The Salvation Army Aged Care

October marks National Safe Work Month and this year’s theme is ‘safety is everyone’s business’. At The Salvation Army Aged Care, our people are our greatest asset so we’re taking the time this month to reflect on the importance of a safe workplace. It’s vital to plan ahead and consider safety and health in every action we take. We’ll be doing our part to raise awareness and reinforce safety across our centres. This week is dedicated to musculoskeletal injuries (MSD). Also known as sprains and strains, MSD are the most common work-related injuries, however, they are preventable with some changes. Here are a few methods we’re using to try and make the difference. #agedcare #salvosagedcare #TheSalvationArmy #SafetyIsOurBusiness #SafeWorkMonth

This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we’re shining a light on the resilience and dedication of our aged care team as the commitment our staff show when providing compassionate care every day is truly inspiring. The care and support they provide to our residents and clients is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting our workers means fostering an environment where open communication is encouraged, mental health resources are available, and wellbeing programs are in place as needed. Of course, mental wellbeing goes beyond the workplace. For our residents, clients, and the broader community, we’re committed to a holistic approach that enhances emotional health and quality of life. Everyone deserves to feel valued, connected, and supported. Let’s use this day to acknowledge the importance of mental health for everyone — whether at work, at home, or in the wider community. To learn more about World Mental Health Day, visit the World Health Organization’s campaign: https://hubs.li/Q02SSZpc0 #agedcare #salvosagedcare #TheSalvationArmy

Salvos Home Care is now available in South Australia! We’re pleased to announce that Salvos Home Care services are now available in South Australia, initially serving North and North East Adelaide. This expansion is part of our ongoing commitment to providing older Australians with the personalised support they need to live independently and safely in their own homes. “At Salvos Home Care, we’re focused on delivering compassionate, person-centred care that adapts to each individual’s needs. Our team is excited to bring these services to the South Australian community and make a real difference in people’s lives.” Simon Pavelic, Home Care Manager, South Australia. Whether it’s domestic assistance, personal care, nursing or Allied Health support, we’re here to make daily life easier, safer and more comfortable for older Australians. We offer flexible care plans with no hidden costs and a dedicated team that understands the unique needs of our local communities. To learn more or to refer someone who could benefit from our services, get in touch: 📞1300 111 227 ✉️ agedcare.enquiries@salvationarmy.org.au 🖥️ https://hubs.li/Q02SJj6H0 Let’s spread the word and continue supporting older Australians together! #SalvosHomeCare #salvosagedcare #TheSalvationArmy #AgedCare #SouthAustralia #CommunityCare

Meet Major Dorothy, she is a Retired Officer of The Salvation Army and now resides at #MacquarieLodge. Major Dorothy has a long-standing connection with The Salvation Army. When she turned 21, she went to The Salvation Army Training College to become an Officer, and it was here she met her husband. “I went to the College and then had appointments in Queensland and New South Wales,” she says. She and her husband’s first appointment was to Roma, in Southwest Queensland. Over the course of her time as an Officer, Dorothy notes that “every appointment was special.”  Read more about her life with the Salvos and her inspiring life story at the link below. 

What was something you thought was really important when you were younger, but as you got older you realised it wasn’t that important? On International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate the wonderful and important contributions of older people in our society. It's a day to acknowledge and shine a spotlight on the stories, perspectives and wisdom they can share with us. This year we asked the above question to our residents and clients. Click below to see their thoughts and join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions.

“'R U OK?’ Day is very important because it reminds us that it is okay to voice our concerns, and it encourages us to connect more and seek help and not have to suffer in silence,” says The Cairns Aged Care Centre Manager, Aileen. “Promoting 'R U OK?' Day is also important in helping residents and staff feel that the day is not just one occasion, that they can call on us. It should be an everyday thing.”  Aileen notes the importance of fostering a culture of wellbeing and support amongst her team, and in promoting resident wellbeing year-round. “We have a strong pastoral care and support at the Centre and the Chaplains are very proactive in their visits to provide one-on-one support for residents who may be experiencing low mood,” she says. Read more about 'R U OK?’ Day at The Cairns Aged Care Centre at the link below.

To acknowledge and bring awareness to #RUOKDay yesterday, our centres marked the occasion with a splash of yellow, with yellow decor, merchandise, cupcakes and R U OK Day-themed signs to encourage conversation related to the day. Our residents and staff gathered for special morning teas, lunches and games, to check in on each other and have a laugh together.

“I moved to Australia in 2013 and began my journey at Macquarie Lodge at the age of 21,” tells Kate Pineda, the Care Manager of Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Centre. Kate recently celebrated ten years of work at the Centre and, throughout her time, has progressed in her role, first starting as a Care Service Employee in 2013, before becoming a Registered Nurse in 2017 and then Clinical Coordinator in 2019. She has been the Care Manager since 2021.  When it comes to working in the industry, Kate is motivated by connecting with the residents, noting that this is indeed one of the most satisfying aspects of her role. “What I find most rewarding in the Aged Care industry is the deep connection I form with residents and their loved ones from the moment they arrive at the Centre,” she says. Congratulations to Kate on achieving this milestone! Read more about her journey at Salvos Aged Care in the link below.

"There are many areas in Aged Care that you can be a part of – it’s a satisfying and humbling field of work to be involved in and I feel privileged to get to know the residents that live here and the staff that care for them,” says Lucinda, the Lifestyle Coordinator at Carpenter Court Aged Care Centre. Lucinda has worked at the Centre since 2018. Having worked in Aged Care previously, her last role was in administration and the pull back into Aged Care was the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. “I had no opportunity to improve the quality of someone’s life like I used to when I was working in Aged Care,” she says. Lucinda and her team run a wide range of Lifestyle programs at the Centre, in line with our residents' wishes and interests, and also organise many community engagement initiatives for the residents Read more about Lucinda's work and the Lifestyle programs at Carpenter Court at the link below.

Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Centre has introduced their new “Hallway of Creative Expressions”. This showcase of artwork done by our residents highlights all of the unique expressions and visions of our residents on each floor of the Centre through their wonderful art. Neetika, our Lifestyle Coordinator at Macquarie Lodge, came up with the concept. “This is a new concept in addition to our ongoing sensory and mental stimulation program, which empowers our older people, boosts their morale and provides a sense of purpose in life and meaningful activities. This is a part of Standard 4 (3)(c) Reablement Approach,” explains Neetika.