In August 2011 the government released this report announcing an overhaul of our aged care systems and major changes to services. On the 16th November small stand alone Aged Care Facilities CALD communities met with Minister Butler to discuss and respond to this report. These much needed changes have been long overdue and for those of you who have contacted me to assist you as you struggle to understand the myriad of bureaucracy surrounding the process required to enter an aged care facility it is a much needed change.

The Removal of High and Low Care Status to Consumer Directed CareBy 2012 we will see the gradual removal of any differences between high and low care services so all facilities will be “residential facilities”. Our residents will no longer be required to move from one facility to the other to receive high care. We will be required to deliver these services or broker them in. There will be a greater emphasis on choice and managing risks as well as introducing a range of preventative programs based on consumer directed needs.

The Gateway Contact Access2HomeCare on 1300 130 551 (free call) for assistanceThe gateway offers a onestep entry point which would assist us to implement in full the objectives of our Strategic Plan that is “to provide to the Serbian people a simplified gateway system for easily understood information; an assessment of care needs and their financial capacity to contribute to the cost of care; an entitlement for us to deliver and coordinate a broader range of services at all levels for our communities.” We will apply for Extra Services Status in our new wing and in Pennwood Village to improve cash flow. We will trial Independent Living Units (IOU) to deliver Home Services.

Our Board of Management has been able to stay abreast of these new developments and prepare our service delivery in readiness for the Gateway service plan. This new system according to Minister Mark Butler plans to minimise the stresses associated with trying to find a bed in a nursing home. Historically some people were forced by hospitals to take shared rooms in mainstream organisations with staff who did not understand their linguistic or cultural needs. They also were required to pay the same costs as someone in a private room with en-suite.

Consultation with our partners ACH and ResthavenConsultation with our Partners also has been used to foster relationships and allowed us to commence planning and implementation of services to both the Serbian and Hungarian communities. We highly appreciate the continuing interest demonstrated by Resthaven and the ACH Group to connect members to vital services provided in their own home.

Other changes recommended by the Productivity Commission is to address greater choices in managing risks associated with regulation such as Cultural food and ability to pay for what reflects what you get e.g. Cultural, spiritual and linguistic support through end of life issues.

Other Aged Care ReformsAged care Reforms such as the Are we listening campaign will improve access to care and support for older Australians seeking choices and raises the profile of Aged Care with a can do workforce. We highly value and are indebted to all the Staff at Pennwood for your support and co-operative approach in achieving improved outcomes for our residents.


Pennwood

Resident Choice and Management Governance and

Control

The function of the Pennwood Board is to collectively ensure the delivery of its objectives for the Serbian Community Welfare Association and the Hungarian Caritas Society. To uphold Resident Choices and set its strategic direction, and to uphold its values. The Board is collectively responsible and accountable for ensuring and monitoring that the organisation is performing well, is solvent, and is complying with all its legal, financial, and ethical obligations. The responsibilities of the Board cannot be delegated to any other person or body and includes monthly monitoring of systems and reports from Anne Brown Residential Care Manager.

Compliance monitoring for the purposes and values of the organisation, and with its constitution.

Organisational governance – setting or approving policies, plans and budgets to achieve those objectives, and monitoring performance against them.

Strategic planning – reviewing and approving strategic direction and initiatives.

Regulatory monitoring – ensuring that the organisation complies with all relevant laws, regulations and regulatory requirements.

Financial monitoring – reviewing the organisation’s budget, monitoring management and financial performance to ensure the solvency, financial strength and good performance of the organisation.

Financial reporting – considering and approving annual financial statements and required reports to government;

Organisational structure – setting and maintaining a framework of delegation and internal control.

Leadership selection – selecting, evaluating the performance of the RCM

Succession and remuneration planning – planning for Board, RCM and executive succession, and determining senior management remuneration.

Risk management – reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of risk management and compliance in the organisation; agreeing or ratifying all policies and decisions on matters which might create significant risk to the organisation, financial or otherwise

Dispute management – dealing with and managing conflicts that may arise within the organisation, including conflicts arising between Board members, staff, the RCM, members, volunteers, or service users.

Social responsibility – considering the social, ethical and environmental impact of all activities and operations and ensuring that these are acceptable

Board performance and composition – evaluating and improving the Board performance.


PennwoodRelationship with management Over the last 12 months the Board attended weekly Building Meetings and focused on the design and structure of the new building project and its development as well as the, strategic direction and the core policies of the organisation. We are very pleased with the outcomes.


In 2012 Pennwood Residential Care Services worked on marketing, advertising the new site, introduced a new website and developed our image. All staff have been working hard to bring uniformity in resident choices across both sites.

WorkforceThis year we have recruited more highly skilled Registered (RN) and Enrolled Nurses (EN) for both sites. Pennwood Green (PG) and Pennwood Village (PV) has also got full time RN Site Managers and many more Carers and ENs who have completed or commenced RN and EN training..

Staff RecognitionThis year I also presented the DOC Awards (Hall of Fame) to Jenny Cook who is a dedicated RN and mentor for new staff. We pride ourselves in delivering quality care with European flair. Dolores and Theresa have been working hard on care planning across both sites to complete all the Nursing Care plans, Audits and Satisfaction surveys. Sadly Andrijana’s mum died suddenly and she went home to be with her family. In her absence Branka managed the Finance across both sites with the help of Bela and Roma. They are all continuing their studying Accountancy at

Diploma level.

The new village environment with Chapel, pond and walkways in an idyllic garden setting.

Each year we have Slava Day at both sites and these were well attended. The Hon Mark Butler and Mayor of Charles Sturt Council visited the site and discussed new reforms and strategic planning for the future of Pennwood.

In 2012 the building committee has been meeting to manage the building defects and certification. All of which are nearing completion. We are extremely grateful to Lyn Travar from PMConnect as Project Manager, Bogdain Dorniak Architects and Bruce Interior Construction they have created a beautiful environment for our residents.

Planning the future of Pennwood Aged CareFuture direction for Pennwood - the next 3-5 years.

To contribute to our vision fopr tyhe future, we planned a brainstorming session with our local leaders Minister Butler and Kirsten Alexander Mayor of Charles Sturt Council to discuss

opportunities for networking and engaging our communities in aged care.

Kym Hampton reminded us that the time was right to borrow money if we plan ahead.

Although we have been unsuccessful in obtaining Community Care packages in the past, we understand the importance of building and delivering services in CALD communities as well as providing aged care in the home.

“As we draw to the end of 2012, we look forward to many improvements and advances at a clinical level in 2012-13.”

Residential CareManager ReportQuality Care with European Flair


The Future of Aged Care

Where we are now Where we are going How will we get thereFuture direction for small-stand alone Aged Care Facilities includes integration of services and connection where possible with the Aged Care facilities, Pensioner Clubs, Churches and Home Services, including Consumer Directed Care (CDC) with an emphasis on Cultural Links, Independent Living Units close to sites or even Child Care Services.

Pennwood will consider brokering services to assist with set up and process as well as industry challenges. We are aware of the need for an increased exposure and advertisement of our services as well as importance of good marketing strategy due to a need to be competitive and market ourselves.

We intend to implement Living Longer Living Better package released in CDC “Care Packages“ with Client Agreement Forms. These are key concepts that can underpin the journey of a small stand-alone Aged Care Facility. We plan to gain ownership of the four Levels of Home Services:

Level 1: Integrating Services Cleaning; Community Outings; Shopping; Events; 1-1 support; ILUs Packages; Day Centre; Meals; Alarm Systems; Falls and Safety awareness.; Cleaning Gutters; Cleaning and Gardening; General Maintenance; Window Cleaning.

Level 2: Centre based Day Respite; Day Centre; Overnight Cottage; Passive Sleepover: Inhome Respite; Respite Delivered from Mobile Setting.; 1-1 Support; Education and Training Health Awareness; Social Connections; Meals; Chat; Multicultural Movies events; Electronic Equipment to manage Events’ Risky Activity.


Level 3: Level 3 Day Care - Showers; Medication-Minor Dressings; OHS assessment of home health equipment, beds, chairs, shower chairs, toilet seat raisers; Safety and Security Awareness; Armchair Theatre; Intergenerational; Volunteers Bilingual Hospital appointments; Hospital Discharge Planning; Rehabilitation; Allied Health Supports; Physio; OT; Speech; Dietician; Hairdresser appointments; Gym Active Aging Programs; Check and Clean fridge; Linen services; Continence Management.

Level 4: Day Care; Co-morbidity with multiple conditions; Showers; Complex Health Care; Dressings; Simple Dementia Management; 1-1 Chats; Medication; Dementia; Social Media; Connecting to Internet; Skype families overseas; Carer support; Continence Management Advisor; Behaviour Management; 1-1 Support; Allied Health dietary Support; Speech Pathology; Walking Programs; Diet Supplements; Food.

Workforce planningPennwood Group intends to further develop skills in the Community aged care industry and to be an Employer of Choice.

Current weaknesses in training need to be addressed. We will need to consider an RTO to work closely with us in order to implement best practice training for all our staff. We will require training skilled staff in Cert 1V Teaching & Assessing, Research, WHS and Frontline Management & Careplans.

We will also reflect on our organisational structure, work with unions and other peek bodies as we will need separate Awards & Staff Contracts to include Community & Disability Award. We shall pay particular attention to uniforms, transport, mileage and rates, time sheets withiin our pool of staff, community and residential Cert 111 and Medication Competency. We will also cater for other required and relevant clinical skills credentialing training and awareness, WHS awareness and Hazard Management, thus providing continuous improvement, such as Comments & Complaints Management, Food Safety and Customer Service & Bilingual Skills.

The Workforce Compact - The Minister stated that an extra $2 billion in funding would be required to provide pay parity for the aged care sector. It is unlikely that this will occur. There may be some extra money for small aged care facilities.

Kym Hampton, of Future Investments, confirmed that the time is right for investing, borrowing and preparing for this new thinking and we have the numbers. Kym Hampton from Commonwealth Bank brought much reassurance to the group about our strategies and urged us to move forward with our vision and strategic direction.

Ensuring the staff have the right ethos, a “can do” attitude and working on accessibility for consumers as wellIf small stand-alone facilities are to have a future into the longer term, we must consider more 21st century concepts such as:

• Engage councils by attracting partnership arrangements and collaborative federations that are not necessarily confined by geographic boundaries such as TRACF system in Tasmania, Uni, GP, Div 6th year Med Students and Final Year Nurses.

• We will also look into realising aspects of Leisure orientated Retirement Villages LORC, Service integrated Care (SIHs), Graffitti Gang and Water proofing the West.

• We plan to involve residents by means of a Project Manager from Charles Sturt Council to give residents a tour of the new project works on Port Rd.

• ACH Good Lives Project & Repatriation services.• We anticipate to lLink with RTOs Training and Scholarships. Western Community Hosp and TIME

are good examples of future relationships.


• We plan service commissioning that ensures performance improvement and outcomes for the end user. Working more at the community level and listening to what end users in the community see their needs as being important.

Kirsten Alexander, Mayor of City of Charles Sturt, suggested partnership with excellent programs involving the community and engaging Volunteer Groups such as the Graffitti Gang & the Woodville orchestral musicians. Mayor Kirsten is focused on collaborating with the community on issues including the Waterproofing the West and “Imagine Tomorrow”, the review of our Community Plan.

FOCUSING ON HOME & COMMUNITY BASED CAREWe plan to listen and respond to consumers’ wishes by investing in more land and buildings in close proximity to Pennwood, to allow improvement of the following services (or services relating to):

• Consumer choice: German Experience, Pennington Primary School, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen, Gardens, Chickens and Animals; Classical Music.

• Home based services: Care packages to connect with community.• Integrating Services: these include flexibility in the ways we deliver services, e.g. Childcare

Intergenerational groups, Volunteers, Day Care Centre, Husband Minding Programs, Respite in RCF, Programs such as ITFerris Care Tunfstal, NRCP Newspapers and other Bilingual Newspapers.

James Underwood gave many examples of how to move forward in partnerships or alone. Bed Occupancy levels of SA are 95.8% and average national rate is 92.3% in 2012. James Underwood, our trusted consulting accountant, discussed his insight into future marketing and management needs as well as survival strategies for future Strategic direction, Bonds and applications for bed licenses as well as ways to stay savvy and ahead of the game in aged care. We therefore intend to form partnership arrangements and collaborative federations service commissioning that ensures performance improvement and outcomes for the end user. We have also had a promisse from James Underwood to assist with application process for Home Services as it is very competitive.

Current WeaknessesThe weaknesses were raised by Facilitators Chris Smee, Mary O Toole from Pathways Training and our Site Manager. RTOs New Carers and Graduates are not always job ready. We shall therefore consider becoming a Registered Training Organisation to improve outcomes for the end user, based on the Eden Model.

Social Media and the InternetWe understand that the best idea or “Product” cannot succeed without the right “Process”. We therefore need to introduce the National Broadband Network and free Wi-Fi connections as well as large server to support Intranet across both Pennwood sites. In order to ensure smooth operations, we will have to train staff to become skilled in its use, keeping up to date with twitter, facebook and ensuring staff skills and use of website for elearning. We also anticipate the financial backing of our Minister and Government, as if we have our vision and believe in it and work on it, it will eventually happen.

We understand the limitation of current broadband services and we plan to prepare for the future high speed broadband connections for business networks, social media systems such as smart TV and different tablets as a means for staff and family communication in particular the iPhones applications from Cardiac to Dementia support.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONSOur main recommendation for the Pennwood 5 year plan is so called “Function and Form”.

• “Function” is to provide the high standard of aged care services in amulticultural form. • “Form” is intention to develop new ways or “Forms” of carrying this out.


The removal of any differences between ordinary care and extra services funding will be based on the bond principles across the board with care co-contribution based on means tested and some inclusion of the family home.

At Pennwood Green, greater choices of how payments will be made will be offered in 2014. We will need to plan “direct entry” high care residents to increase our subsidy levels and meet community needs. We will also be applying for Extra Services approval for a wing so that we can admit bonded high and low care residents at both sites. This will become a standard practice across aged care by July 2014.

Greater Choices for Older Australians, Caring for older Australians, promises the most significant transformation of aged care in decades and the industry and community must now work together to bring about much needed change.The wellbeing of older Australians is central. The report will remove restrictions on the supply of all aged care services to the community and residential making it easier to admit residents into high and low care. We envisage that in the immediate future we will be applying for a range of home services to make it easier for older Australians to stay in their home while they receive care.

The Financial Future of Aged Care

Pennwood Finances


QA programs have been designed to assist the organization in creating evidence based practice culture. Nursing Quality Indicators are used to report and evaluate data collection.

Dementia – Currently about 75% of our residents have a diagnosis of Dementia. The diagnosis is made after careful clinical consultation and medical examination and tests on intellectual function. Drugs may be prescribed for symptoms such as restlessness, poor sleep hygiene or depression. In recent times the industry has seen an increase in aggression in the workplace and some residents may need medication to manage these events. This is referred to as Chemical restraint. The triggers are often associated with infections. The Clinical staff and Pharmacy monitor closely for overuse of chemical restraint.

It is a requirement for all RNs to update and review the care plan and the use of not just chemical restraint but physical restraint such as lap belts and bedrails and speak to families.

An assessment risk is carried out and residents are monitored for swallowing difficulties, weight loss and dietary requirements staff advise families by letter when a resident is on a special diet to ensure everybody is aware of choking risks.

2012 has been a busy year for both Site Managers, Dubravka and Dolores and Clinical Nurses, Jenny and Theresa. They introduced a lot of new clinical procedures for monitoring warfarin and oxygen saturation levels in an emergency. This assists the GPs to make decision regarding the need for a hospital admission. With the new expansion of twenty beds, we have seen in excess of over fifty new admissions and discharges from Pennwood Village and Pennwood Green. Pennwood Village received 3 yrs accreditation in 2012 and Pennwood Green is preparing for accreditation in February 2013.

Darice Ostrenga has resigned from Lifestyle and is taking on a QA role, together with Dolores Coleman, in QA Systems. Darice has also had a beautiful baby girl and has been off on maternity leave. She will be returning soon. Heather Hurley a very experienced Lifestyle Officer has taken on this position and has introduced a lot of new programs for residents to enjoy. If the residents are not busy gardening, they have a fishing game which they love or they are enjoying the Cafe areas. Outings to Serbian and Hungarian Communities have been well attended. This year we have a lot more Ukrainians. We also have taken on a lot more bilingual staff. Natasa, Dipti and Zsu Zsu are completing a Leisure & Lifestyle Certificate.

This year has seen us take a technological leap to ensure we market ourselves and communicate effectively. A new website was created along with a redesign of the company logo and branding. We now have a range of uniform tools across the group.

The website also helps us to connect up with Facebook and Twitter.

Surveys have taken place to assess how the residents could further access technology in the years to come especially with the advent of The National Broadband Network.

Voice and Video communications, Virtual Viewers, Social Media and Lifestyle Assistance are some of the areas we consider moving forward.

We look forward to thinking about integrated patient records and remote consultations to make life more comfortable for our residents and clinical operation more effective.


Pennwood Village 19 Windsor Ave

Pennington, SA 5013

Phone +61 (08) 8341 0401 Fax +61 (08) 8341 0775

Pennwood Green 72-79 Hilltop Drv Oakden, SA 5086

Phone: +61 (08) 8261 3688 Fax: +61 (08) 8261 5177

Like us on Facebook: PennwoodAgedCare

Follow us on Twitter: @AgedCareSA

www.pennwood.org.au [email protected]

Pennwood