Summer 2017 Issue 6

Welcome to Opal Opal Aged Care Moments

Opal Moments is our magazine In this issue: that keeps you up to date on Opal Windward Manor’s 03 what’s happening across the Gallery Opening Night organisation. Transforming the aged 07 care experience for our residents Opal Kawana Waters, 11 our cherished home Building a stronger team 13 for tomorrow Turning a vision into 21 reality Issue 6

Highlights Contents Opal Windward Manor’s Gallery Opening Night 03 Features

03 Opal Windward Manor’s Gallery Opening Night 07 Transforming the aged care experience for our residents Building a stronger team 11 Opal Kawana Waters, our for tomorrow cherished home 13 13 Building a stronger team for tomorrow 19 Memory Walk and Jog thank you 21 Turning a vision into reality 35 Home of the year

Regulars

01 Welcome from Gary 23 A resident’s story: Ken Hipwood 25 Meet the team: Jackie Alvarez Turning a vision into reality 27 From our homes 21 33 Hear from our families 36 Our homes around the country

Meet Ken, one of our residents and hear his story. Thank you to all our residents Corporate Office Level 27/135 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | P 02 8241 1600 | F 02 8241 1690 and staff for allowing us to use E [email protected] | W opalagedcare.com.au their photos in our publications. Trading name: Opal Aged Care | Legal entity name: DAC Finance Pty Ltd Welcome from Gary

Welcome to our sixth edition of Opal Moments

Welcome to the sixth edition of you will see the ongoing work to of our Victorian homes, Opal Opal Moments. There has been support our staff on page 13. I’d Meadowglen, which tells the a lot happening here at Opal and like to take this opportunity to say story of Facility Manager, Yvonne Above: Gary with Alzheimer’s Australia President Graeme Samuel AC at the across the sector in general. It a heartfelt thank you to all of our Bull, and her vision to provide opening of Opal Kawana Waters. opportunities for better services would be fair to say that the aged 7,000 plus staff who come to work Below: Gary with Art-Based Cognitive care sector, including providers every day, and do an incredible job, and care for the local community. Therapist Viktoria Maksymova (right) like ourselves, have been under in an extremely challenging sector. And, finally, thank you to our and colleague Polina Gavria (left) at particular scrutiny for the past As well as a focus on our staff, we the Opal Windward Manor Art Gallery residents for sharing their Opening Night. six months. continue to look at ways to improve experiences of living in our homes, The world of aged care is changing our resident’s experience, and on from Mary at Kawana Waters on as our customers and their families page 7 you can read about our first page 11, to all our staff, residents rightly take the lead in advocating ever rehabilitation centre opening and family, who have been have for their own journey in aged at Opal Cardinal Freeman, which is been keeping us up to date on care. We know the importance of transforming the lives of residents what’s happening across the listening to our customers, and living with pain and disability. organisation on page 27. the organisations that advocate for On page 3 you can hear about the I hope you enjoy this edition of them. This is something we have Windward Art Gallery Opening Opal Moments. begun, but will be a continued Night, a very special event where Best wishes, priority in the future. We have we celebrated the amazing talent committed to our own independent of our residents and understood the review, which will focus on clinical real benefits of lifestyle activities leadership, customer service and such as Art-Based Cognitive complaints management, and to Therapy while raising vital funds ensure transparency, we will make for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. Gary Barnier Managing Director these results public. On page 21, you can read about As part of our focus on continued the positive impacts of the improvement, in this edition, refurbishment and growth of one

01 Feature: Opal Windward Manor’s Gallery Opening Night Opal Moments

Our residents had created quite the art collection, and so an idea was born to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW by hosting a silent auction for the artworks. Opal Windward Manor’s Gallery Opening Night

When people first hear that aged Providing the right support subject selected each week. This care residents are creating art, through Art-Based Cognitive could be anything from dancing, to they might underestimate the animals, or mystical creatures, like Therapy Above: Margaret (left) and Pauline mermaids. Viktoria believes there’s levels of talent and creativity. Research around the benefits (right) stand next to the Little real opportunities for the residents When given the tools and support, of Art-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mermaid artwork. in the classes “When you do an you would be amazed to find many specifically in residential aged Below: A great night was had by all. art class, it’s an opportunity for of our residents are undiscovered, care homes have been shown to each resident to create their own talented artists. This was certainly have real and positive impacts, artwork. They get the chance to the case for residents at Opal especially for people living talk, to express themselves Windward Manor who hosted their with dementia. first ever Gallery Opening Night, and communicate, and discuss showcasing a collection of over Art-Based Cognitive Therapy the subject.” (ABCT) combines art alongside 30 amazing artworks. Resident’s family members have cognitive therapy delivered by a noticed the positive impact trained therapist. Opal has been of the classes, referencing an working with art therapist Viktoria improvement in cognitive function. Maksymova and her team across a John, whose mother Norma number of our homes for the last has been at Opal Windward five years. As Viktoria explains, Manor for two years, has started “The main benefit from Art-Based attending the weekly classes, and Cognitive Therapy is to your brain. commented, “Since mum’s been To be healthy our body needs doing art classes I’ve found that to be exercised, and our brain her hand and eye coordination also needs regular exercise and has actually improved.” stimulation too. Art is one of the best ways to do this.” The classes at Opal Windward Manor run weekly, with a new

03 04 Feature: Opal Windward Manor’s Gallery Opening Night Opal Moments

Creating unique masterpieces Raising the artists profile and The night ran as a silent auction with stiff competition for the seven The classes provide an opportunity funds for a good cause large artworks – the top fundraiser for self-expression and creativity in a With the residents creating quite the ‘Silver Birch’ artwork, raising supportive and social environment. the art collection, and with over $1,500. On the night, with the For residents that may struggle to 50% of our residents living with artworks sold and donations made, paint with brushes and apply delicate some form of cognitive impairment, a total of $16,000 was raised for touches, they are still able to get an idea was born to raise funds Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. involved in the art, with the therapist for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW encouraging them to take part in by hosting a silent auction for Artists Pauline and Margaret said different stages. When it comes to the artworks. they were extremely happy they the larger canvas paintings, all the were able to raise funds for such The Gallery Opening Night provided residents have been involved. Taking a good cause. Margaret said, “It a fitting showcase for the beautiful The Little Mermaid, as an example, was a brilliant night, giving us the artworks residents had created. this was inspired by the classic Hans opportunity to show people the Attendees at the event included Christian Andersen fairy tale and it work that we do.” family and friends of the residents was created in mixed media. Some and Opal, including Mr John Sidoti, Nooreen Dossa, Corporate residents started by applying the MP, Local Member for Drummoyne. Partnership & Engagement texture in the modelling paste, before Coordinator, accepted the cheque others applied the acrylic paint, with Facility Manager Damien Rosengren on behalf of Alzheimer’s Australia final touches, including gold leaf explained to the guests that NSW on the evening. “It’s fantastic being applied by residents Margaret attended, “Residents have been to see such an amazing event, where and Pauline, who are particularly working with our art-based cognitive the resident’s beautiful artwork has Above: Mr John Sidoti, MP, good at the final touches! Margaret therapists for a number of years, raised vital funds and awareness for Local Member for Drummoyne spoke about the classes “I really and each year they’ve been doing such an important cause,” she said. welcomes guests. enjoy being with Viktoria, if you something more ambitious. I was Below: Residents, staff and attendees Opal Windward Manor plans to so impressed with the quality of at the event. make a mistake, she’ll just walk turn the successful Gallery Opening their work that I really felt it was behind you, and fix it up with a little Night into an annual event, with important for us to celebrate it.” dash... which makes you feel great!’ residents already planning their next masterpieces.

05 06 Feature: Transforming the aged care experience for our residents

We are excited to announce our first ever rehabilitation centre is now open at Opal Cardinal Freeman. It offers specialist services to enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents. Here’s the story behind it... Transforming the aged care experience for our residents

When the new Opal Cardinal Angeline’s grandmother fractured Together with her co-directors Freeman home was launched in her hip, had surgery and returned to including Nicholas Young, she Above: Concentric Director, Nicholas July last year, Opal Aged Care her aged care home. Her surgeon came up with the concept for Young with members of the Stockland Managing Director, Gary Barnier, recommended that she receive Concentric Rehabilitation: a Retirement Village. spoke of the vision for the home, comprehensive physiotherapy to patient-centred clinic offering Below: Residents make the most “Aged care should not been seen support in her rehabilitation, but physiotherapy, rehabilitation and of the equipment in the new rehabilitation centre. as a one-way street. Opal Cardinal these services weren’t available. exercise programs tailored for Freeman in Ashfield will be one Angeline’s grandmother continued older people. By bringing services of the first residential aged care to decline, eventually passing away. into aged care homes, they would homes to offer rehabilitation, From this sad event, an idea support the care already offered re-ablement services and was born. in the home, but instead of just restorative care, as well as high focusing on pain management, they Angeline was convinced that quality permanent care. This could offer specialist services and bringing rehabilitation services into means we can help people stay expertise that would fundamentally aged care homes could transform in their homes longer. That is enhance the overall wellbeing and the lives of residents living with a complete reimagining of health of residents. residential aged care.” pain and disability. She knew that by working intensively with Opal and Concentric Rehabilitation This vision became a reality, when residents on tailored programs, her were aligned in their vision – the Opal engaged with Concentric team could achieve and deliver real next step was to establish Opal Rehabilitation, an expert team and measurable benefits, helping Cardinal Freeman in Ashfield as a of physiotherapists, exercise the residents reach their goals. pilot site for the concept. The Opal physiologists and occupational Property and Development team therapists who also had a vision to converted an area of the home into Bringing rehabilitation change the aged care experience the new rehabilitation centre, which services into aged care for residents. homes could transform was fitted out with treatment rooms Angeline Violi is a qualified the lives of residents and specialist equipment. exercise physiologist and a director living with pain and at Concentric Rehabilitation. disability.

07 Feature: Transforming the aged care experience for our residents Opal Moments

World-class equipment

The Concentric Rehabilitation helps patients with hip and knee centre boasts equipment specially replacements or recovering from designed for older people. This strokes, to start walking again. includes the first FitMi interactive According to Nicholas Young, stroke rehabilitation device in Director at Concentric Australia. The device focuses on Rehabilitation, “Opal is committed the basic principle that following to this concept, and they’ve fully an event like a stroke, repetition supported us in providing the is key to engaging the brain and facilities needed to make a real stimulating neuroplasticity, the impact. No aged care facility in mechanism that rewires the brain Australia that I know of would after stroke. The centre also have a rehabilitation gym staffed has a PhysioGait – a device that with professionals offering the standard of care Concentric “Opal talks a lot about Rehabilitation provides. Opal talks reimagining aged care, a lot about reimagining aged care, and this is it. I’m so and this is it. I’m so enthusiastic enthusiastic about it about it because I know it’s worlds because I know it’s worlds apart from any apart from any other aged care other aged care home, home, it’s truly trailblazing.” it’s truly trailblazing.”

What does the new Rehabilitation Centre offer? Kye’s story Tailored treatment programs Support for the local community With treatment, the plan is to for our residents The new centre is helping the ensure they can retain their Residents and members of the “We asked Kye when he had last next session we helped him to do independence and mobility, Working together, the Opal and local community as well as Opal local community are already stood up – and it had been a long it – and of course, he was over the and stay in their home as long Concentric teams have developed Cardinal Freeman residents. Opal making good use of the new time, because since his post-stroke moon. We were too!” as possible. programs that provide real results, Cardinal Freeman is positioned centre. Kye Poirrier is just one Opal rehabilitation, nobody had the A video of Kye standing up supporting residents’ complex next to Stockland’s Cardinal For the broader community, Cardinal Freeman resident who has qualifications to support him to was posted to Concentric neurological, cardiac, metabolic Freeman Residences, where the centre can offer cutting-edge experienced life-changing results. do it. I spent four weeks assessing Rehabilitation’s Facebook page. Kye, and then Dr Kate saw him and orthopaedic conditions. more than 200 people reside in expertise for complex diseases In 2015, Kye was a teacher living in The clip went global as Kye proudly for a session. Based on the tests Residents who have had a stroke retirement living. and conditions. Patients at the Vietnam when he suffered a stroke shared it far and wide, including we did, we established that Kye or a hip replacement – or who centre benefit from the expertise that affected his left side. Brought with his Vietnamese friends. The Concentric team offered would be able to stand up. In our suffer from conditions such as people living at the Cardinal of Dr Kate Scrivener, head lecturer back to Australia for treatment, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s – can Freeman Residences a free month on neurological physiotherapy at Kye received some physiotherapy now access dedicated, specialist of access to exercise classes, Macquarie University. A published to help him with his rehabilitation care without having to leave their including pilates and yoga. This author and expert on rehabilitation immediately post-surgery, but it home. The new centre has been initial offer had a great response, after stroke and other neurological ended there – leaving Kye to spend open two months and a quarter and a number of the residents conditions, Kate is on-site at the his days in a wheelchair. centre regularly. She works with of the residents have already had have signed up to a longer-term At the Concentric Rehabilitation therapists and patients to advise their assessments completed and treatment program. Centre opening in September, Kye and provide hands-on support. have signed up to a program that introduced himself to Nicholas, will help them meet their goals. saying “I want to walk”. Nicholas Kye, tries out the first FitMi in Australia. A fantastic interactive tool to help explains what happened next, people with neurological conditions. 09 10 Feature: Opal Kawana Waters, our cherished home Opal Moments

The Opal Kawana Waters team received this delightful letter from a resident, Mary, who eloquently takes us on a tour of the home and gives us a wonderful insight into what life is like there. Clinical Manager, Hamoun, expressed gratitude to Mary for sharing this letter and describes it as a reminder of the privilege of being able to impact our resident’s lives in such a positive way. Opal Kawana Waters, This caring capacity is not just for escape to read, reflect and chat and chefs. Everything here is the residents; compassion is also and to soul-search and socialise. scrupulously clean and aesthetically our cherished home extended to our precious pets who Neville and I enjoy reading our pleasing – the highest of standards. favour us with short delightful visits. Sunday papers there, and bird Congratulations! No laundry to Recently, when my caring partner, appointments and with an ensuite. Before we continue our tour of do, no cooking, no shopping, Resuming our tour, the entrance watching in the low maintenance Neville was diagnosed with Some single rooms, and suites on inspection, I have to pay tribute no cleaning, what more could we foyer designed to admit maximum garden with soft verdant lawns, asbestos on the lungs and I was, to the exceptionally gifted ask for? Fresh produce all prepared the fourth floor have their own light is breathtakingly beautiful! hardy shrubs and fragile frangipani. at the same time recovering from in-house, with a choice of balconies. The whole building and talented staff. They are The entire property is decorated Each floor has a nurse’s station aggressive cancer – we were Australian and International is well-planned for maximum the true heart of this beautiful in country shades of parchment open 24 hours, a common forced to leave our country home cuisine. comfort. It’s safe, clean and symphony. Without doubt they with rustic neutral tones creating room and a growing library; and seek help. I tell you dear regularly maintained. are all cheerful, encouraging, a calming sense of quiet serenity. an entertainment room and a We, my partner and I, are very, reader we were secretly afraid, patient, conscientious and caring. Neville and I have single rooms, All the furniture is custom built; spacious craft area. Entertainment very happy residents. We love the cautious and devastated. Our Naturally loving people that we each boasting a well-appointed imperial and colonial in soft with a live artist, brings joy to all of lifestyle and all these precious prayers were answered! have had the good fortune to ensuite, built-in wardrobes and textured fabrics, velvets, linens, us regularly. There is never a dull people who make our load lighter. meet, from the administration, We were welcomed into Opal television. All beds are hospital leather and polished woods. moment. Sharon and her lifestyle We have nothing but praise for the caterers and chefs, cleaners and Kawana Waters, the crown jewel, standard and can be electronically Gleaming glass containers full team keep us busy developing combined forces that make Opal laundry staff, maintenance team the keys to our enigma. This adjusted. There is sufficient room of mixed shells and eye catching skills in art, craft, cards and games such a success! and most importantly our diligent, brand new contemporary, ultra to comfortably accommodate Mother of Pearl. Masses of cream – daily and free. Voluntary tutors “The Flag Staff of the Fleet” empathising medical and nursing modern, five-storied complex some personal vintage pieces of and scented orchids, reflected in further our education. Together Long may she sail, God always staff. Together they bring joy and became our haven. The property furniture – priceless heirlooms, mirrors, bring nature into the home. we accomplish excitingly new answers true prayers, with grateful peace to our daily lives. ‘Angels is strategically fortified by the photographs, books and other For those with a passion for coffee, achievements and learning thanks dear readers, and very best without wings who are anxious largest new Sunshine Coast sentimental pieces. The entire there is a delightfully enticing cafè, developments. Our volunteer wishes to each and all of our very to please’. Here at Opal, we have all University Hospital in the southern building is air conditioned and and for celebrations, a very large Master of Ceremonies, Mr Murray special friends in retirement. been promoted to heaven on Earth. Downie has captivated us with hemisphere, just ten minutes from quality shines in every corner. reception room, where catering God bless us all. our amazing tropical Sunshine a great selection of movies, art, From the balconies and through We went from nothing, to a can be booked in advance. A Mary M. J. Jansan-Lindenmayer, Coast beaches and the bustling musicals, murder mysteries, satire the picture glass windows, we see beautiful place where all our salon style boutique, can offer Opal Kawana Waters resident charming city of Caloundra. and operas. Some extremely funny seasonal changes, the changes in needs have been provided for, complete hair, make up manicures. and humorously entertaining. There – Retired Diplomat, London, The spacious floor plan repeated the skyline, the distant grey blue pre-planned and anticipated. Nearby there is a casual outdoor is even ‘happy hour’ on Fridays! Bristol, San Francisco on each of the four floors is mountains and the winding sheer We enjoy great freedom, honest ‘living’ zone offset with stylish, accessible by twin lifts. All water canals of Birtinya. quality communication and versatile chairs, tables and a Before closing, much credit must – Member of the Court of St. bedrooms come with luxury dignified respect, constantly. barbeque. A perfect place to go to our excellent catering staff James, London

11 12 Feature: Building a stronger team for tomorrow Opal Moments

A career in aged care can be demanding but highly rewarding, find out how we’re supporting our people to succeed. Building a stronger team for Opal’s Facility Managers busy planning at this year’s Leadership Conference. tomorrow Opal Leadership Scholarship Program

Opal’s vision to become the takes extra care to keep their rolled out across the organisation. As part of our focus on developing The Graduate Certificate in most attractive aged care home hygienic and safe, to the This includes new professional and supporting leaders across Aged Care Management offers a employer in Australia begins by busy Assistant in Nursing, who development opportunities for our our homes, Opal has partnered pathway to further qualifications building a culture of listening goes out of their way to make a leaders, Registered Nurses (RN), with Western Sydney University for those who choose to continue to our employees, encouraging new resident feel welcome and a chefs and lifestyle team. (WSU) to offer Clinical and their studies, including a Graduate development of our leaders and little less nervous in their first few Facility Managers the chance to Diploma and ultimately a Masters supporting every team member days in their new home. We look 1 2016 National Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey further their leadership skills and Degree. to learn new skills and take on for people who share our values knowledge through formal studies. new challenges. of compassion, accountability and The program is led and taught by The Leadership Scholarship Professor Leigh Wilson, Director It’s estimated that there are respect, and who are committed to Program represents a significant of Academic Programs, Post over 235,7641 people working in enhancing the lives of our residents. financial investment over the next Graduate Study. Dr Wilson’s residential aged care in Australia We know that our people are our five years with WSU. Through this today, a number that will continue research is focused on improving greatest asset, and we value their collaboration, we have co-designed to rise as our population continues the health of the aged population. insights on how we can support a bespoke course for Opal staff; the to age. With over 7,000 employees, This is the first time WSU has Dr Leigh Wilson, Director them, and continually improve the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Opal, like all aged care providers, collaborated with an aged care of Academic Programs, way we deliver aged care. This Management. The first intake of has a growing challenge to recruit year, more than 70 per cent of provider and Dr Wilson is an Post Graduate Study WSU 19 Opal managers commenced the and retain the right people. When our employees took part in our advocate of the approach, “I’m very impressed with how Graduate Certificate in July 2017. we ask our staff how to describe employee survey. One of several “I applaud Opal for having engaged the Opal students are – working in aged care, they say themes from the survey was a The course is made up of the far-sightedness to see I’ve learned a huge amount from that it can be one of the most request for more development four modules over 12 months. how education will benefit the them, and they are learning a lot demanding, but also one of the and training opportunities. Taking Topics covered include financial organisation, the aged care sector from each other. It’s great to see most rewarding industries to this feedback on board, we’ve been management and contemporary and of course the people who how we are all building on each work in. looking at ways to support and issues in aged care. Interactive access aged care services.” other’s knowledge and ideas. We are proud of the way our staff develop our staff, to help them build online tutorials and study groups There are so many things we can go above and beyond to make a a long-term career at Opal. We’ve mean that students get face-to-face consider in our approach to aged difference to our resident’s lives designed new staff development Investing in our staff has a positive time with their professor and fellow care that will make things better, each day. From the cleaner, who programs which are currently being impact on our residents. students each week. long into the future.”

13 14 Feature: Building a stronger team for tomorrow Opal Moments

Our Registered Nurses hard at work during a training session in Sydney. We have been working hard to provide a better experience for our residents. Developing Clinical Leaders

Australian College of Nursing: members, and lead change within Platinum Affiliation the organisation. Opal is covering This year, Opal became the the course fees and providing study leave for eligible team first aged care provider to be members to undertake the training. a Platinum Affiliate of the Australian College of Nursing The course ran for the first time in (ACN). The ACN’s affiliate Sydney this July, with 40 attendees. membership program helps In October and November, RNs organisations to support took part in this training across their nurses with leadership Queensland, Victoria and Western Amrita Pariyar, Registered development and education. Australia with approximately 120 Nurse, Opal Lourdes attendees. Further training is “Training has been extremely Registered Nurse (RN) scheduled for New South Wales Leadership Program informative and I have been with the aim that approximately able learn many things including As part of our affiliate membership, 200 RNs will get the opportunity to leadership, time management and we’ve partnered with the ACN to undertake the leadership program communication in the workplace. offer a new Registered Nurse (RN) as part of the initial rollout. I have been with Opal for over five Leadership Program. We encourage our RNs to enquire years now and have really enjoyed This two-day course helps RNs with their Facility Manager to find it. Opal looks after their staff and to become more confident, build out if they are eligible to apply for provide education and career a resilient team, inspire team 2018 programs. pathway opportunities.”

15 16 Feature: Building a stronger team for tomorrow Opal Moments

Raising the standard of food in aged care

For the past two years, Opal’s critiqued the dishes on creativity, chefs have attended a series of texture, taste and presentation. masterclasses, culminating in the Nathan Griffiths, Hospitality annual Opal Chef Masterclass Development Manager said, Competition in Sydney. The aim “We’re extremely pleased with the of these events is to continually quality of dishes cooked by our raise the standard of food in aged chefs over the course of this week. care, and recognise the skills which They showed a great ability to the chefs already have, as well work under pressure and deliver as developing new skills through meals that were nutritional and training to help them deliver full of flavour”. Gerry Grogan, Chef, the very best dining and food Opal Melville experience for our residents. The two overall winners, were Manuel from Opal Netherby “I first trained to become a chef Opal’s Head of Hospitality, and Andy from Opal Geraldton. in London back in the 70’s and Building a lifestyle program residents love Justin Wilshaw spoke about the They each took home the highly- since then I have worked in hotels importance of the masterclass, From singing to sewing to day coveted Best Chef Award for and restaurants around Europe faces and hearing how much “This is an extremely important trips to the local Rotary Club, their fantastic dishes and overall and America. I enjoy working in fun they had. I would absolutely event in our calendar. It brings our Opal’s lifestyle activities are a performance throughout the week. aged care as I get to interact with recommend lifestyle as a career chefs together to inspire creativity vital part of our resident’s day. Manuel said, ‘This is the highlight residents one-on-one and build choice, it is so fulfilling and of and further improve on the fresh, Lifestyle activities help residents to of my career. I can’t wait to take special relationships with them. course it’s great fun. The activities healthy and delicious meals establish and maintain supportive this award back to my home, and I love working with the team in can be life-changing for residents.” delivered in our homes.” social networks, stimulate and continue working to create meals my home, it feels like one big To support this dedicated team, enhance their cognitive function by This year’s event was held at our residents will love”. family. To anyone considering Opal held our first Lifestyle acquiring new skills, and continue Sydney’s Fish Market over two working in aged care as a cook or Leadership Forum in October. The to enjoy their favourite hobbies. days. Chefs took part in specific chef, I would highly recommend it!” event brought together lifestyle training on texture-modified diets, Of course, none of this would be leaders from around the country as well as learning more about possible without the creativity to work on a shared vision for Sharon Donnelly, Indian and Thai cuisines. and commitment of lifestyle team a resident-led lifestyle program. Lifestyle Coordinator, They then battled it out, in an members, who are constantly Discussions at the two-day event Opal Kawana Waters individual and group Mystery working to find new and interesting focused on creating memorable, “I love the diversity of our Box style challenge. The clock activities for residents to enjoy. resident-chosen experiences. residents, every one of them has was ticking as they received a According to Lifestyle Coordinator The forum was run in small group a story, and of course we all want budget to go to the markets, buy Jane Emms from Opal Amadale, sessions that allowed maximum someone to hear our story. I am ingredients, prepare and cook their “The activities in the homes are participation and input into lucky enough to be that person dishes before serving them to the so important to the residents, as developing our upcoming refreshed for our residents, and the range Executive Hospitality team, who it gives them something to look lifestyle program. of their stories is incredible. My forward to each day. My favourite favourite moment from a lifestyle “This is an extremely Attendees brought their passion lifestyle classes are the monthly activity was during a gardening important event in our and creativity to the task, session. I cut a piece of lavender dress up parties, where all the calendar. It brings our generating innovative ideas for and handed it to one of our staff get involved. The residents chefs together to inspire group activities, ways to keep residents who hadn’t spoken for love it, and talk about if for creativity and further residents connected with their several months – that’s when days afterwards. improve on the fresh, communities, and incorporating she said, “that’s lavender”. It is a healthy and delicious meals “I love seeing the reaction of cultural, spiritual and heritage beautiful memory and one I A beautiful soup prepared during the Chef Masterclass. delivered in our homes.” residents – the joy on their activities within the program. will treasure.”

17 18 Opal Moments

THANK YOU! We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful Opal staff and residents who came out in droves to support the Alzheimer’s Australia Memory Walk & Jog fundraising events this year. 2017 was Opal’s second year as the major sponsor and we could not be more proud of the fantastic effort made. Together we helped Alzheimer’s Australia raise vital funds to continue to provide much-needed support services, education and social research for people living with dementia. At each event our Opal teams shone brightly with custom t-shirts, tutus, capes and even onesies! A special thank you to Jane Thew from Opal Varsity Rise who organised the home’s very own Memory Walk with a police escort and marching band! Thanks to Arlie Ambas-Scutts and her team from Opal Netherby who ran the Bunnings BBQ sausage sizzle fundraiser, and to Damien Rosengren and the Opal Windward team who raised over $3,000!

19 20 Feature: Turning a vision into reality Opal Moments

Opal Meadowglen supports the local community with new dementia and respite facilities. Turning a vision into reality

Opal’s Meadowglen home has Since the beginning, the vision Dementia is a challenging condition, been a feature of the local Epping has been to provide more respite but the Opal Meadowglen team community for almost 20 years. Built services and dementia care to a works together to support residents in 1999 to the north of Melbourne, community that desperately needs and families providing calming and the home is situated among some it. Of the 104,000 Victorians living enriching activities alongside care. of the fastest-growing suburbs in with dementia, 2,703 are in the The new building has now enabled Australia. Yvonne Bull, Facility Whittlesea region, where the home the team to make the most of Opal Meadowglen resident Dulcie Lotherington unveils the plaque with Facility Manager, Yvonne Bull and Alzheimer’s Australia CEO, Maree McCabe. Manager at Opal Meadowglen, is located. This August, Yvonne’s indoor and outdoor spaces and they has been the driving force behind dream became reality, when have specially developed areas to the home since 2003. The positive Opal Meadowglen opened a new provide specialist activities and care. deck, perfect for outdoor activities, local community, offering clinical somewhere to bring your loved culture Yvonne’s created has resulted building, providing an additional The new home now has two including gardening and holding care, lifestyle activities, meals one where they will be safe and in a long-standing team, creating a 68 aged care beds. This brings the specialist memory support areas BBQs. Doors can be left open, and specialist services including happy means that you can go stable environment where residents total beds to 123 – with a quarter which provide 34 single rooms with so residents can safely enjoy the physiotherapy and podiatry. It home, rest, relax and get the things are supported by familiar faces. dedicated to dementia-specific care. ensuites and offer a large outdoor outdoor area as they choose. means that more carers within the done you need to do. It also acts local area will be able to take a as a stepping stone into overnight The lifestyle team and residents much-needed day off, knowing their or permanent care, ensuring are already making good use of loved one is well looked after. The that everyone can transition the new safety-adapted kitchen to new centre is in addition to existing comfortably, at their own pace cook together. They recently made day, overnight and longer-term and with minimal stress.” pancakes, an activity which was respite services already offered at greatly enjoyed by all. Yvonne said, Alzheimer’s Australia Chief the home. “We try to get everyone involved in Executive Officer Maree McCabe, familiar activities that make them Yvonne explains, “Dementia is a who attended the official opening feel at home. We have one resident complex and devastating disease, of the new building, congratulated who loves to feed our cats, he finds not just for the person diagnosed, Meadowglen’s team, saying, it very relaxing and rewarding.” but for the carer as well. Having “It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to officially open the It means that more As part of a total $13 million new building. My congratulations carers within the local investment, Opal Meadowglen go to Opal Meadowglen for the area will be able to take will also complete a dedicated day difference they make the aged a much-needed day off, respite centre in 2018. The centre care sector and to seniors in knowing their loved one Photos of the new building include the new dining room and beautiful outdoor decking area. will provide a vital service to the our community.” is well looked after.

21 22 Feature: A resident’s story – Ken Hipwood Opal Moments

This time in ‘a resident’s story’ we hear from Ken Hipwood, a resident at our Opal Kawana Waters home, opened earlier this year. A resident’s story – Ken Hipwood

Following a serious health scare the like. On one special occasion, they lived. Dad was also president and major surgery, Ken needed we catered the civic reception of Kedron Football Club. for Queen Elizabeth’s arrival in extra support and care. His search Before moving into Opal Kawana Brisbane in 1963. I’ll never forget for a place he would love brought Waters, Dad already had his spot the Royal Britannia sailing into him to Opal Kawana Waters, picked in front of the big TV to Brisbane with thousands of boats where he’s been an integral part watch all the AFL games! of the community since it opened lined up to greet her. Q. What do you like about living in February this year. Ken and his Q. You’re the proud grandad at Opal Kawana Waters? son Brad were kind enough to chat of Brisbane Lions AFL forward with us about Ken’s life and his Eric Hipwood – did he inherit Ken: It’s great to be able to settle joint passions of AFL and family. his passion for AFL from you? close to my family – after all the ups and downs it’s a fairy tale Q. Ken, let’s start at the Ken: As a family, we developed ending to have moved into Opal beginning. Where did you the love of the Australian game Kawana Waters. grow up? and it’s flowed on from father to Ken: I was born in Lutwyche in son, daughter and grandson. The Brad: When you think of aged Brisbane and at home growing whole family has been involved over care, you think of people going up there were four of us; myself, the years. My wife Flora was the in because it’s close to the end of my two brothers and my younger first lady life member of the AFL their life. But when you see this sister. I met my future wife when I Queensland, which was known as home, it’s more like a whole new was at primary school, so once we the QAFL in those days. Of course, chapter; instead of being the last were married and raising a family, we feel we’ve reached a pinnacle one, there’s still a fair few to go. it made sense that we continued to now that we have Eric playing the You can’t compare it to anything live in the area. great game! else out there. Q. What was your first job? Brad: Dad was one of the first people to get paid to play AFL. He Ken: My wife and I set up and and Mum were among the founders ran a business called Paramount “As a family, we developed the of the Aspley Football Club, which love of the Australian game and Catering that catered for events like started as a junior club because it’s flowed on from father to son, weddings, 21st birthday parties and there wasn’t one close to where daughter and grandson.”

23 24 Feature: Meet the team – Jackie Alvarez Opal Moments

At 10am, we start by reading “Well, let’s try it and see what you happiness and wellbeing. It helps the main news headlines to the can do” – of course they’re able them to feel more comfortable residents to keep them up to to accomplish far more than they with their fellow residents and date on what’s going on; and at realise, and it’s amazing to see the in their home. The best thing is 10:30am we start our first activity. look of pride and happiness in when someone says, “I have my Depending on the day, we can their eyes. family back in my country, but have up to three more activities now I have my family here too.” Q. What’s been the biggest in the afternoon. So, in the future, I would love to We sat down with Jackie Alvarez from highlight of your time at Opal? the lifestyle team at Opal Windward Today, we’ve got book club, so see continued support for our A. A stand-out moment was residents. It would be great to have Manor, to talk about her time at Opal, we’re reading short stories from working on the art auction event we and what she loves about her role. a funny book. That’s followed even more one-on-one time with held recently at Windward Manor them, to help them to feel more by craft time, which lasts a long (featured on pages 3-6). We raised time, as everybody gets excited settled and at home, especially $16,000 for Alzheimer’s Australia, when they first arrive. and nobody wants to stop! On by auctioning 30 artworks created Meet Jackie Alvarez Thursdays we have our art-based by the residents in their weekly art- Q. What do you enjoy doing in cognitive therapy classes. based cognitive therapy sessions. your spare time? Q. How did you come to work the time – with the wide range of Q. What’s the most challenging Q. What’s the most surprising We were working together with A. Looking for activities! At home, at Opal Aged Care? things we do, I joke that in any one aspect of your job? thing about working in aged the residents for months to get I like to look up new projects for day I can be an artist, a listening ear care? everything ready in time and in the craft time and figure out what A. Almost six years ago, a friend A. It can be emotionally end, all the hard work paid off. It materials we need, if it’s going to from my church was working at and an exercise teacher! challenging at times. For example, A. Well, it’s definitely a surprise to be featured in Opal Moments! was an incredible night and it was be easy or hard for our residents Opal Windward Manor, and she Q. Why do you enjoy working we might have a resident who’s great to see how happy and proud and how long it would take. We’re told me they were recruiting. I was in aged care? feeling a bit down, and it’s our But I would say that I am regularly surprised by the amazing the residents were. currently finishing a pack of six quick to apply, and I started work job to help them feel happier Christmas cards which we made A. I like supporting people to achievements of our residents. Q. What are your hopes for in the laundry. From the laundry and ready to participate in the using a technique called quilling. do activities they didn’t have the the future of aged care? I moved into the kitchen, then on opportunity or the confidence activities. Other times, we may For example, a resident with For Melbourne Cup we made hats to reception. After four months, to try before. It’s so nice seeing have to deal with challenging arthritis might say “I’ll never be A. The time that we spend and I already have lots of ideas for I started training as an Assistant residents smile and laugh, and behaviours, due to complex able to do craft.” I always just say, with residents is crucial to their next year. in Nursing. Then, one year after sharing a joke with them. I love conditions such as dementia. starting at Opal, I was asked if helping people to enjoy this stage Developing a strong connection I’d like to join the lifestyle team. in their life. This is not just a job, with the residents helps us Initially, it was a three-month and it’s important to be part of the understand how to support them assignment – but that was in 2013, residents’ lives, so they can come during these times. and I’m still here! to you and share their highs and Q. What’s a typical day like Q. What can you tell us about lows. As a lifestyle team, we all for you? work really well together – Chantal your role? A. We do lots of varied activities, helps us coordinate all the activities A. It’s such a varied role, and we so every day is different. But, we get the opportunity to make a huge and Nina brings lots of energy; do follow a similar routine each difference to residents’ lives. When she’s always making us laugh. day to help the residents feel residents first arrive at the home, it’s The time that we spend settled. At 9am we plan for the day, a big change for them. So we make with residents is crucial talking through the days activities. sure we introduce them to people, to their happiness and Before the activities start, we go introduce them to how the lifestyle wellbeing. It helps them to into each resident’s room to let program works, and sometimes feel more comfortable with them know what’s happening and provide emotional support. We try their fellow residents and encourage them to come along. Jackie (left) and Chantal (right) present the cheque to Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. to come up with new activities all in their home.

25 26 From our homes Opal Moments

Outings ahoy, Keeping up to date with best practice A day at the races thanks to new bus Being at the forefront of best practice is vital to providing great quality Opal Rutherford residents enjoyed The family of Opal Narrandera care at Opal. Representatives from several homes attended the National a mid-week race day, in the Nursing Forum Conference in August, taking part in three days of resident, Brian White, have member’s stand at Newcastle discussions on current health trends for acute and aged care. donated a fantastic new bus to the Jockey Club. Great food and great home, complete with wheelchair company were only improved by a access via a hydraulic lift. Thanks stroke of luck when resident Jeff to this generous donation, Young picked a first-place winner. residents have enjoyed visits to Opal Rutherford’s avid pony local points of interest, including punter Des Fren assisted everyone Leeton, Grong Grong, and the in placing their bets, and with banks of the Murrumbidgee seats directly in front of the finish River. Being able to visit the local line everyone got into the spirit, town and surrounding areas is the cheering on their horses. highlight of everyone’s week. A big thank you to the White family from all the staff and residents at Narrandera! Brian’s son Graham with his wife Vicki present the bus to the home.

Getting crafty at Pictured at the Conference: Damien Rosengren (Facility Manager, Cardinal Narrandera Freeman), Lee Cooke (Clinical Manager, Raymond Terrace) and Wendy Sievert (Relief Facility Manager, Cardinal Freeman). Residents at Narrandera have been enjoying craft mornings organised by Recreational Raising funds Activities Officer, Cassy Patterson. for children with Old jewellery, beads, buttons and visual and hearing buckles donated by members of the community were ‘upcycled’ by impairments the residents to create beautiful Keen knitters, Robyn Fairhall and works of art. Joyce Anderson, residents of Opal Rutherford, have put their talent to good use. The duo worked on The Opal Gracedale team dress up for the event. a collection of knitted items for more than six months, including Raising funds for Alzheimer’s Australia teddies, toys, clothes, tea cosies and tea towels. The items went Staff and friends from Opal Gracedale took part in the Alzheimer’s on sale, raising more than $350, Australia Memory Walk and Jog in Templestowe in April. Residents and which was donated to the Royal families were able to get involved too, with an Easter morning tea at the Institute for Deaf and Blind home. Everyone enjoyed the baked goods and raffle, while raising funds Children. A spokesperson for for this important cause. Participants in the Memory Walk & Jog were the organisation expressed their thanked on the day by Alzheimer’s Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, gratitude for the funds, and praised Robyn Fairhall and Joyce Anderson show off their work. A sample of the detailed artwork. Maree McCabe. Robyn and Joyce’s hard work.

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From our homes Opal Moments

Keeping our A Titanic experience Green fingers and thumbs Ukulele story –

Diggers warm Residents from Opal Rutherford enjoyed a trip to the Titanic Exhibition music to my ears at Moore Park, where they explored astonishing restorations of the ship’s Afghanistan is typically associated The residents at Opal Coffs deck, first and second class cabins, the boiler room and even the iceberg! with searing hot temperatures, but Harbour have turned their hands On arrival, each visitor received a boarding pass with details of a passenger did you know the mercury can drop to ukulele playing. Lifestyle to -9°C in the winter? Luckily, our on the real Titanic, finding out at the end of the exhibition what the fate of their passenger was. The trip was deemed well worth the journey by all the Coordinator, Maria Darcy has troops will soon receive a shipment passed on her love and passion of warm beanies knitted by local residents and staff who took part. for music to residents in the home, students with help from residents by forming a ukulele and singing at Opal Quakers Hill. Year 9 and group. The group is open to 11 students from St John Paul II College have been visiting the residents, family members, staff home each week to learn knitting and the local community, with the from experts Kathleen Freeman, number of members in the band Ruth Johnsson and Phyllis Pereira. Residents at Opal Berkeley Village have been hard at work growing to twelve. Each Monday Once enough beanies are made, rejuvenating the home’s raised garden beds in the north and south and Tuesday the group meets, to the school will ship them off to courtyards. With the help of Bunnings Tuggerah, who generously choose songs they would like to our Diggers to keep the chill out. donated plants, hats, gloves, small shovels and watering cans, play and to rehearse for upcoming residents have been able to transform the home’s garden. A range performances. If you walk into of flowers and herbs such as basil, coriander and rosemary, as well the home you will often hear the Surf life saving for as carrots, lettuce and cucumbers can now be seen growing outside. melodic sounds of “G’day G’day” 70 years Upon harvest, the herbs and vegetables will be used in the kitchen for and “Pokarekare Ana” drifting down cooking and will be enjoyed by residents. the hallways. Over the last year the What a milestone! Opal Berkeley Village was honoured to help group has risen in prominence and celebrate resident Kevin Stanford’s Knitting for the community is now entertaining residents for 70th year as a Surf Life Saving Joan Priestley taking a look at how first class passengers travelled. their monthly birthday parties and Club Member. Also there to happy hours. A special performance recognise Kevin’s contribution was recently conducted, with the were Bob Graham, former Mayor Vitrual walk around group raising over $1,200 for World of Wyong, and proud members of Australia Alzheimer’s Day. Kevin’s family. Residents and staff at Opal By The Bay are taking on an exciting new initiative called Walk Around Australia, in which participants wear a pedometer and walk around the facility each day. 50 residents and The Knitters Circle work together to complete the blankets. 20 staff have taken part, clocking up hundreds of kilometres each The Knitters Circle at Opal Gracedale has been recognised by the week, which add up to milestones local newspaper for its contribution to the community. Residents and on a virtual trip around Australia. volunteers knit scarves and blankets every Wednesday and Friday which On reaching the Barossa Valley are donated to organisations including the Safe Future Foundation, milestone, the group celebrated Rotary and the RSPCA. Last year, the Knitters Circle was honoured with with wine tasting and cheese from a Certificate of Appreciation from Rotary. They knitted and donated a the region. We can’t wait to hear The team cut the ribbon marking total of 23 blankets during the year, including five which went to the Safe The band perform one of their the distance reached. where they end up next! Futures Foundation to help families fleeing domestic violence. favourite songs.

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From our homes Opal Moments

Bringing generations The history of Opal Hillside Knitting up a storm together The original owner of our Opal Hillside home, Valerie Ryan, attended Residents at Opal Nambour have the opening of the new Paterson building in June and was kind enough Once a fortnight, children aged worked hard to create a beautiful to share with us the history of the home. between two and three years ‘knitted tree’. visit Opal Rutherford from the Mrs Ryan bought the original building with her husband in the 1980’s The homes craft group became to house a residential nursing home, combining two existing smaller Learning for Life Childcare Centre inspired after being shown an and Preschool. There is always facilities that the Ryans had operated since the 1950’s. At that time, the image of a yarn bombed tree and something different to do, from building was flanked by a goat farm and the home of a circus family. decided it was something they decorating cupcakes to creating Over the coming years, the Ryans purchased the goat farm land; and would like to replicate in their pet rocks and learning each other’s after a fire destroyed the circus family’s home, they made a generous local community. favourite songs. The popular offer to purchase that land too. Their foresight has made the growth of intergenerational program gives Hillside possible, and the new Paterson facility now stands where the After months of tireless knitting residents the chance to give back to little house owned by the circus family once did. by residents, volunteers, family their community, drawing on their and friends the vision became a experience with young children. reality, with the first tree covered Both generations have much to in colourful flowers, spiders and teach and learn, making each visit a variety of insects. a magical experience. The homes Lifestyle Coordinator Kim O’Keefe noted that the decorated tree has fast become Quakers Hill Art and Craft Exhibition the talk of the town, “Everyone is quite excited; visitors come Residents at Quakers Hill have blankets all created by residents the general community. All the and take photos and it’s a real a wide range of creative and during their lifestyle classes, items were on sale, raising more talking point”. artistic talents, which were together with delicious baked than $1,000 for the Cancer on full display in July at the goods and preserves provided by Research Council. The Mayor of The activity has not only been fun homes annual Arts and Crafts families. The afternoon exhibition Blacktown, Stephen Bali spoke at for everyone involved, but it has A photo of the new Paterson building. Exhibition. The event showcased was well attended by residents, the event to thank residents for been beneficial in engaging the paintings, knitted clothing and family, staff and members of their contributions. residents social and motor skills. The achievement of national charity providing retreat accommodation at no cost to a lifetime people experiencing breast Congratulations to Opal Salford Park cancer and their loved ones. resident, Dr Noel Burley, who recently received an Order of Australia at Government House. Dr Burley was recognised for his immense service to the community via pioneering social welfare initiatives, engineering, and scientific research and development. This community service included serving on the Board of The OTIS Foundation (2002-2006), which was inspired by his late daughter, Judy Quakers Hill residents present the cheque to Cancer Research Council Coordinator, Natalia Atcha. Burley. The OTIS Foundation is a

31 32 Hear from our families Opal Moments

Each month we receive thank you letters from families and friends expressing their gratitude for our wonderful staff. Thank you! Here are a selection. Every year, we host our staff each receiving a certificate and badges for service of over 20 years service awards to say thank you for a hand-crafted bespoke design this year including Opal Maitland’s the incredible difference our staff Opal badge. Staff members Facility Manager, Julie Lewis who Opal Macquarie Opal Gracedale Opal Killarney Vale make to our residents lives. This receiving awards for 25 years or received her 35 year service award. Place (NSW) (VIC) (NSW) year over 800 staff members from more were presented with a badge We want to thank our staff again across the nation will be celebrating encased with a real Australian for their continued hard work Dear Staff, Dear Staff, Dear Staff, five years or more of service with Opal gemstone. Opal presented 64 and dedication. After having been a resident for Thank you so much for making As a sister of the late Margaret, I three years, I am about to relocate our sister Judy feel so welcome at want to thank you all for your very to Adelaide and so am writing this Gracedale. She felt safe, happy and warm, and professional care given letter of appreciation. well cared for in her new home to Margaret during her terminal with you. We can’t thank you illness. I have found each and every enough for all your loving care. member of staff who works I think you would have seen that she here in whatever capacity deeply Family of Judyth was a special person who had spent committed to making it feel as most of her life caring and giving if nothing is too much trouble. I Opal Applecross to others. To end up bed-ridden always receive a welcome smile with a failing body but a sharp mind and greeting whenever I pass (WA) was not easy. But she was not a staff in the corridor, this makes On behalf of the extended family complainer, I think you will agree. me feel appreciated. The help you members of Sushila I would like to She was very fortunate to be in offer has no bounds. I will miss express my heartfelt gratitude for a room with Marie and Doreen. the arranged entertainment and the excellent service and care your They were good friends, and that outings we did together, and for home has given to her during her probably doesn’t happen very often. all your support in general. I have stay. It is greatly appreciated and Whenever we visited, we felt had my down days but knew I acknowledged. was not alone and help was near, Margaret was given first-class care. thank you. Thank you for everything you have The nurses and carers were always done to make her life comfortable warm and friendly. Former Resident under trying circumstances. We will all miss her but we feel Family of Sushila relieved her struggle is over. On Opal Florence Tower behalf of the rest of my large (QLD) Opal Raymond family, both here and in New Zealand, I thank you. My sister and I want very much Terrace Gardens to thank all the Opal Florence (NSW) Sister of Margaret Towers staff, especially the nursing and general staff that work in high To all the wonderful caring nurses care on Level 1. You provided at Opal Raymond Terrace Gardens, highly professional care, attention thank you so much for all your care and sympathy to our mother, who and looking after my dad. You are passed away recently. It was all all truly angels from heaven. exemplarily. Family Member Sincerest best wishes, Family Member

33 34 Home of the year Opal Moments Our homes around the country

Queensland Metro NSW Opal Abbey Gardens 07 5495 9000 Opal Anita Villa 02 4780 0600 Opal Ashmore 07 5510 1800 Opal Annandale 02 8585 1900 Opal Burpengary Gardens 07 3481 6100 Opal Austral House 02 8925 6400 Opal Caloundra 07 5390 0200 Opal Bossley Park 02 9426 1500 Congratulations to Opal Armadale Opal Greenfern Place 07 3809 1400 Opal Canterbury 02 9784 2111 who took home the top accolade at the Opal Kawana Waters 07 5390 5100 Opal Cardinal Freeman 02 8799 7000 2017 Opal Leadership Awards. Opal Kirra Beach 07 5587 5500 Opal Fernleigh 02 9809 3217 Opal Leamington 07 5557 7700 Opal Glen Lynn 02 9643 3200 Opal Nambour 07 5444 9700 Opal Lourdes 02 8467 3200 Opal Raffin Place 07 3723 0400 Opal Netherby 02 9372 3800 Opal Armadale – Opal Raynbird Place 07 3500 9300 Opal Oceanview 02 9910 7100 Opal Varsity Rise 07 5554 8100 Opal Palm Grove 02 8978 3100 Quakers Hill Nursing Home 02 8818 6500 Home of the Year 2017 Northern NSW, Hunter and Central Coast Opal Seaside 02 9910 7600 Opal Berkeley Village 02 4337 0000 Opal Stanmore 02 8594 6900 Opal Coffs Harbour 02 6659 4800 Opal Wallgrove 02 9784 3100 The Western Australia home was Opal Armadale demonstrated recognition and were thrilled with Opal Florence Tower 07 5590 2800 Opal Windward Manor 02 9370 0600 presented with the Home of the exemplary leadership across key the award. Ms Crespi also said Opal Glenmere 02 4356 2900 Year Award at the Leadership indicators including work health health and safety was one of the Opal Hillside 02 4904 0100 Central Victoria Conference held on the Sunshine and safety, staff retention and top priorities at Opal Armadale. Opal Hillside ALA 02 4904 0100 Opal By The Bay 03 5958 6600 clinical care. Coast earlier this year. “It is very important to us,” she Opal Killarney Vale 02 4345 2700 Opal Gillin Park 03 5559 0600 The annual Opal Leadership Opal Armadale Facility Manager, said. “We make sure our staff Opal Killarney Vale ALA 02 4345 2700 Opal Gracedale 03 9844 8000 Awards is a unique awards Hayley Crespi said staff had and residents are safe.” Opal Macquarie Place 02 4944 1300 Opal Hobsons Bay 03 8325 7600 program designed to recognise worked very hard in achieving the She said that Opal Armadale have Opal Maitland 02 4015 3000 Opal Meadowglen 03 8405 5200 and reward true aged care a health and safety committee, Opal Murwillumbah 02 6670 9700 Opal Roxburgh 03 9303 6800 The annual Opal excellence across Opal’s homes. which she described as a family Opal Norah Head 02 4352 8900 Opal Salford Park 03 9847 2500 Leadership Awards is a who look after each other. General Opal Raymond Terrace Gardens 02 4980 0000 Opal South Valley 03 5223 0900 Up against over 70 other Opal unique awards program Manager, Daymon Johnson said Opal Rutherford 02 4015 3800 Opal Warrnambool 03 5563 0600 homes from across Australia, the designed to recognise the award was also in part to Opal Tweed Heads 07 5599 6900 prestigious award recognises the and reward true aged great leadership within the facility. Gippsland Victoria highest overall performance of care excellence across “The staff are really committed to Southern, Western and Country NSW a facility. Opal’s homes. Opal Bairnsdale 03 5153 7200 making the lives of our residents Opal Bathurst 02 6333 2500 Opal Lakeview 03 5179 5500 better,” he said. Opal Cherrywood Grove 02 6363 4300 Opal Paynesville 03 5153 8400 Opal Armadale Clinical Manager, Opal Dubbo 02 5852 1600 Opal Sale 03 5142 1600 Jemma Edwards said it was a Opal Denhams Beach 02 4412 3400 Opal Seahaven 03 5671 6000 proud moment bringing the award Opal Endeavour 02 4754 6000 Western Australia back to the facility. “We were Opal Endeavour ALA 02 4754 6000 very overwhelmed,” she said. “It’s Opal Mudgee 02 6370 6200 Opal Applecross 08 6310 8300 absolutely great and we are all Opal Narrandera 02 6959 5300 Opal Armadale 08 9234 3300 really proud”. Opal Shoalhaven 02 4429 1200 Opal Bunbury Gardens 08 9726 6300 Opal Geraldton 08 9921 5010 Opal Melville 08 9424 0500 General Enquiries 1300 362 481 Opal Murdoch 08 6332 6200 The Opal Armadale team proudly accept their award. Opal Murray River 08 9550 2500 Feedback 1800 767 074

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