As we move through this quarter, I’m reminded of just how important local, community-based care is to the people of the Eyre Peninsula. Across Aged Care and the NDIS, we continue to see significant reform and change. The transition toward the new Support at Home program, alongside ongoing adjustments within the NDIS, is reshaping how services are delivered across Australia. While these changes are designed to improve quality and long-term sustainability, we know they can also feel uncertain — particularly in regional communities like ours. Here on the Eyre Peninsula, the challenges are often amplified. Ongoing recruitment of Workforce, travel distances, and increasing service demand all place additional pressure on providers and teams. At the same time, more people are choosing to remain in their homes and communities — something we strongly believe should always be supported wherever possible. At West Coast Homecare, our focus remains clear: local, friendly, down to earth, high-quality, personcentred care that reflects the unique needs of our local Consumers and communities. This quarter, we have been focused on: • Supporting and growing our local workforce • Reducing Home Care Coordinator Caseloads to strengthen service quality and compliance as reform progress • Expanding our ability to meet increasing demand across the region • Continuing to advocate for fair and sustainable funding for regional services I want to sincerely thank our staff for their ongoing dedication. Working in regional home care requires flexibility, resilience, and genuine commitment — and I see that demonstrated every day across our organisation. We continue to grow our wellness and reablement prevention strategies with our new partner St Louis Allied Health Services commencing in March 2026. We look forward to introducing our new Living Well – Ageing Well Prevention Strategy to you in the near future. Eyre Peninsula Autumn 2023 | Communique Eyre Peninsula Autumn Winter 26 Message from the CEO To our clients and their families, thank you for trusting us to be part of your care journey. And to our community partners, your collaboration is vital in helping us deliver the best possible outcomes. As we look ahead, we will continue to adapt to change while staying true to who we are — a local, not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting people to live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes. Our community is at the heart of everything we do — and that will never change. Warm Regards, Deanne Hartwig CEO, West Coast Homecare West Coast Homecare Board Members
CONVERSATIONS 2 Although the benefits of pottering around in the garden are well documented, physical limitations and other medical conditions can make gardening difficult. But one Aussie invention is revolutionising the way we garden, to make it more accessible than ever. Say hello to Vegepod - the world’s most accessible and pain-free raised garden beds. Not only is the garden maintenance minimal, these compact, waistheight garden beds reduce the need for bending and help to support older people who may be at risk of falls or other injuries. Here are just some of the benefits of Vegepods: • Self-watering technology - plants can last for weeks without watering Amazing growth rates producing nutritious home-grown produce • No chemicals needed to keep pests away • Portable - optional stand, wheels and shade covering 300 - 400 varieties of vegies and herbs can be grown Whilst the government have unfortunately excluded raised garden beds from being purchased using Support at Home funds, we want to show you this great product which you can purchase privately if you wish. Your funding can instead be used for a regular Support Worker or volunteer to spend some pleasant time together with you, tending to your vegetables in your Vegepod. Please contact us to make sure you have the required approvals in place for in-home respite or social support services. Ph: 1800 428 431 vegepod.com.au Maintaining our physical health and mobility is so important as we age, and many older people living at home are keen to improve their strength, balance and independence. There is a range of tailored support available for people living with age-related health conditions and reduced mobility, focusing on low-impact and low-intensity exercises. Your Support at Home budget can potentially cover the costs of recommended assessments, services and equipment to ensure you receive the right type of assistance for your needs. Engaging in regular exercise under the guidance of a health professional can have both physical and mental benefits, improving overall wellbeing and boosting mood. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can create an individualised plan, either in your home or in a group setting, which can also provide a great opportunity to socialise. Having someone present, such as a family member or support worker, is recommended to guide and assist during exercises. We can arrange an assessment that focuses on maintaining your wellbeing and independence while making the process enjoyable. In most cases, Support at Home funds can be used to support your physical health as long as it aligns with your assessed needs, and there are no contributions required for physio-related services. If you believe you could benefit from exercises or physiotherapy, please get in touch for a chat. Product Spotlight: Vegepod raised garden beds Care Plans are a necessary and important part of receiving a Support at Home funding package. A good care plan begins with a range of comprehensive assessments to help build a picture of each individual participant, followed by matching suitable services and supports to meet those assessed needs. Your assessments, goals, care plan and quarterly budget are all inter-connected, and they guide the way your funds are allocated across each quarter. Here are the Top 10 things you most need to know about Care Plans: 1.1 As your provider, we must work in partnership with you to develop and agree on your care plan goals and actions. 2.2 We must provide you with a copy of your initial care plan before or on the day your first care service starts. 3.3 Your SAS assessment and our care assessments are the joint foundations for your care plan development. It doesn’t matter how long ago your SAS assessment occurred - those issues you discussed with the assessor are the reason you were approved for the funding level you have today. 4.4 Your goals, needs and preferences should be reflected in your care plan, and because everyone is different, it must be individually tailored to your specific needs. 5.5 Your care plan must be reviewed and updated at least once every 12 months or as your needs change, for example, if you have been in hospital, experienced a deterioration in health, or if other circumstances have changed for you. 6.6 Your funding level and quarterly budget is matched to your care needs and is meant to be fully utilised to meet those assessed needs. 7.7 Your care plan should include your goals, and the actions and services in place to help you meet those goals. 8.8 It should include all the informal care and supports you receive to help you meet your goals including the help your family, friends and others provide to you, even if your quarterly budget funding doesn’t pay directly for them. 9.9 Relevant parts of your care plan should be shared with people who will be helping you to meet your goals, such as support workers, nurses etc. 10.1 It should be a flexible document that changes and updates when new supports and services are recommended for you. All your quarterly budget spending needs to be aligned with your care plan. You can help to keep your care plan up-todate by ensuring your support workers and care partner are aware of any changes, and by participating in the necessary reviews and updates when new services and supports are recommended or required. Please contact your care partner for a chat about your care plan goals and to make sure your quarterly budget is being fully utilised to meet your assessed care needs. for understanding your Care Plans Maintaining an Active Body Top 10 tips
3 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. Julie-Anne Roberts Start date: 23rd February, 2026 Job title: Registered Nurse Home Care Coordinator Brief overview of your role: My role is to coordinate and care partner with clients and liaise with my colleagues to have the best outcome for our clients. What drew you to this role and how did you get started in this field: I have always cared about helping people, and being able to help people to stay in their own home as long as they are living safely. What is your favourite part about your job and why: My favourite part of my job is meeting with my clients and hearing their stories. I also enjoy coming into our Cleve office and spending time with my colleagues and going to other WCHC sites, as It’s nice to catch up with other staff that I don’t get to see regularly. What are 3 fun facts about you: • I love my hobby farm and my animals • My grandchildren have named all my animals, such as my horse is named Mrs Brown. • I enjoy camping and fishing. Port Lincoln Angela Backman NDIS Service Coordinator Jamie- Lee Welsh Domestic Worker Kristy Schreiber Casual Community Careworker Andriana Moschos Domestic Worker Nathan Sanderson Home Care Coordinator Kylie Earl Team Leader, Dementia Care and Services Shradha Tha Shrestha Quality and Compliance Officer Role: Quality and Compliance Officer Shaun Dienelt Community Careworker Cleve Julie-Anne Roberts Registered Nurse Home Care Coordinator Employee Spotlight Abhishek Chaudhary Start date: October 2025 Job title: Quality & Compliance Manager Brief overview of your role: I support the organisation in meeting quality and compliance standards across aged care and NDIS services. This includes supporting audits, analysing data and trends, and managing risks and incidents, while contributing to continuous quality improvement (CQI) and complaint management. I also prepare reports and review policies and procedures. I work closely with teams across the organisation, to improve how we deliver care and services, making sure everything we do is safe, effective, and centred around the people we support. What drew you to this role and how did you get started in this field: I’ve always been interested in roles where I can make a meaningful difference, especially in sectors that support people. I started out in healthcare and quality compliance roles, and over time developed a strong interest in quality improvement. This role felt like a great opportunity to bring those interests together and make a real impact in aged care and disability services. What is your favourite part about your job and why: My favourite part is working with different teams and helping improve systems that directly affect the quality of care people receive. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do behind the scenes can make a real difference in someone’s day-to-day life. What are 3 fun facts about you: • I enjoy exploring new places and trying different cuisines • I’m someone who likes to keep learning and picking up new skills • I enjoy unwinding with music, a good movie, or a relaxing trip to the beach after a busy week Health Spotlight: Influenza Most of us can remember at least once in our lives when we have experienced the flu! Remembering how dreadful it was often gives us the motivation to try to protect ourselves from going through it again. However, despite knowing the risks, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has reported a steady decline in the number of people aged over 65 getting the flu vaccination each year, leading to an increase in presentations to doctors and hospitals for older people with flu-like symptoms. They reported that 2025 had the highest number of flu cases on record! Older people living with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a chronic lung condition such as asthma, are at higher risk of complications associated with the flu. The flu is very contagious and spreads through droplets from your nose and throat, especially by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms may include fever and chills, cough, sore throat, sneezing and stuffy or runny nose, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and joint pains. Most people will get better without medical treatment and by getting plenty of rest, staying well hydrated and keeping warm. According to the Australian Government’s Health Direct website, the most effective way to prevent influenza is to receive a flu vaccination annually, and it is available for free for people aged over 65. If you need assistance and have the appropriate service approvals, you can use your ongoing quarterly budget to help you get to and from medical appointments, either with a support worker to escort you, a volunteer driver, or we can supply you with a CabCharge voucher to use at your convenience. You can also find your nearest flu vaccine provider healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health- services/all-services/influenza-flu-vaccine New Employees
CONVERSATIONS 4 Important Updates in Aged Care Did you know our nursing team can support you at home as part of your Support at Home services? We have a dedicated team of 2 Registered Nurses and 10 Enrolled Nurses providing high-quality clinical care tailored to your needs—without the stress of travelling to appointments. Our nursing services include: • In-home blood collection – including early morning visits for fasting tests, with samples delivered directly to SA Pathology (no waiting in long queues or travelling out in the heat or cold) • Wound care – professional assessment and treatment in your home. • SA Virtual Care Service (GP telehealth appointments in your own home can be arranged by a WCHC Nurse – for symptoms such as urinary tract infections, helping you access timely care without waiting for a GP appointment. • Vital sign monitoring – daily, weekly, or monthly checks including blood pressure, pulse, Blood sugar levels, oxygen saturation, temperature. • Weight monitoring – particularly important if you are experiencing unexplained weight loss. We work closely with your preferred GP to keep them informed of your progress and ensure your care is well coordinated. All services are delivered within your Support at Home budget, so you can access the care you need in a way that is convenient, timely, and personalised. There is 0% contribution for clinical care services through support at home. If you would like to learn more about how our nursing team can support you, please contact us today – Phone 86 822177. CareConnect Our CareConnect - Allied Health, wellness, reablement and independence services is provided on-site in our new clinic rooms in Port Lincoln with regional visits arranged and or telehealth appointments can be offered. St Louis Allied Health Team is our chosen CareConnect partner. The team of friendly allied health professionals fly-in and fly-out from Adelaide to provide this amazing service on Tuesday and Wednesday for WCHC clients. Services include: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Dietician. To make an appointment speak with your Home Care Coordinator - Phone 86822177 Clients expressed appreciations for St Louis Team of their visit and spoke highly of the clinicians involved. The clients noted that staff demonstrated strong knowledge of the and provided clear explanations throughout the session. Excellent feedback has been received from people accessing these services : “I’d like to thank the WCHC staff for organising the visit with the lymph physios. They were excellent and had a strong knowledge of the lymphatic system. Everything was explained very clearly during the session.” “Before my appointment, I was feeling heavy, tired, stuffy and congested. I also had a mild headache and noticed I was shuffling a bit when I walked.” “After the session, my headache was gone and I felt clearheaded, with better thinking. My breathing felt easier, especially in my left lung. My arms and legs felt lighter, and my balance had improved.” “I feel very blessed to be able to access this service and would like to attend appointments on a fortnightly basis.” “On behalf of the whole St Louis Allied Health Team, I wanted to say a sincere thank you to you and everyone at West Coast Home Care for such a warm and generous welcome last week. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely part of the team” Could you benefit from some one-on-one companionship? Although we all enjoy some time alone, it turns out that too much isolation is bad for our health. In fact, research shows chronic isolation can be as harmful as poor diet, obesity and smoking. On the flip side, as well as uplifting our spirits and increasing our happiness, social connection with others can also help: • Strengthen our immune system • Recover faster after an illness • Stimulate our brain and improve memory function • Lower rates of depression Nursing Care in the Comfort of Your Home
5 New Planning Framework (from mid-2026) The Australian Government has confirmed that a new planning framework for adult NDIS participants will begin rolling out gradually from mid-2026. This new approach focuses on a person-centred assessment of support needs, aiming to better match supports to each participant’s circumstances. The rollout will be staged, and most people will not notice immediate changes. Updated Definition of NDIS Supports The NDIS has introduced a clearer definition of what can and cannot be funded. This applies to all participants, including those with existing plans. Key points: • Participants must use their NDIS funding only for items that meet the definition of an NDIS support. • The NDIS has also published examples of supports it will not fund. • In some situations, participants may be able to substitute one support for another if it meets the rules. • You can read the full guidance on the NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supportsfunded-ndis#what-is-an-ndis-support These changes are designed to make funding decisions clearer and more consistent. Funding and Budget Changes As part of the 2026 reforms, the NDIS will introduce a new funding structure. This will replace the current Core, Capacity Building and Capital categories. What’s changing: • Plans will include flexible funding (which can be used across a range of approved supports) and stated funding (allocated for specific supports). • Funding will be organised into funding periods, usually around 3 months, to help participants manage their budget across the life of their plan. • Some supports may be paid in monthly, quarterly or upfront instalments, depending on the type of support. • Plans may cover longer time periods, meaning fewer plan reviews. • Participants can still request a reassessment if their situation changes. How this affects participants: • These changes will apply only when a new plan is approved under the updated rules. • Existing plans will continue unchanged until a new plan is issued. Each plan will clearly show: · the total funding amount · the funding components · the funding periods • Participants will need to manage their spending so their funding lasts for the full funding period. Support At Home Monthly Statement Each month, you will receive a Support At Home Monthly Statement. This document provides a clear summary of your funding, the services you’ve received, and how your budget is tracking. 1. Key Information at the Top of Your Statement At the beginning of your statement, you will find important details including: • Statement period (e.g. 1 January to 31 January) • Your Customer ID and Participant ID • Your Support At Home classification (e.g. transitioned Home Care Package Level 2) • Your Care Coordinator • You will also see a note confirming: “This is not an invoice – no payment is required.” This means the statement is for information only. Any contributions you need to pay will be invoiced separately. 2. Understanding Your Budget Summary Quarterly Budget Your funding is often shown as a quarterly budget rather than monthly. This is the total funding available for your care over a 3-month period. Available Budget This section shows how much funding you have available for services: • Includes any carry-over from previous periods • Shows how much is allocated for ongoing services Expenses This Month This shows how much of your funding has been used during the month. Remaining Balance This is your unspent funding at the end of the month. This amount carries forward and can be used later in the quarter. 3. Home Care Package Unspent Funds If you have transitioned from a Home Care Package, your statement may also show: • Home Care Package Unspent Funds • Monthly adjustments (expenses and closing balance) • This is separate from your new Support At Home budget but still available for your care. 4. Additional Funding (If Applicable) You may see extra funding for specific purposes, such as: • Assistive Technology • Restorative Care • Home Modifications These funds usually have specific rules and timeframes for use. 5. Detailed Breakdown of Services This is the most detailed section of your statement and shows exactly what services you received. Each entry includes: • Date of service • Type of service (e.g. personal care, domestic assistance, social support) • Hours or units delivered • Hourly rate • Government contribution • Your contribution (if applicable) • Total cost Service Categories Services are grouped into categories such as: • Independence (e.g. personal care, social support) • Everyday Living (e.g. cleaning) • Each category includes a subtotal so you can see where your funding is being used. 6. What to Check Each Month To make the most of your statement, review the following: ✔ Services Delivered • Do the dates and services match what you received? • Are the hours accurate? ✔ Costs and Rates • Do the charges align with your agreed pricing? • Are there any unexpected services? ✔ Budget Usage • Are you using your funding as planned? • Do you have a high remaining balance that could be used for more support? ✔ Contributions • Check if any client contributions are listed. • You will be invoiced for these separately from your Support at Home Statement. • The invoiced amount may differ from what is shown on your Support at Home Statement due to any applied adjustments or refunds. 7. Key Takeaways • Your statement is a record of services and spending, not a bill • It helps you track your budget and plan your care • Regular review ensures accuracy and value for money • Any concerns should be raised with your care coordinator or provider Need Help? • Any concerns should be raised with your Care Coordinator Join NDIS - Participant First When you join the Participant First Engagement initiative you will help improve National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) policies, services, templates, communication and more. You need to be 18 years or older to join. Child representatives are welcome to join. When you join you will receive a regular electronic newsletter. The Participant First Engagement Initiative is open to participants, their families and carers, and other people interested in the NDIS. The electronic newsletter includes invitations to provide feedback, complete surveys, join focus groups or take part in interviews. You can choose which ones you want to take part in. To take part in engagement activities you must be a Participant First member.To register follow the prompts in the link below: myform.ndis.gov.au/?src=https://forms.ndis.gov.au/ external/participantfirstinformationform NDIS Reforms: What’s Changing and What It Means for You
CONVERSATIONS 6 DBHQHZOCXNDSVDC HYENAQSOLVNOMOV LOGMFAFWEKSRASB YYXNNNDRAPOELOM FHVDOEODD I G C Z N L H I CSBRLYXYWOI L O F A I VSHLORFLNAUP TBKLEMWBYKAI F G C PFOJZCTQMHCHHEV CDLTHBBGNNER I T S S U I OFTBEELCJYOT BEARWWSFPE I C V Y O BBVARDCMWPHOFOA BZYGHPZJDL TFNCT V N L K L F B I Q J V P W H H It’s a wild, wild world Bear Elk Leopard Sandcat Bison Fox Lion Stoat Coyote Hyena Rhinoceros Wolf FIND THE WILD ANIMALS HIDDEN IN THE PUZZLE. SEASONEDTIMES.COM PUZZLES & GAMES Solutions on back page.
7 NOURISHING CHICKEN SOUP Method Step 1 Heat oil in a large, deep pot over a medium-high heat. Add chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned all over. Remove and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Step 2 Add onion, carrots, celery, turnip, garlic and thyme to pot. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Step 3 Return chicken to pot with bay leaf, 2 litres (8 cups) water and stock cube. Bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover with lid. Simmer for 1 hour. Stir in pasta. Simmer, covered, for a further 15 minutes. Step 4 Remove from heat. Lift chicken pieces from pot using a slotted spoon. Shred chicken meat and discard bones. Return chicken to pot with parsley. Stir over low heat until hot. 6 serves 15 m prep 105 m cook Ingredients • 1 kg chicken lovely legs • 1 onion, finely chopped • 4 large carrots, peeled, cut into 2 cm pieces • 4 stalks celery, sliced • 1 turnip (or swede), cut into 2 cm pieces • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves • 1 dried bay leaf • 1 reduced salt chicken stock cube, crumbled • 200 g wholemeal pasta • 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley Method Step 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Drain the pear slices, reserving ¼ cup (60ml) juice. Combine the pear, blueberries, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Step 2 Divide the fruit mixture evenly among four 1-cup (250ml) ovenproof dishes. Drizzle with the reserved pear juice. Place the dishes on a baking tray. Step 3 To make the topping, sift flour and cinnamon into a medium bowl, returning any solids remaining in the sieve to bowl. Add the sugar, egg, oil and milk and stir to combine. Spoon over the fruit mixture in the dishes. Step 4 Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly. Step 5 Serve the cobblers warm with yoghurt. PEAR AND BLUEBERRY COBBLERS 4 serves 15 m prep 25 m cook Ingredients • 410g can pear slices in juice • 1 cup (125g) frozen blueberries, just thawed • 1 teaspoon caster sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence • 2 tablespoon reduced-fat Greekstyle yoghurt Crumble • ½ cup (80g) wholemeal self-raising flour • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tablespoons caster sugar • 1 egg, lightly whisked • 1 tablespoon sunflower oil • 1 tablespoon milk RECIPES Tips To cook soup in a slow cooker, complete steps 1 and 2 as above, then transfer chicken and vegetables to a slow cooker. Add bay leaf, water and stock cube as directed in step 3. Cook on low for 7 hours (or high for 4 hours), adding pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Follow step 4 as above and keep soup warm in slow cooker on low setting until ready to serve. Freeze individual soup portions in containers. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat on stovetop or in microwave until hot. Great for a warming office lunch or a light dinner on chilly nights. Recipes sourced from the Heart Foundation heartfoundation.org.au/recipes Tips Freeze individual soup portions in containers. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat on stovetop or in microwave until hot. Great for a warming office lunch or a light dinner
CONVERSATIONS 8 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 52 Liverpool Street Phone: 8682 2177 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm Tumby Bay 3 Spencer Street Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm Cummins 13-15 Light Road Phone: 0438 163 641 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4.30pm Cleve 27A Main Street Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm SQUARE-FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM-SQUARE Join us on Facebook and Instagram westcoasthomecare.com Puzzles & Games Solutions Crossword Solution Find Me Solution What’s Missing Solution Find a Word Solution An advance care directive is a formal way to record your wishes for future care, including your values, preferences and the treatments you would accept or refuse. It also allows you to appoint a substitute decision-maker to act on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions. Creating a directive is an important part of planning ahead. In unexpected or stressful situations, it provides clear guidance for your loved ones and health professionals, helping ensure your wishes are respected. You can make a valid directive if you are over 18 and have decision-making capacity. It’s recommended to discuss your wishes with your doctor and those close to you. While a lawyer is not required, your directive should be signed, dated and shared with key people including your family, doctor and nominated decision-maker. Choosing the right substitute decision-maker is important. This should be someone you trust, who understands your values and is comfortable making decisions in difficult situations. Your directive can be updated at any time and should be reviewed if your circumstances or preferences change. You may also choose to upload it to your My Health Record so it is easily accessible when needed. If you would like to request support, please contact your coordinator, who will connect you with Kylie Earl – Team Leader, Dementia Care and Services. CREATING AN Advance Care Directive
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