Superintendent's Comment

Recommendations

• Ensure the development of a national strategy that reflects the value of a society for all ages and the worth of participation of individuals of all ages. Such a strategy should drive: the need for changed attitudes regarding all age sectors (youth, older persons); relevant program and service design; allocation of sufficient resources to achieve the aims and strategies for working together to translate the vision into reality.
• Educate business people, especially human resource managers against 'ageism'.
• Educate employers of the benefits of retaining workers over 45 years of age. With their experience and valuable skills, they can participate in making business more competitive and they can also mentor younger workers and nurture their development.
• Provide incentives for employers to retain older employees in their workforce.
• Ensure that all Aged Care providers and agencies optimise opportunities for full integration of resources and services for older people.
• Remove existing barriers to seamless - service - delivery, including federal/state arrangements and residential/ community service provisions.
• Call for greater flexibility in the delivery of aged care. Allow for local decisions to be made about funding and expenditure.
• That avenues between government and private providers of mental health services to older people be opened to productive discussion and planning, to enable better access to services for older people.
• That opportunities for funding mental health services be open for tender in a competitive market.
• Nationally, we need to recognise the implications of people living longer. This must translate into strategies which provide opportunity for part time work and volunteering, for continuing education, for more organised activities for older people.
• That opportunities be presented throughout secondary school education for the development of a volunteer ethic and culture.
• Governments should subsidise fees (means tested) to allow senior citizens to participate in lifelong learning.
• Governments should provide tax benefits to carers and additional resources to fund respite for carers.
• Appropriate affordable housing must be made more easily available to older people.
• Funding is required for restoration programs for homeless older people, similar to that provided for homeless youth. This could include a range of options: crisis centre, respite facilities and longer term accommodation.
• Need for medical services such as podiatry, GP visits, dietary advice that is based upon a non-threatening, non-judgmental community health model. (Need creative models of care).
• Make funding available for major research.
• Establish a separate Department for Older Australians. Aged care should not be controlled by the Health Department, because their scope does not include healthy, well, older persons.
• Increase the allowance for Community Care Packages (CCP) to address social and emotional needs of older persons - pastoral care, counselling, outings, occupational therapy.

Comments from staff:

• We look at the individual person and our diversional therapist works one-on-one with them to devise a program for each individual. We find out what they used to like doing and what they want to do now.
• We support residents' families who are having difficulty accepting what's happened to their loved one. We also support family carers of our residents. There is a lot of counselling in our jobs - listening and supporting.
• We have resident BBQs and the staff cook. It is a time for fellowship, introducing people to each other, especially new people and those who keep mainly to themselves. The staff don't have to do this, but they do it willingly because they want to.
• We follow up with residents' families regarding their care - we have good communication with the families.
• We organise "friends of the village" - stronger residents who assist the frailer members. These friends can also be family members of residents, family members of past residents and the current residents themselves.
• Everyday the staff do little things for the residents. Staff don't think the things they do are important, they are just doing what they would do for anyone, and what they hope someone will do for them one day.
• Beryl's hands have become large and bent with arthritis. She loves to wear very fine bracelets and her watch and everyday asks a staff member to put her jewellery on or to take it off. Then she likes to repay the staff by giving them fruit that she has taken from the kitchen.
• Edith has no family and her birthday is in a few weeks time. She came to tell me that she is going out twice to celebrate, one on the actual day and then on the following day. Two staff members are taking her, out of working hours, and this isn't the first time staff have given her special treats. We're all she has.
• One of our Chinese residents has a little 'shrine' that runs on electricity. She had it all set up on top of her wardrobe so she could see it, but there was no power point nearby. It was no trouble for the staff to rearrange her whole room so she could worship what it is she holds dear to her.
• Joan is always asking where her room is, even though the staff have placed a distinctive picture on her door. Edna stands in the corridor watching the world go past, commenting on most things, but not wanting to really engage in conversation. She's not really happy, but her only relative said she's always been the same, and has always found reason to complain. No matter how often she asks, the staff always tell her where her room is, it is never a problem.

Comments from residents:

• Phillip, 78 years
  Before I came here I was a drunk living in a Glebe basement. I had a bad fall about 10 years ago and was taken to hospital. Then I was sent to a hostel, but it was a terrible place. I was in a room with four others, so people wandered in an out all day. I couldn't watch television after 7pm. Someone told me about this Mission hostel, and coming here was the best thing I ever did. I have made a lot of friends and I have my own room, my own TV and my own computer. The staff helped me get the computer and they help me when I can't get it working. I'm learning to type and I play chess on the internet. I took up chess about a year ago.
  Living here has made a wonderful change to me. I'm out of the pubs and my health has improved. The staff are terrific here - they listen to you. The only complaints I can make are that sometimes they can be overprotective. The food is very good (even though we complain now and then). But I get first class medical assistance - I have a problem with my leg, so the staff dress it every day. Coming here was the best thing I ever did for myself.
• Claire, 82 years
  I lived in a housing commission flat in Redfern for 20 years, but there started to be a lot of drugs coming in and the wrong people were hanging around. There were always fights and arguments. I was frightened. People used to go to the toilets in the lifts and leave needles lying around.
  I wanted to go to another hostel, but the people at the Mission thought this one would be best for me. I feel much safer all round now. I've been on my own since 1976, but I've made some dear friends here. John the maintenance man is an absolute treasure. It's wonderful not to cook and wash up, and I don't have to worry about paying bills. You've got everything you want - meals, linen, gas, light, electric fire, radio, TV and a bus which takes us shopping and to the library.
  The staff are marvellous, all of them tender and caring, give a little cuddle and hug, make you feel good, makes all the difference. I do crochet and knitting to raise money for spring fair. I am allowed to have my independence.
• Edna, 78 years
  Prior to coming to the Mission Lodge, I lived in a housing commission unit for 11 years. I was raped in the unit, but the rapist has died in jail, so I feel safer. Then I was bashed by a boy about 19 years old.
  Moving in was difficult at first, but it is better than living at home because I feel safe here. I don't have to worry about anything. Before I came here I was too scared to let a man walk behind me. But I don't have to think of that sort of thing here.
  I have made a lot of friends, there is always someone to help. The food is good, and it's good not having to prepare it yourself.
  Edna also helps other residents. When an alzheirmers patient came to live at the Lodge, she devised methods to help him remember where his room is. After a while he remembered without her help.
• Keith
  Living in a Department of Housing home, Keith was an alcoholic whose marriage was destroyed because of his drinking. He was being abused by his 'mates', who bashed him and took his money. He came to the Mission as a crisis/emergency case and then asked the Manager if he could stay on, saying he felt wanted and needed for the first time in a long time.
  When he first arrived, he needed staff assistance with his personal hygiene, and was very withdrawn. The Manager said: You should have seen the great big smile on his face when I told him he could stay!
  Keith is now feeling more relaxed and safe. He sweeps the path and has a good sense of humour, even though he has dementia as a result of alcohol abuse. His family has abandoned him, but he stands more upright than before and has self-worth, willing to be involved in activities.
  Keith says: This room is big enough for me - I don't have to clean it up although I make the bed. I have my own TV and I talk to people. It's nice and quiet here, they keep my money downstairs so I know it's safe. I have plenty of freedom.
• Molly, 93 years
  I've noticed that everyone is getting older at the Lodge. There used to be a lot less staff than there is now. Everybody used to do most things for themselves, but now there are a lot of walkers and other equipment around the place.
  A resident of the Lodge for nineteen years, Molly has been very actively involved in the past, but now has trouble with her mobility. She enjoys listening to music, has radio, tapes and CDs, knitting and watching TV. Molly was the secretary of the residents' committee for a long time, and still goes to meetings whenever she can.
  She feels that she has her independence, saying: "I can go in and out - there are no restrictions, but they like to know when you are going out. The staff are very caring and helpful, and do whatever I need. I am perfectly happy. I have never regretted coming here."
• George and Betty
  George and Betty have lived in the retirement village for 13 years. Even though he is over 90 years, George still has a sharp mind and for many years was the village "fix-it" man. Betty makes jam for the village from her grapefruit and orange trees.
  "There are so many things to do, games nights, library group, travel group, social committee. You can be as active or as inactive as you like. There are a lot fewer men here than women. Many women have lost their husbands, but they keep active and keep themselves looking attractive."
• Robert and Meryl
  Robert and Meryl moved to the Mission village five years ago, after 48 years in their own home. Robert was instrumental in organising the bus run on Sundays and public holidays. "This is very good as it goes to the churches and the hospital. There is so much to do here, indoor bowls, shuffle board, bus trips to the local shops.
  The residents here are friendly and supportive. If you aren't well they check up on you and offer to help. If others are sick I sometimes cook food and take it to them. Everyone helps each other out.
  Robert has a workshop he uses for his timber work and I use it to do my china painting. I have a kiln I can use.
  It was difficult to come here at first, but now we have made a lot of friends and we enjoy being here.It feels like home now."