1 West Coast Homecare acknowledge and value the people who continue to access our services. We are committed to providing care and support to enable people to continue living in their own home and communities. I really appreciate Consumers taking the time to provide positive feedback about the services they receive and the workers who provide their care and support. This is always very re-assuring and confirms that our workforce really create our great culture. Hang on to your seats, 2024-2025 is providing us with a roller coaster of industry changes. The Australian Government is reforming inhome aged care to prioritise independence and are committed to delivering in-home aged care reforms that will serve the needs of all older people, their families and carers – now and into the future. These changes include: • the new Aged Care Act 2024 commences from 1 July 2025. • the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards from 1 July 2025. • the new single assessment service from December 2024. • the new Support at Home Program from 1 July 2025. • the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to the Support at Home Program no earlier than 1 July 2027. • the establishment of a Statement of Rights for older individuals, outlining their entitlements and protections. The new Aged Care Act also focuses on ensuring the qualifications, skills and experience of aged care workers are maintained to the highest standard and promotes the shift towards direct employment of aged care workers. West Coast Homecare (WCHC) has made the decision to transition our independent contractors to employees to align to these changes effective 7 April 2025. I am pleased to advise we have had a very good response for this group of workers and we look forward to them being a valued employee of West Coast Homecare. For further information please refer to the letter sent to Consumers in February 2025. NDIS has also had legislative changes that come into effect on 3 October 2024. The ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1’ Bill passed through Parliament on 22 August 2024. This was the first step to reforming the NDIS after the NDIS Review. The Bill become law on 3 October 2024. Changes to the NDIS Act because of the passing of the Bill will enable future improvements to the NDIS. These changes will: • clarify the way participants access the NDIS. • improve how NDIS participant budgets are set and spent. • strengthen the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Some of these changes will happen straight away. This includes returning the NDIS to its original intent and strengthening the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Other changes will happen later, when new NDIS Rules are made. These will be developed in consultation with people with disability, their families, carers, and the disability sector. To accommodate additional employees particularly in Port Lincoln we will be relocating to another office during 2025. We will keep you informed closer to the date. We look forward to your continued support and understanding as we work together to ensure the highest quality of care continues through these changes. Deanne Hartwig Message from the CEO Eyre Peninsula Autumn 2023 Eyre Peninsula May 2025
CONVERSATIONS 2 Independent Contractors changing to Employees As part of the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the aged care system, a new Aged Care Act (Act) will come into effect on 1 July 2025. This Act has been developed to address issues facing older individuals, aged care providers, workers, and the broader sector, with the goal of putting the rights and needs of older individuals at the center of the system. The Act aims to ensure that people receiving government-funding aged care services are treated with respect, dignity and fairness. Some key reforms under the new Act include: • A new regulatory model to improve oversight and accountability of aged care providers. • Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring higher levels of care and safety. • The establishment of a Statement of Rights for older individuals, outlining their entitlements and protections. • Easier access to services, with a clear and consistent entry process for individuals seeking care. • Empowering older individuals and their families with greater say in the care and services they receive, along with stronger protections to raise concerns if needed. The changes introduced by the Act are designed to improve the delivery of aged care services across homes, community settings, and residential care environments. Importantly, the Act also focuses on ensuring the qualifications, skills and experience of aged care workers are maintained to the highest standard and promotes the shift towards direct employment of aged care workers. To align with these reforms, West Coast Homecare (WCHC) has made the decision to transition our independent contractors to employees. We want to reassure you that we foresee that the transition will not affect the care and services you receive. All clients will continue to receive care as outlined in their Care and Support Plan. Our goal is to retain as many of our current care workers as possible to minimise any disruption to your care arrangements. Additionally, the new Support at Home program will be introduced from 1 July 2025, helping older individuals to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Please note, the following independent contractors will not transition to employees and will continue to provide services to West Coast Homecare as Independent Contractors: • Home modification builders; • Home maintenance contractors; • Gardening contractors; and • Allied health providers. If any changes are made to your care schedule or assigned workers, your Home Care Coordinator will contact you directly to discuss this. The transition process began in February 2025, with the goal of completing the transition of all affected workers to employees by 7 April 2025. Important Updates in Aged Care Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards www.health.gov.au/our-work/ strengthening-aged-care-qualitystandards Support at Home Program www.health.gov.au/our-work/supportat-home New Aged Care Act www.health.gov.au/our-work/agedcare-act Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Reforms www.health.gov.au/our-work/chsp/ reforms Single Assessment System for Aged Care www.health.gov.au/our-work/singleassessment-system
New Staff Members Welcome to the team! We are thrilled to have you on board bringing your skills and passion to enhance the lives of people who receive care from West Coast Homecare. Tanya Tesselaar Community Care Worker in Port Lincoln Kanishia Knight Home Care Coordinator Registered Nurse in Cleve Sandy Byster Home Care Coordinator Registered Nurse in Port Lincoln Luke Yancic Manager Financial Operations & Corporate Services in Port Lincoln Virginia Perin Job title: Executive Manager Clinical Care & Services Registered Nurse Start date: 13th December 2023 Employee Spotlight Brief overview of your role: I manage West Coast Homecare care and services including nursing services. I provide leadership to our Home Care Coordinators/Nurses, Community Care Workers and Domestic Assistance Workers. I also work closely with other organisations to ensure continuity of care to our clients. What drew you to this role and how did you get started in this field: I have always loved looking after people and going the extra mile and it is a privilege to support individuals and families during vulnerable times. I strive to promote health and well-being, and to empower people to take charge of their own care. I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of those I meet, and every day, I learn as much from them as they do from me. For me, nursing is not just a career—it’s a vocation rooted in compassion, service, and the belief that every individual deserves care, dignity, and respect, regardless of their circumstances. I absolutely love working at West Coast Home Care and I feel privileged to be apart of a wonderful, caring, and compassionate organisation. What is your favourite part of your job: My favourite part about my job is advocating for our clients and working with our amazing team. What are 3 fun facts about you: 1. I can sing. 2. I love going fishing – I am pretty good at catching whiting and flathead. 3. I have bent little fingers – so do my children! 3
Managing your mental health As we grow older, we will experience some ‘BIG’ challenges such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, caring for a loved one, financial and housing issues, illness, or physical limitations. We may find some of these difficult to deal with and feel like we have failed. However, as we get older the BIG challenges are likely to come close together or all at once and maybe at times when we are already vulnerable. It is important to remember while we may be older, we are still human, and these challenges can impact our mental health and in turn our physical wellbeing. We do not need to feel embarrassed or ashamed if we are not coping. If you are having prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety, talk to your doctor or health care worker about seeing a mental health specialist. There is a saying, that getting older is not for the faint hearted. So…how do we prepare for the challenges ahead? Maintaining good mental health as an older adult is important. This is not just about addressing problems, it’s about thriving and continuing to build resilience. We need to grow to ensure that our later years are as vibrant as possible and that we are in the best possible place we can be to deal successfully with the challenges or to know when we need help. Tips to protect and improve mental health • Seek treatment or help if you need to. • Engage in healthy activities doing things you enjoy. • Maintain healthy lifestyle habits. • Visit your GP to ensure that your physical health is ok. • Take your medications on time each day. • Stay socially connected. • Reduce access to negative news and events. • More time in nature. • Practice daily gratitude and enjoy the simple things in life. Free, Confidential Help services include Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 and Lifeline 13 11 14. COTA SA is an older people’s movement and the peak body representing the rights, interests and futures of around 700,000 South Australians aged 50 years and over, who together make up more than a third of our population. COTA SA reflects the diversity of modern ageing and connects with thousands of older people each year throughout SA. COTA SA has engaged with older people to advocate and develop policies that ensure the voices of older people are influential. COTA SA also offers services, programs and information that connects older South Australians each year. This work is led by the COTA SA Policy Council, made up of older South Australians with diverse backgrounds, knowledge and experiences. Policy council members provide experiences and advice on issues of ageing to advance the rights, needs and interests of older people. COTA SA has prepared a submission for the State Budget 2025/26 identifying four main areas of concern that have been identified through discussions and engagement with older people in SA. 1. Cost of living – Free ambulances for older South Australians to access emergency care. 2. Health and wellbeing – funding preventative health to keep older South Australians out of hospital. 3. Transport/older South Australians living in regional SA – fairer transport concessions for older South Australians accessing medical help. 4. Cost of Living/ Health and wellbeing – Advice and support for older South Australian, including women, to empower them to make key decisions and to support them to age well. COTA SA want to hear from older people. You can take a survey and help COTA SA keep their finger on the pulse by sharing your experiences and ideas about ageing well in SA. The 5-minute survey is anonymous can be done online, on the phone or you can request a paper survey that you can be posted back. Phone COTA SA on 08 8232 0422 or email cotasa@cotasa.org.au or visit their website www.cotasa.org.au. Membership with COTA SA is FREE to all older South Australians. Members will receive the regular COTA SA newsletter and have the opportunity to be part of an older people’s movement that advances the rights and interests of older people in SA. You can be a voice for older people in rural regions. COTA SA wants to hear from you! CONVERSATIONS 4
Decluttering your living space Decluttering is the act of getting rid of stuff - the excess, the things that you no longer need, want, appreciate or serve a purpose to you in some way. It is a way of simplifying your home, time and life by keeping what’s important and getting rid off or letting go of the rest. There are so many benefits of decluttering your home and life. Your family will thank you for doing it and saving them the job! Decluttering our homes, for example, creates space and calm. We have less stuff to look after and more free time for other things. With more space and more time comes less stress, more ease and more freedom for the things that we most value. There are other benefits of a decluttered home including it functioning better, it’s easier to find and put away things and it often encourages us to take pride in and look after our homes better. As we get older, it is important to have a home that is safe to live in. A cluttered home and yard can be a minefield for older people. Nearly one third of people over 65 years fall each year, with most falls occurring at home, many resulting in hospitalisation or an early entry into an aged care home. Often it is the sentimental things that are the most difficult to let go off or sometimes duty keeps us holding onto things even when we are not that fond of them. Keep the things that bring you joy or things that you can use. Try to find a good home for other possessions that are meaningful to your family. Remembering the past and honouring those who have gone before us is important and valuable. There is a place for the richness of family history in our homes and families. Decluttering sentimental items does not mean erasing the memories of our past. Rather, it is finding ways to remember the past without being burdened by unwanted things. Local history groups or museums might like to have things of interest to the local community. Hints for successful decluttering • Start early – don’t leave it until you have to do it. • One room at a time or one corner or one drawer at a time. • Choose the easiest things first. • Decide if each item is keep, give to family member, donate, sell or discard. • How long have a used the item or worn the item and when am I likely to use or wear it again. • Be honest and practical – when are you going to cook a dinner party for 10 people again or am I really going to repair/renovate all those items in the shed. If you have a lot of clutter in your home, yard and shed and are overwhelmed with the enormity of the decluttering task, you may be able to get some assistance through your home care package. Discuss with you Home Care Coordinator. “I don’t mind getting older, but my body is having a hissy fit about it” Quote of the Day 5
CONVERSATIONS 6 Changes to NDIS Legislation NDIS support lists available From 3 October 2024, participants will only be able to use their NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports. There is also a list of things NDIS funding cannot be used for. In some circumstances participants may be able to request a substitution from the replacement support list. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-doesndis-fund#what-is-ndis-support New NDIS laws start From 3 October 2024, new laws for the NDIS are now in effect. This follows the passing of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1) Bill being passed by the Parliament on 22 August 2024. Many changes will come through new NDIS Rules. These rules explain how the Scheme operates. Some changes will happen right away, while others will start later as we design and implement them. These changes help return the NDIS to its original intent and improve the experience for all participants. New rules For most people there won’t be big changes to the way you experience the NDIS right now. A key change is the new definition of NDIS supports. This definition makes it clear what NDIS funding can and cannot cover. It applies to all participants. Here is what you need to know: • From now on, participants can only use their NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports. • There will also be a list of items that NDIS funding cannot cover. • There is a replacement rule that allows a participant to substitute a support that is not an NDIS support in specific cases. • You can find the new definition of NDIS supports and the lists on the NDIS Guidelines website. • Other changes starting from 3 October include: • New and reviewed plans will show total budget amounts, funding component amounts, and funding periods. • The NDIA can change your plan management type if you need help managing your funds. • For more information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndislegislation Good nutrition in older people is a major health concern. Many older people who live independently are at risk of malnutrition. Good nutrition is important to optimise health, independence and quality of life. It improves wound healing, helps preserve bone mass, muscle mass and strength thus reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Good nutrition improves wellbeing. One of the main nutrition challenges facing older people today is ensuring they are eating enough nourishing food. The practical issues of shopping for food and preparing meals can be difficult, especially if living alone or with a disabled partner. The cost of fresh healthy food can be prohibitive for some older people as well. Poor nutrition is a bigger risk that obesity as we get older. It is better for older people to carry a little extra weight as this will help to see them through illness and times when their appetite is poor. The risk of being poorly nourished increases with age. There are a number of reasons for this including chronic medical conditions, decreased appetite, lack of interest in cooking, unable to do the shopping, chewing problems and loneliness. People with a very poor appetite need more high calorie, nutritious foods and drinks in their diet every day. E.g. milk shakes, fruit smoothies and nourishing snacks. Retaining muscle mass is important as decreased muscle mass means loss of strength and power and this affects the ability to carry out everyday activities. The weakness and frailty that come with muscle loss increases the risk of falls. Protein requirements are higher for older people than for younger people. If you have difficulty preparing meals or can’t be bothered, especially if you are tired talk to your Homecare Coordinator about alternative ways to ensure that you are eating well, this might include: • Organising Meals on Wheels or Dinner with Ease. • Prepared meals from the supermarket. • Getting help with shopping and cooking. • Visiting community/church centres where cheap meals are available, and you meet other people. • It’s ok to eat nourishing deserts – milk-based custards or yoghurt with fruit. • Inviting a guest to share a meal – home cooked or take away. Eating well as we age
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CONVERSATIONS 8 RECIPE : Grab & go overnight oats heartfoundation.org.au/recipes/overnight-oats Ingredients • ⅓ cup wholegrain rolled oats • 3 teaspoons chia seeds • ⅔ cup reduced-fat milk • 2 tablespoons reduced fat plain Greek yoghurt • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract • 220 g fresh mixed berries • 2 tablespoons natural almonds, chopped • 2 teaspoons maple syrup • Pinch ground cinnamon (optional) Method Step 1 Place oats, chia seeds, milk, yoghurt and vanilla in a container. Stir to combine. Place berries and almonds into separate small containers then combine maple syrup and cinnamon in another small container. Cover containers with lids and refrigerate overnight. Step 2 To serve, sprinkle berries and almonds over oats and drizzle with maple syrup. Hidden Object Solution Solutions Auto Crossword Solution Rebus Solution Find the Number Solution OFFICE LOCATIONS West Coast Homecare is committed to supporting small rural communities on Eyre Peninsula, our office locations and opening hours are: Head Office Port Lincoln 56 St Andrews Tce Phone: 8682 2177 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm Tumby Bay 3 Spencer Street Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm Cleve 27A Main Street Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm Cummins 58 Bruce Terrace Phone: 0438 163 641 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4.30pm SQUARE-FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM-SQUARE Join us on Facebook and Instagram westcoasthomecare.com
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