Report from Wesley Mission Annual Report 1999/2000

To read the full report, go HERE

H.C. Foreman Lodge is a 44-bed, high level aged care facility. Residents range in age from 45 to 99.

Our sole respite bed was utilised fully throughout the year. This service provides support for families endeavouring to manage frail or aged relatives at home. A short break and relief from the rigors of 24-hour care enables families to regain their strength and create a bond with our establishment that makes the inevitable admission less traumatic.

Residents who come to us are increasingly frail and present multiple challenges in meeting their care needs. Despite this industry wide trend, our rehabilitation program has seen three residents transfer to hostel and two return home. Currently we have one couple, married for 70 years, sharing a room (aptly called the honeymoon suite) and able to share their remaining years together.

Projects related to meeting the aged care standards and achieving accreditation. A three year accreditation was achieved in August while a well trained, committed and effective occupational health and safety committee, under Margaret Harris, helped us achieve a commendable rating from the Accreditation and Standards Agency.

Extensive trials and evaluations of the gentle therapies program, introduced last year, involving aromatherapy, massage, music and touch (particularly for residents with challenging behaviour) revealed outstanding results. One unexpected outcome of the original program was the development of a “Care for the Carers” program. This proved to be a popular and effective program to reduce stress for staff and relatives.

Education and training was a major focus throughout the year with many opportunities including food safety certificates, manual handling, dementia care and computer training provided for staff.

Residents greatly appreciated renovations to two of our bathrooms and the extensive upgrading of our gardens and outdoor areas.

H107 Bellingarra Rd Miranda. N.S.W. 2228
EMAIL: foreman_lodge@wesleymission.org.au
PHONE No: (02) 9522 6181 / (02) 9522 6416
Residents’ Blue Phone: (02) 9522 6432
FAX No: (02) 9522 5647
An Activity of Wesley Mission, Sydney