Uniting AgeWell

Throughout Spiritual Care Week, and every day in a myriad of ways, Uniting AgeWell chaplains make a profound and positive impact on the lives of our residents, staff and our broader community.  Recently Director of Mission, Rev Clare Brockett spoke about Uniting AgeWell’s Spirituality Framework. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gS5HZQuG

Celebrating Seniors: Living Life My Way - This sculptor is in a mould of his own! There are not many authors who publish their ninth book at the age of 96. But Ken Scarlett - sculptor, educator and author specialising in Australian sculpture - is doing just this. An Odd Lot is being launched at the Australian Galleries and is an eclectic snapshot of Ken’s life, written with his usual sharp insight and self-depreciating sense of humour. Chapters include snippets of a life that is both brilliant and colourful. “Thank goodness I bucked the family tradition,” the resident at Uniting AgeWell Hawthorn Community grins, as he gleefully delivers one of his pithy one-liners.  “My Dad was a butcher, so was my grandfather and my uncle.” This Seniors Month 2024, Uniting AgeWell is proud to celebrate incredible seniors like OAM recipient Ken, who hasn’t ruled out writing another book! Read his amazing story here https://lnkd.in/gUHGqwrs

Celebrating Seniors: Living Life My Way - A Force of Nature Betty Boadle is a talented piano teacher, passionate performer, and dedicated gardener. At 94, she continues to embrace life and pursue her passions with joy and vigor! This Seniors Month 2024, Uniting AgeWell is proud to celebrate incredible seniors like Betty. Their vibrant spirit and inspiring stories remind us all to cherish every moment, no matter at what age. Discover more about Betty's remarkable journey: https://lnkd.in/gwcw2JmK

Surprise nomination for Johnson The staff at Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community, Strathglen were delighted to hear their colleague, Johnson Cai was nominated for an award through Palliative Care Tasmania. Johnson was surprised to hear the Specialist Palliative Care Service of Tasmanian Health nominated him. A Registered Nurse, Johnson is driven to learning more about palliative care and passionate about providing the best possible experience for people at end of life. To find out more about Johnson’s career journey and how he found himself working in aged care, visit https://lnkd.in/gvxfxX_N @pallcaretas #palliativecare

A career with meaning - 35 years at Uniting AgeWell As we continue to share the Celebration of Ageing Well across Uniting AgeWell in October, years of service will be recognised and celebrated. It is heartening to know there are people like Cheryle Hague who is remembering 35 years at Uniting AgeWell. “I’ve certainly never been bored,” says Cheryle in what must qualify as the understatement of the year. “What I really love is that it’s been a rewarding career.” A heartfelt thank you to Cheryle for your commitment and impact on so many lives over your career. To read more about Cheryle, visit: https://lnkd.in/gwA93Xzg

This week is National Carers Week (13-19 October) and there are “a million reasons why we care” about the 3 million Australians who act as carers for their family, loved one or friend. While it is important to highlight carers in this week of recognition, we know the role of carer is usually 365 days per year. At Uniting AgeWell, we are blown away by the people we meet and their absolute commitment to the person they support. People like Kay Francis, who represents the one-in-nine Australians caring and supporting a family member or friend. The 81-year-old retired librarian cares for her husband Graeme, who has vascular dementia. Kay uses respite care that he receives through his government-funded home care package to take time out to recharge her batteries. To find out more Kay’s life as a carer see https://lnkd.in/gZciStEB #NationalCarersWeek!

Radio presenters Marilyn (Mazza) Bennet OAM and Ian Braybrook are still gracing the airwaves and bringing as much joy to listeners as they always have. Both have had long careers in radio. They own Radio 88FM for Seniors in Castlemaine which they run from a studio in their cosy Castlemaine home. “We’re still broadcasting every day. We have no plans to stop anytime soon – why would we?  There’s too much to do!” Marilyn (Mazza) Bennet OAM This @seniorsmonth, we’re putting the spotlight on some pretty amazing people who are #livinglifetheirway. Read their full story here https://lnkd.in/gWppzTpA

Today is the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. The theme Ageing with Dignity, is timely given the recent tabling of a proposed new Aged Care Act in Parliament to ensure Australians have access to the best possible support as they grow older. According to the United Nations, population ageing is a major global trend reshaping societies worldwide. Life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world's countries, 25 years longer than in 1950. By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally, with this increase most rapid in developing countries. Putting a face to some of the amazing seniors we support today, helps to recognise the contribution made by elders in the community. People like Dr Anne Walker, 86, who lives at Uniting AgeWell Hawthorn Community. Anne helped establish the International Women’s Tribune Centre (IWTC) in New York and was involved in the historic series of UN world conferences on women held in various countries from 1975 to 1995. Broadcaster Loretta Simmons has volunteered for 25 years at Golden Days Radio lives at Uniting AgeWell’s Nangare Independent Retirement Village in Burwood. Footscray award-winning artist, Wilma Plozza-Green, is loving life thanks to a home care package through Uniting AgeWell. Over the years she has held a number of high-profile art exhibitions, including one at the Bundoora Homestead Gallery. #internationaldayofolderpersons #seniorsmonth2024

This Dementia Action Week (16-22 September), we’re being encouraged to consider how we can help shape our future for the better, in support of people living with dementia. As an organisation, Uniting AgeWell recognises the increasing number of people living with dementia. Aged care service providers like Uniting AgeWell, play an enormous part in pushing the boundaries to ensure continued progress in delivering the best possible outcomes for clients living with dementia and their families. Read more about Steve and Di in Tasmania and their journey with Uniting AgeWell https://lnkd.in/dAEgYicF #dementiaactionweek #agedcare

A welcome step toward a new Aged Care Act Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly and Board Chair, Raelene Thompson joined 15 UnitingCare Network leaders and the UnitingCare Australia team at Parliament House in Canberra this week for two very productive days of meetings and advocacy on a range of issues, with Aged Care being a central point of discussion. A timely meeting with senior politicians from all sides of Government, was a chance to advocate for change. The group took every opportunity to discuss the importance of introducing the new Aged Care Act as an urgent priority, particularly with regard to changes required to create a financially viable aged care sector that meets the growing care needs of an ageing population. Andrew was delighted to learn the legislation had been tabled, as all attendees returned to their respective home states from their meetings in Canberra. “I am absolutely thrilled that the Federal Government announced that the new Aged Care Act would be introduced to Parliament with bipartisan support from the Coalition. Older Australians deserve high-quality aged care services and they deserve these services when and where they need them. Today’s announcement is a very important step towards creating a viable and sustainable aged care system that meets the growing needs of our ageing citizens.” For more information on the proposed Aged Care Act visit: https://lnkd.in/gGFQ839E