NovaCare June Newsletter for Consumers and Families

Joseph McCarthy
March 29, 2022

Consumer  Quarterly Newsletter – June 2024

 

Changes to the Day Centre Boundaries.

Due to the growth at all our day centres, we have had to adjust the catchment boundaries for the day centres.

Milpara, which is located in Merewether will no longer be able to pick up for outings in the Redhead and Belmont areas, consumers that attend from these locations will be included in the Swansea Day Centre catchment. We all understand that this is a change, and we are working to ensure that there are several group days where all the centres come together. This will mean that any consumers that change centres will still have the opportunity to meet up with old friends.

Food – Why we don’t take food home from outings.

It is important to follow safe food handling guidelines to reduce the risk of food poisoning from leftover foods. A lack of temperature control when taking away and transporting leftover food can allow dangerous bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

These bacteria grow very well in the ‘temperature danger zone’ which is between 5 °C and 60 °C. Leftover food at restaurants is commonly taken away while in the danger zone. In addition, the food may be eaten several hours or even days after it was prepared, further increasing the risk of food poisoning.

Although it is not illegal to take food home from a restaurant it is our policy not to allow consumers to take food with them after having a meal out.

This can cause some upset when the staff remind consumers of this, but it is for your own safety that this decision has been made.

Activities at Milpara.

Our centre at Merewether Milpara has introduced 2 new activities over the last month.

Milpara now offer a full day of activities at the centre on a Monday ranging from art and craft to games days.

On a Tuesday at Milpara they have introduced a yoga class. Yoga is a form of exercise that can improve flexibility, strength, mental health, stress relief, inflammation, and more. If you would like to learn yoga and experience the benefit, please give Milpara a call on 4963 6356 and arrange to come along.

Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter!

Influenza (flu) is serious, especially for people aged 65 and over. Your yearly flu vaccine offers the best protection from getting really sick. Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and free for people aged 65 and over. So if you want to keep doing the things you love this winter book your flu vaccine today.

Ailsa Craig Cottage offering evening respite!

As we age our sleep patterns can change. We all feel better when we get enough sleep. People living with dementia are no different, and changes in sleep can affect both the individual and their caregiver.  This can have an impact on their day-to-day life and lead to changes in their behaviour.

We are pleased to be able to support an evening respite program. Being able to get the respite a carer needs while being able to let their loved one sleep until they wake can help to set both the person and the carer up for a better day.

If this flexible respite option suits you and your loved one, please give us a call.

Your NovaCare Clinical Team are here to help.

If you are a recipient of a Home Care Package, NovaCare’s team of experienced Registered Nurses, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Massage Therapists have a wide range of skills and expertise to assist you to live safely in your home. Our team of Registered Nurses are on the road every day delivering high quality, personalised care including wound care, continence care, medication reviews and health checks.

Our Physiotherapist’s are available for comprehensive mobility assessments, exercise plans and falls preventions.  Our friendly and enthusiastic Allied Health Assistants will support you to complete your exercise program.

NovaCare’s own Occupational Therapist will visit you at home to assess and recommend any equipment and devices that will assist in your day-to-day life.

This team of Health Care Professionals are mobile and responsive to situations that may be more urgent.  We encourage you to reach out to us for advice and help with any health concerns you may have, and we have immediate capacity to attend to visits.

NovaCare App

Did you know you can download the NovaCare app to track when and who is coming for your service, and you can share this with your family. This is just like the messages you would receive from your GP, your hairdresser or car mechanic!

The NovaCare App makes it easier for our customers to view and manage their services. Designated family members can also use the NovaCare App to stay up to date on the support their loved ones are receiving. This makes sure that you don’t miss a notification around a service change.

If you would like to access the NovaCare app, give us a call and we can send you the guide on how to set it up or help you over the phone.

The app is easy to download and install, in most instances your Case Manager or Coordinator can talk you through it over the phone.

 

Joseph McCarthy
CEO

Joseph McCarthy is the CEO of NovaCare. On weekends, he loves to visit the farmer's market.