feros 2021 WINTER

COVER STORY LASTING LEGACY UNDER CEO’S 20-YEAR HELM

LAUGHTER YOGA THE BEST MEDICINE

A KISS A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT FEROS CARE

03 CEO’s Word We’re Feros Care. And what we care about most is helping people 04 Feros News live bolder lives. Healthier. Better connected. More active. More fulfilling. 06 Mark’s NDIS plan helps We don’t just want you to live. We him move forward want you to dream. To get your feet 07 Laughter yoga wet and your hands dirty. To laugh, – the best medicine have friends, be happy. To have ambitions, passions, plans. 08 Lasting legacy under CEO’s We call it growing bold and for over 20-year helm 30 years, we’ve been making it real, both for older Australians and those 11 Life on their own terms living with disability. We can support you in many ways and with many 12 NDIS community projects services. We can help with residential 14 Social Prescribing aged care, home care, accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, 15 What’s new on the veteran’s services, community care, or Virtual Social Centre getting you back on your feet after a hospital stay. 16 Ask Gran Not Google goes to Uni CONTACT US 17 Digital transformation at home FEROS CARE BUSINESS CENTRE Level 3, The Strand Respecting personal 18 72–80 Marine Parade (Locked Bag 1) pronouns – a beginner’s Coolangatta QLD 4225 guide Ph: 07 5669 0555 Fax: 07 5536 7520 Email: [email protected] 20 A kiss a day keeps the doctor away Feros Central Aged Care Hotline Ph: 1300 763 583 Fax: 1300 850 770 22 Be Someone For Someone Email: [email protected] – Winter Update Feros Care Local Area Coordination 24 More than paying for Ph: 1300 986 970 your funeral Email: [email protected]

26 In Great Company update JOIN US ON FACEBOOK 27 Age no barrier for facebook.com/feroscare volunteer’s unique FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM friendship instagram.com/feroscare

28 Disability and dating – dos and don’ts feroscare.com.au/stayintouch

30 Board Update

31 Reviews

32 Social news

34 Brain games

35 Crossword

36 Stay in touch feroscare.com.au

2 FEROS MAGAZINE CEO’S WORD

WELCOME TO THE WINTER 2021 EDITION OF FEROS MAGAZINE

fter 20 wonderful years with Over the last few months, I’ve had In this edition we consider a new Feros Care, the time has opportunity to reflect on my 20 years perspective on death and dying Acome for me to resign as with Feros Care and I’m proud to (page 24) and look at gender and CEO and to step boldly into the next share some of my personal favourite personal pronouns (page 18). era of my life and career. It’s time for moments in this edition (page 8). a new leader to move forward with There’s plenty more inside the cover! Feros Care, and time for me to spend As always, we have plenty of stories The focus for Feros magazine is quality time with my family and find about the people who matter most information and enjoyment. We’d other ways to contribute to the aged – you, our clients, residents and love to hear your feedback and any care sector. participants. See how Christian and suggestions for the magazine. You Greg (page 11) are still living life on can email your feedback and ideas I want to pay tribute to an amazing their own terms at 75 and 80, and to [email protected] and team who have delivered on our how NDIS Participant, Mark de Waard they will be gratefully received. mission. Thank you for the honour (page 6) can ‘stand on his own two of being your CEO over the last legs’ after 30 years! I hope you and yours remain safe two decades. I have proudly led and well. While we’re proactively a team of passionate, committed As I write this, I’ve just attended a contacting our clients and professionals who are unrelenting in wonderful 100th birthday celebration participants to make sure they’re their efforts to improve the lives and for a bright, vibrant and always bold safe, if there is anything we might lived experience of our clients and Feros Village Byron Bay resident, be able to do to support you, please residents. I genuinely thank each and Nina Marzi. There were lots of her get in touch. In the meantime, I hope every one of them for their support family, friends and fellow Feros you enjoy reading this edition of your and effort. residents there and what an honour to Feros magazine, and I look forward to witness the enjoyment they all derive joining your ranks as an avid reader And finally, I would like to from each moment of their lives. It’s in the next! acknowledge the Senior Leaders an example we can all aspire to. and the Board of Feros Care – past and present – for the faith, support Part of growing bold is to discuss and wisdom which has been so things that aren’t always talked about generously offered to me as CEO. – to explore the taboo so it becomes Jennene Buckley a little less fearful or misunderstood. CEO

Spending time with Feros Village Byron Bay resident Alan Nina arrives to her 100th birthday celebration in style. Harkness at Nina’s celebrations.

WINTER 2021 3 FEROS NEWS

GRAN SLAM LIVE LAUNCH More than 40 poetry-slamming seniors from Cairns to Sydney lit up the internet at the end of 2020 when our ground-breaking ‘Gran Slam’ project went digital in a free live- streamed event. The ‘COVID edition’ of the popular slam poetry project saw our razor- sharp collective of seniors showcase what they have learned during eight weeks of coaching and workshops under the tutelage of experienced poets and literary performers Luka Lesson and Sarah Temporal. Hosted by award-winning comedian and cabaret artist Jenny Wynter, and watched avidly by a digital audience, Gran Slam LIVE saw the free-wheeling wordsmiths perform their own works, as well as special appearances by their Gran Slam mentors, Sarah and Luke, and musicians Gordon Hamilton and Tom Thum.

BARNEY MILLER CLASSIC PRIDE For 22 years Barney Miller has held SUPPORT the Barney Miller Classic – an annual surf competition in Sawtell, NSW. The NETWORK competition aims at raising donations for someone in the community in need. It’s Barney’s way of giving back – and brings surfers together from as far as Sydney to the Sunshine Coast. In 2021 over $20,000 was raised for injured surfer Matt Clerke “Chook” who lost all function in his spinal cord after an accident. Our Pride Support Network is a grassroots group created by A wonderful opportunity for the team members who wanted a members of the Sawtell and wider safe space for LGBTIQA+ staff, surfing community to get together, their allies and anyone interested surf, grab a bite to eat and make some in better understanding their new friends, Feros Care was proud friends, and family members in the to sponsor this event in 2021. The rainbow community. In turn this event was a huge hit with over 140 will ensure that we support and competitors turning up on the day care for our LGBTIQA+ clients with and described the experience as greater understanding and respect “an amazing chance to give back”. as well. The group has a number Can’t wait for next year’s event! of exciting initiatives that will work toward this cause – so stay tuned!

4 FEROS MAGAZINE RED CARPET ROLLED OUT FOR ALAN Filmmaker Alan Harkness walked Village Byron Bay, with many of the red carpet for the premiere of Alan’s fellow residents and carers Village Life, his latest creation – at having starring roles in the film. 90 years of age. Shot on location in early 2020, Having once worked alongside the documentary’s premiere was Hollywood screen icons Ava put on hold due to the unfolding Gardner and Fred Astaire, the COVID pandemic, but Alan finally storytelling veteran has donned got his moment in the sun when Alan said he was motivated to get his director’s cap for a new passion Feros Village Byron Bay hosted back “behind the camera” to help project – a documentary about a much-anticipated screening for break down stereotypes around life at Feros Village Byron Bay, residents, staff, family and friends aged care. his home. in February. Friends from the industry also made an appearance “I want to show that aged care Village Life provides an insider’s including Damon Gameau from doesn’t have to be all long perspective of the bold, beautiful That Sugar Film. corridors and small rooms,” he said. and vibrant community of Feros “I’ve met some really interesting people here – there's a lady who has taken up drumming, another who knits enormous, colourful blankets, some whom I've done ballet classes with and a man who works on these huge jigsaw puzzles. “There are a lot of different backgrounds and talents here – and stories to share. You can view Alan’s film Village Life on Feros Care’s You Tube.

REMEMBERING PETER WHAT’S We were saddened to learn NEW of the recent passing of Peter Warner. Peter lived a bold ON THE life, and was committed to empowering seniors to do POD the same. Over the past few years, Peter had developed Now in its third season, the Grow Bold with quite a connection with Feros, Disability podcast continues to raise the voices beyond his Fearless Film of people living with disability. debut. His was one of the most popular films in season This season we've had insightful conversations one, and he was involved in grateful to have worked with with a whole range of talented people, including a number of other events, him. The story of his rescue of Rachael Leahcar, The Voice season three finalist made himself available for his now life-long friend Mano who is also legally blind, and Wil Anderson media appearances, held a is currently being turned into who joins Pete and Tristram to discuss pain book launch at our space, a Hollywood film. We can’t management and medical cannabis. and donated his time to us wait to see it. Meanwhile, LISTEN NOW generously. He was a true visit feroscare.com.au/ feroscare.com.au/podcast gentleman with an awesome fearlessfilms to see Peter's life story to share. We are so inspiring story.

WINTER 2021 5 MARK’S NDIS PLAN HELPS HIM MOVE FORWARD AFTER 30 YEARS AFTER LOSING A LEG IN A MOTORBIKE ACCIDENT MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, MARK DE WAARD’S WHOLE EXISTENCE WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. NOW, HE WANTS TO SHARE HIS STORY AND HIS MOTIVATION FOR FORGING A FULFILLING FUTURE.

his time last year, amputee is now allowing him to enjoy a range bathroom modifications, help Mark De Waard wasn’t able to of social and family activities, as well with household cleaning and yard Tstroll into the ocean for a dip, as take on responsibilities around the maintenance, and assistance with he couldn’t take a shower on his own, house which previously, he simply trips to the library so Mark can and he wasn’t able to mow the lawn couldn’t tackle. explore courses he’s interested in for his family. studying. “Now I can go swimming, I can go to He was in constant physical pain, the beach with my kids, and I can go I’M OUT AND ABOUT – I’M A maintaining his mental health was a fishing,” Mark says. SOCIAL BUTTERFLY NOW. struggle, and he felt isolated. “I’m not sitting around if we go to a “I’m out and about – I’m a social water park – I can walk and go on a With the help of a couple of NDIS butterfly now.” plans, however, and through his own slide. sheer willpower and determination, His improved strength and physical “The really big thing for me though health meant Mark could contemplate Mark has been able to create a new was when I walked into the shower life for himself. regular employment. Last July, he with two legs and I was standing up. started a job organising orders and Since losing his leg on October 15, “I haven't been able to stand on two working with couriers three days a 1987, after a motorbike accident on legs in the shower for 30 years. It was week at the Bushman’s Bakery in his way to work, Mark has undergone a real turning point. I went ‘wow’ and North Mackay. He’s also completed multiple surgeries to his back and leg said, ‘I can’t believe this.’ training and now has his forklift and has endured ongoing pain in his licence. shoulders. “I am also stronger in my back and I can now mow the lawn. And that “At the beginning, I had a lot of anxiety Over the past 34 years, he’s had no makes me feel normal.” because I hadn’t worked for 30 years choice but to learn how to cope in and suddenly I was straight into it. his new world of living with a life- I AM ALSO STRONGER IN MY affecting disability. One of the hardest “It was half exciting and half stressful BACK AND I CAN NOW MOW but good bosses and a supportive obstacles has been not being able THE LAWN. AND THAT MAKES to stand on his own in a shower ME FEEL NORMAL. environment were a big thing. They because a ‘normal’ prosthetic leg don’t look at you as disabled, which can’t withstand water. Mark says that because of the helps.” supports and services he’s receiving, Another major disappointment has Mark’s aspirations for his future his social opportunities and mental have also soared, and longer-term, been not having the ability to step health have improved. confidently into a pool or walk into he’s planning to work in the field of the ocean – with the security of two “When they first came to my house, community services to support others legs – with his wife Jade and their I didn't think I needed any help from with disabilities in advocacy work and children, 11-year-old Brae and 15-year- the NDIS, but now I am so glad I through sharing his story. old Dustin. joined the scheme.” “At the end of the day, I’d really like However, as part of the plans As well as the wet leg, supports to study and be a case officer for the activated with Feros Care and the have included the provision of an NDIS.” NDIS, Mark was provided with a ‘wet’ everyday leg, exercise physiology Feros Care Mackay Local Area leg in his 2019 plan. This prosthetic including massage and hydrotherapy, Coordinator Stacey Atkinson says

6 FEROS MAGAZINE LAUGHTER YOGA THE BEST MEDICINE WE’RE PROVING THAT LAUGHTER AND YOGA IS THE IDEAL COMBINATION FOR OUR VILLAGE RESIDENTS. IT’S ALL PART OF OUR MISSION TO INJECT JOY INTO THE LIVES OF OUR RESIDENTS AND CLIENTS!

e believe “Through Laughter Yoga residents come together, stretching, I was able to live a more even if they don’t feel like Wbreathing and holistic life by gently laughing invariably they laughing into your later stretching and having begin to laugh.” years can assist with a good old-fashioned Laughter Yoga is a that working with Mark loneliness and depression, laugh. I’m so proud of light-hearted exercise and being able to see physical ailments and Feros Care for embracing popularised by leading the impact of how NDIS overall wellbeing. a ‘happydemic’ for their physician Madan Kataria plans can help people residents in the face of a Our innovative ‘Laughter (who also created World live the lives they want is global pandemic.” Yoga’ programs are held Laughter Day held on 2nd “amazing”. across all three villages, Yoga builds physical May) for overall health “He’s the reason I do Wommin Bay, Bangalow strength, creates mental and wellbeing by using a the job I do. People can and Byron Bay. The stability and promotes simple Pranayama breath go from being reliant on classes are all about spiritual growth and as an and the feel-good emotion informal supports like their strengthening laughter added bonus it doesn’t of laughing. When we partners to being able to muscles through the gentle have to be taken too laugh we exhale up to get their confidence back art of yoga – by stretching seriously. 20% of stale air and inhale and shower themselves oxygen rich air. and smiling you stimulate a After their sessions, and do things they haven’t range of positive chemicals residents described There are more than been able to do. to the brain. themselves as feeling 20,000 Laughter Yoga “You might not think it’s We engaged self- ‘exhilarated’ and referred clubs across the globe a big deal, but it’s a huge confessed ‘Happydemic’ to laughter as ‘contagious’ (and counting) with classes achievement.” Heather Joy Campbell and something that ‘keeps in over 110 countries to train staff and work you alive.’ from schools to large Stacey says that many with residents. A Global corporations to aged care. people, once they have Feros Care Residential Ambassador for Laughter better supports and Villages Wellbeing Just 15 minutes of laughter Yoga International, Heather services in place, are able Lead Alex McCord said, and yoga a day can says “I have a corporate to gain employment which “Laughter stimulates a improve sleep, boost the background that dealt with is a huge step in boosting range of happy endorphins immune system, increase demanding deadlines, so independence and self- in your brain, improves blood circulation and I personally sought out a esteem. circulation and gets the help people feel more better way to deal with blood pumping. Laughter connected to their mind, She says Mark would be stress. Yoga is a time where body and spirit. “amazing to have in the field” if he carries on with his plans to work as a case officer.

For more stories of NDIS Participants reaching their goals visit feroscare.com.au /LACstories

WINTER 2021 7 LASTING LEGACY UNDER CEO’S 20-YEAR HELM

AFTER BUILDING FEROS CARE GROUP FROM 100 TO 60,000 CLIENTS OVER A 20-YEAR PERIOD – DYNAMIC AND MUCH-LOVED FEROS CARE CEO, JENNENE BUCKLEY WILL LEAVE HER POST AT THE END OF JUNE 2021, LEAVING A REMARKABLE AND LONG-LASTING LEGACY FOR THE ORGANISATION.

nown for her passion, innovation and strategic thinking, Jennene says she’s so proud of Feros Care’s Kachievements in the past 20 years and has been honoured to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated, passionate people. “It’s been a journey I would have never imagined when I started 20 years ago. Our Board of Directors has allowed us to dream big, innovate and entrusted me to grow and diversify our organisation without losing sight of our mission and passion for making a difference in the lives of the people we care for and support. It has not been an easy journey, the pace of growth together with constant funding pressures, working through 10 years of reform, now another five years of significant change by government being announced, and with many other challenges to keep us busy including the Royal Commission, floods, fire, and the global pandemic. Despite these challenges we have been able to lift Feros Care onto the world stage, winning the Global Award for Excellence in Ageing Services twice, leading nationally and internationally in digital innovation and service models. Our workplace culture has kept us moving forward, despite the relentless pace, there has always been room for laughter and fun. The energy, the creativity, the boldness of Feros Care and a workplace where everyone matters, is something special and something that will position Feros Care well for the future”. Feros Care Chair, Colin McJannett said Jennene has also made a significant leadership contribution to the aged care sector in Australia and as she steps away from the intensity of a CEO’s role, there is more she has to give on a sector-wide basis. “Her contribution on the national boards of the Aged and Community Services Associations and the Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council, and her participation in the Royal Commission, have demonstrated an ability to contribute on a sector-wide basis. Added to this the experience in strategy, innovation and service transformation which places her well for the future”. We’re excited to see her contribution to the industry be ongoing and to have her fighting in the corner to achieve the best care for seniors and people with disability in Australia.

8 FEROS MAGAZINE JENNENE'S GREATEST FEROS CARE MOMENTS ASKING JENNENE BUCKLEY TO SELECT THE HIGHLIGHT OF HER 20 YEARS AS FEROS CARE CEO IS LIKE ASKING A PARENT TO NAME THEIR FAVOURITE CHILD – AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK. WITH SO MANY MEMORIES AND MILESTONES TO CHOOSE FROM, SHE HAS INSTEAD NARROWED THE LIST DOWN TO SEVEN OF THE BEST.

LIFELINK ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE 2008 Launching this service was the start of a decade of transformation in the way we provided care and support to our clients. With our remote vital signs and home safety monitoring systems, we started to look at technology we could put in the hands and homes of seniors and have gone on to introduce other initiatives such as our Healthy Life chronic disease program, virtual nursing and allied health, Virtual Social Centre and next- generation, Google-enabled smart home programs. The key to our success has been the robust process used in testing the technology. We trial and pilot a lot of technology that never gets in the hands of seniors because it’s not appropriate or reliable and, when our teams do launch a new digital product or service, they have included our clients in the design and testing and then surround our clients with the support they need to help them overcome any concerns or anxieties. We get great feedback about our technology initiatives because we get them right.

2011 – GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL AGEING IN EXCELLENCE AWARD 2011 For a little organisation from Byron Bay to be presented with such a prestigious award in front of 10,000 people at the global conference in 2011 in Washington DC was an amazing moment for me. International peak body Global Ageing recognised us for our pioneering work in establishing Feros Central, our national contact and referral centre that saw us have one location for the provision of services and enabled all our staff in the field to work remotely. This was ground-breaking at the time and the biennial award made us realise we could lead the world in aged care service delivery. Eight years later we were recognised again, in 2019 for our innovation with voice-activated service supports and the Virtual Social Centre and client portal. For an award that is only given to one organisation globally every two years, to win twice has been a significant recognition and reward for our efforts in wanting to pioneer 21st Century Care.

2016 – REGIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES 2016 Being chosen to commence the new Regional Assessment Service on behalf of the Federal Government was a game-changer. It demonstrated our capability to mobilise new national programs for the Government in a very short time frame. It also allowed us to connect with more than 35,000 seniors annually across New South Wales and Queensland and while the service is short term, with the team mainly providing assessment, planning and linkages to services, we play a vital role in setting the person up for success in achieving their goals to continue to live independently. Winning such a huge service was proof that when a challenge is put in front of us at Feros Care, everyone just comes together to make it happen. From this service, a new independent company Aspire4Life was created, which has an exciting opportunity to grow nationally to become the Government’s favoured partner in independent assessment and coordination.

WINTER 2021 9 COMING OF AGE 2016 2016 is a year I will never forget. From winning the largest allocation of Commonwealth Home Care packages nationally, growing our service footprint for community-based care to 29 Aged Care Planning Regions across five states and territories, and creating the Byron Model of Care that focused on the eight domains of wellbeing, this was a year our Grow Bold mission became a reality. We were competing for tenders with over 1,000 organisations, doing incredible work with technology and our Grow Bold Not Old initiatives started to challenge the traditional thinking of aged care and ageing. We wanted to change the conversation to one where ageing is normal and doesn’t stop you from contributing to community, continuing to learn, engage and participate in life regardless of age. With programs such as Graffiti Grans, Fearless Films, Gran Slam Poetry and Ask Gran Not Google unlike anything the industry had seen, and being recognised by the NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for our work. We didn’t just want to provide excellence in care but help older people live their best lives.

NDIS PARTNER IN THE COMMUNITY 2017 Winning the contract to be Local Area Coordinators for the NDIS in Mackay, Townsville, ACT, Northern Adelaide and Barossa Valley was a significant evolution for Feros Care. Overnight we moved from being an aged care organisation to a people care organisation, with our biggest client cohort now people under 65 years old. Working with the Federal Government on the rollout and evolution of the NDIS has been exciting, challenging, exhausting and fulfilling. We were able to employ 180 people in the disability industry and Feros Care today supports more than 25,000 NDIS participants aged from 8 to 65. All the hard work has been worth it, as being an NDIS Partner in the Community has added so much richness to what we do.

BE SOMEONE FOR SOMEONE 2019 Having grown from one retirement village in Byron Bay to touching the lives of 60,000 clients, Feros Care Group is now an organisation of influence and ready to take on bigger social issues. The launch of this charitable initiative to tackle loneliness is something I will always look back on with so much pride. We have seen loneliness play such a huge role in aged care and disability, but it is an issue that affects all Australians, with one of the loneliest cohorts being young adults. We have committed to advocating for people suffering from loneliness and creating and growing impactful programs to enable meaningful connections and better wellbeing. This issue has not been tackled properly and it is up to us to do it. Watch this space as I have no doubt Be Someone For Someone will one day be as respected, influential and important as Beyond Blue.

COVID RESPONSE 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world forever, with the past year or so being one of the most exhausting, worrying and proudest periods of my Feros Care journey. In the early months of the crisis, there was a lot of talk about the impact on residential aged care but what went under the radar were the millions of independent seniors who were sitting in their homes. Our staff and volunteers were heroic, risking their own safety to continue to care for our clients within hot spots, towns and locations that presented high risks. I don’t think people realise what a huge job it has been to keep our staff safe and our clients supported. Staff and volunteers across the organisation came together to establish outbound call teams, hotlines, distribution centres, COVID check-in stations and emergency control teams. We rolled out wellness and resilience programs to support our people emotionally. We once again rose to the challenge and that is because our values are strong at Feros Care. People matter, people care. It is part of our DNA.

10 FEROS MAGAZINE LIFE ON THEIR OWN TERMS

FROM STYLING THE HAIR OF ROYALTY AND CREATING AWARD-WINNING POTTERY TO MAKING THE FRONT PAGE OF NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS, CHRISTIAN JAMES AND GREG BAKER HAVE LIVED WHAT THEY CALL “A VERY FULL LIFE”.

t 75 and 80 respectively, the “It’s the little things that help out a pair have seen the world, lived lot – like a swinging kettle that stops Aby the seaside and rubbed me from burning myself so I can still shoulders with the rich and famous. make my own cup of tea or coffee.” “We’ve got a lot of great memories Greg gets help with household duties “Each hat took about six months we can sit back and think about… if like cleaning and laundry, which frees to make and you had to think of we can remember them,” Christian up his time to garden. everything – how to balance them; jokes. how to fit them on a head; how to “Greg loves gardening – it’s always make them stay in place,” says Greg. As a hairdresser, Christian has styled been his specialty,” says Christian. “They were so big that the models Bette Davis, Cher and the Princess “We’ve got a small L-shaped area of Japan; as a draftsman, Greg has wearing them would find it difficult and he’s turned it into the Gardens getting into the bathroom.” honed his skills on engineering of Babylon.” projects. These days the pair are content Together they created dozens of with their garden, their pottery, their giant character hats that were a WHEN I WAS MADE puppy and the two remaining hats highlight of the Melbourne Cup AWARE OF WHAT WAS they keep at home, and are grateful Carnival from 1989 to 2010, gaining AVAILABLE MY WORLD they can continue to enjoy life on international media coverage and the JUST GOT BETTER. their own terms. attention of Barry Humphries. “It’s not nice when you lose things This creative couple has lived a It’s in the garden with their little dog you could normally do and you colourful life on their own terms and Tyren that they reminisce about their have to rely on others but these now, with the help of Feros Care, they days organising everything from people from Feros Care have been continue to do so in their own home. models to removalists to make their wonderful,” says Christian. bold and ambitious hat ideas a reality. The pair live independently in their “We have the most wonderful cleaner Toowoomba apartment with the “Once we did a hat made of hair with whom we can trust and we loved how support of government-funded remote-controlled horses that ran we were taken shopping to choose Home Care Packages that subsidise around the track; another year we did aids that work best for us. services delivered by their chosen two big octopuses with Fosters beer “We are also very grateful to the provider, Feros Care. cans,” says Christian. Feros Care team for their simple “When I was made aware of what “When we did a giant Dame Edna hat, and ongoing communication. They was available my world just got Barry Humphries sent the photos to always take the time to explain how better,” says Christian. papers in the UK and gave us tickets the various home and community to his show.” programs work – taking the mystery “My life has been made a lot easier out of the many Government with simple things installed around the With Christian as head creator, it was requirements; all the while providing house to keep me safe and mobile up to Greg and his draftsman skills high standards of work and services. like hand-grabs and toilet frames. to turn these giant artworks into wearable hats. “We can’t recommend them highly enough as care providers.”

Want to know more about Feros Care's In-home Services, or what government subsidy you might be eligible for? Visit feroscare.com.au /home-care or call us on 1300 763 583

WINTER 2021 11 COMMUNITY PROJECTS

TALKING ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY YOUR WAY EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY, AND EMPLOYERS, TO ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT IS A TOPIC WELL WORTH TALKING ABOUT. Feros Care as an NDIS LAC Partner a voice in overcoming roadblocks in the Community has worked with while promoting self-advocacy and Disability Employment Services inclusivity. (DES) Provider, Multiple Solutions to The guide supports not only the Feros Care Community Development deliver the project. The project has user to understand the roadblocks Coordinator (CDC), Carly Grose created a platform for people with when starting employment, volunteer explains that the aim of the guide is to disability to have a voice in identifying work or study but also helps their empower people with disability and and achieving goals in employment, supporters understand how to employers alike to build sustainable, volunteer work, and study. remove roadblocks to create equity on-going employment. and offer people with disability The Talking About Your Disability “Not only is this guide intended independence, choice, and control. Your Way guide was created through to assist LACs nationally, but it co-design with people with disability, is intended to inspire the wider local community, and mainstream community and a broad range of organisations. It has the potential services to support people with to enable people to tell their stories The Talking About Your Disability disability in sharing their individualised on an individual level. The guide is Your Way Guide is available FREE stories,” Carly said. designed as a tool to give people from feroscare.com.au/Guide

STEP 2 EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT FEROS CARE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, TRICIA HOAD HAS A SIMPLE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR PREPARING SCHOOL LEAVERS WITH DISABILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT OR FURTHER EDUCATION. “Start early,” she says. was,” Tricia explains. “Families were project the team developed an also telling us that there was a gap in invaluable resource that brought all The team noticed in planning information, and they did not know these options together in one easy-to- meetings that young participants and where to go or what they needed to use place. parents were experiencing difficulties find out about.” transitioning from school. They found The Step 2 Education & Employment there was a big gap in knowledge “After listening to the community, Guide has benefited from the wisdom for both families and colleges when we developed the Step 2 Education of people with many years of lived it came to options for students with & Employment Project, aimed at experience caring for children with disability moving into employment or bridging that gap.” disability. further education. Feros Care's Step 2 Education & “Many of our Local Area Coordinators “Colleges were telling us that families Employment team have spent the are either parents of children with were approaching them in the last better part of two years working disability and have walked beside term of Year 12, not knowing what with educators, families and a wide them as they transitioned from high the next step for their young person range of community organisations, school to the next stage of their to help students with disability make lives or have a wealth of experience informed choices about their future gained over the years working with with the right supports in place to young people. They were happy meet their goals. to share their experience and what And the choices are many, as are helped them – as well as tips that they the organisations that can provide wished they’d known themselves,” support. Over the course of the says Tricia.

The Step 2 Education & Employment Guide is available FREE. You can download the ACT and Queensland versions from feroscare.com.au/Step2 (South Australia version coming soon!)

12 FEROS MAGAZINE HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS PROJECT COMMUNITY WRAPS AROUND ITS MOST VULNERABLE SO NOBODY IS LEFT OUT IN THE COLD. More than 18 months ago the means they are often easily Queensland Department of exploited which can lead to legal Communities identified that a problems and/or incarceration. housing crisis was looming in Feros Care Community a number of regions, including COMPETITION Development Coordinator, and Mackay. The place-based response 20-year veteran in the community was funded in partnership with sector, Di Chataway believes the Q-Shelter. It saw the Mackay Care ONLINE ART root cause of vulnerability amongst Coordination Group (MCCG) come this cohort is disconnection. COMPETITION FOR together to support their most Disconnection from family, friends vulnerable – including those with PEOPLE LIVING and community. She describes the disability, already homeless or likely WITH DISABILITY MCCG as “taking people who are to become so. alone and folding the community IN APRIL WE LAUNCHED AN People who identify as homeless back around them.” ONLINE ART COMPETITION often have difficulty accessing FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH mainstream services. Feros Care The ethos of the MCCG is that DISABILITY – WITH THE THEME Senior Local Area Coordinator, nobody is left behind. This person- ‘BEHIND THE MASK.’ Davina Harrison who leads the centred approach sees the ‘first project for Feros Care explains that response team’ come together to Masks are typically used for barriers include logistical issues understand what a person needs, protection. But they can also be such as having no telephone and then work together to meet used for disguise, performance or to confirm appointments, or no those needs. Often, access to entertainment. Artists were invited identification to access government linkages and support from Feros to share the significance of masks in services such as Centrelink. In Care Local Area Coordinators isn’t their life and to start a conversation Mackay the only bulk billing doctors high in the triage – however it does around fears and dreams. are approximately 15km from the city become very important in the long The response was wonderful – with centre – too far for most homeless term, playing a big part in housing more than 70 entries from artists people to travel as they choose to stability for those with disability. with disability all across Australia, live in the city centre where they Throughout the project, Feros we were excited to see the depth have better access to public facilities Care Local Area Coordinators have of talent out there. Thankfully, such as toilets and showers. followed the progress of the people we don’t have the difficult task In general, people who are they’ve worked directly with. There of judging the winners. Emily homeless are distrustful of have been a number of people Crockford, award-winning artist, government or community who we have been able to support with support from Studio A has organisations. For instance, the through the project, and we look that honour. Emily’s professional physical, emotional and financial forward to sharing their stories in success paves pathways for work vulnerability of homeless people the future. by artists with disability to be visible and valued. Awarded high profile public art commissions, winning awards for her art and featuring in many exhibitions and galleries, Emily takes on each new challenge ONLINE ART BEST OVERALL YOUTH CATEGORY PEOPLE'S CHOICE with passion to produce impressive AWARD AWARD AWARD COMPETITION valued at $250 valued at $250 valued at $250 and arresting works. Emily was PRIZE AWARDS (under 16) the recipient of the 2020 National SPONSORED BY Arts and Disability Emerging Artist Award. Emily was also an Archibald Prize Finalist in 2020. Winners announced 4 June 2021.

You can view all entries on our Facebook page, or visit feroscare.com.au/artcompetition

WINTER 2021 13 SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

AS THE WORLD BECOMES MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AS A KEY DETERMINANT OF OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING, POLICY MAKERS ARE BEGINNING TO CREATE FORMAL FRAMEWORKS TO ENSURE COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS IS INCORPORATED INTO OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS, AS THEY SHIFT THE FOCUS FROM ILLNESS TO WELLNESS.

his is not new to Feros nutrition classes, walking groups, or not be a medical Care; having recognised Men’s Shed for example. issue, but a social one. the importance of the social T In social prescribing, the practitioner determinant of health decades ago, works with the person to understand SOCIAL PRESCRIBING IN for thirty years Feros Care have their wellbeing holistically, including AUSTRALIA included services and supports to any socioeconomic factors – rather It’s one thing for a GP to prescribe a ensure that clients get a healthy dose than just approaching their healthcare community-based activity, but unlike of community and connection. It's one from a clinical perspective. They with medication, we don’t have a of the ways we deliver our mission will then prescribe and actively definitive list of approved drugs or of enabling bold lives. And that’s link patients to the huge range of a one-stop-shop like a pharmacy to why Be Someone For Someone was programs and services that already dispense a social prescription. established – an initiative specifically exist in the community, to get the designed to tackle loneliness and help We need to ensure that prescribers support they need. people enjoy the social connections know what is available for their so vital to their health. clients and that once a support service has been prescribed, we The good news is, the rest of the HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS? have the capacity to really link and world is starting to catch up and a guide people with these services to concept called ‘social prescribing’ is When opening at the Third Global overcome any barriers in accessing gaining traction – so much so, there Conference on Social Prescribing them- confidence, transport and is now an international day to draw recently, The Prince Of Wales technology for example. attention to it. said, “Community, collaboration and compassion in equal doses The United Kingdom’s National can support a person in ways that WHAT IS SOCIAL PRESCRIBING? Health Service (NHS) has already medicine on its own is unable to created 1,100 ‘link workers’ attached At its most basic, social prescribing achieve”. to Medical Practices to support is the notion that “prescribers” (GPs GPs and patients by linking them to or others) prescribe community- Traditionally, healthcare has been the supports they have identified based activities and local non-clinical about treating symptoms and together. services, instead of or to supplement conditions, but social prescribing traditional medications – taking into is about looking more closely at At Feros Care, we have been doing account the broader health and why these symptoms exist and this for many years, but more needs pyscho social needs of their patients. how a person’s physical and social to be done on a national scale environment can affect their overall and we are joining the calls for a Social prescribing can address key health. risk factors for poor health including systematic, nationally scaled but social isolation, unstable housing Ultimately, it’s about addressing the locally implemented approach to or poor mental health, prescribing root cause of poor health, which may social prescribing in Australia.

14 FEROS MAGAZINE WHAT’S NEW ON NOW THE VSC IS EVEN EASIER TO THE VIRTUAL USE. SOCIAL CENTRE The Virtual Social Centre is a place for seniors to stay connected virtually and have new experiences from the comfort of home. HOW FEROS CARE HAS BEEN Find sessions ranging from book clubs, language lessons, music IMPLEMENTING SOCIAL PRESCRIBING and gentle exercise – and lots more! FOR DECADES Feros Care doesn't focus on ‘what’s the matter with me’; Feros Care focuses on WAITLIST FUNCTION ‘what matters to me’. Within this framework, Is your favourite session booked out? Now you can add there are eight domains of wellbeing: yourself to a ‘waitlist’. You’ll be notified in the VSC when a spot becomes available and automatically added to the event.

EASIER TO USE INTELLECTUAL Same, same, but different! While you’re familiar with our PHYSICAL current, upcoming events and catch ups, we tweaked them ENABLING EMOTIONAL BOLD LIVES a little to make your experience even better.

SOCIAL RECOMMENDATIONS OCCUPATIONAL Events will be recommended to you based on your

SPIRITUAL interests. Now you can immediately see what’s coming up,

FINANCIAL that’s of specific interest to you! ENVIRONMENTAL

FIND THINGS EASIER Navigating the VSC for your favourite, new and upcoming The success of social prescribing relies sessions is now easier than ever, to engage and support heavily on local knowledge. At Feros Care, you in all aspects of your life. The best part? You can search we have invested enormous resources for your favourite category, host or event! in understanding and building strong community connections across our footprint MORE WAYS TO CONNECT so that we know exactly what’s available in each area, to support each individual client The VSC now allows us to connect you with more seniors in a way that meets their personal needs. and offer you more events. This way, more seniors can join And where there are gaps- we try to bridge our vibrant community. Get ready to grow! those too. Take our Virtual Social Centre and Let's Get Technical programs, both designed VIEW SESSION LENGTH specifically to help those who have barriers You’ll be able to see the exact length of each session when to connecting with community activities and booking. This way, it’s easier for you to fit your favourite supports in conventional ways or In Great session in your diary and avoid conflicting events. Company, our volunteer visitor program.

We’re evangelistic about social prescribing QUICK CANCELLATION – long before it became a term or a thing. The event overview feature allows you to cancel your Speak with our team and they will ask you registered events quickly, if you need to. This means others what the fuss is all about. It’s “the way we do can join the session, especially if it’s booked out. things around here”. But we do need to help front line professionals to understand and implement the concept and to advocate for EASIER TO READ a healthcare system that supports them to The new design makes the Virtual Social Centre easier to do that. read, and find what you’re looking for.

To learn more about our social prescriptions Want to get social on the VSC? Visit feroscare.com.au/VSC visit feroscare.com.au/technology

WINTER 2021 15 ASK GRAN NOT GOOGLE GOES TO UNI

team of Ask Gran Seniors Ask Gran Not Google began life came up against teams from as the beautifully simple idea of a A Southern Cross University’s Feros Care team member. Let’s ask HOW WOULD Faculty of Health to compete our grandparents when we have for the inaugural Ask Gran Not a question, rather than consulting YOU SCORE? Google Intergenerational Cup in Google – let's value the wisdom, April. Answering tough general experience and colour that we can TEST YOURSELF AGAINST knowledge and health questions, gather from the seniors in our lives. SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THE TEAMS ANSWERED as well as working out if their From there, with the support of the challengers were telling tall tales, Federal Government, we’ve been 1. If you had a hematoma the Ask Gran Seniors won the cup, able to make seniors more visible, on your glutes, what would and intergenerational connections vital and valuable for more than 85 you have? won the day. Hosted by the hilarious thousand school students. The Ask Mandy Nolan, the audience and Gran Not Google Intergenerational 2. What is a mondegreen? contestants alike had a great day Challenge gives us the chance to of fun and knowledge, smashing value the wisdom and experience of 3. The average person does stereotypes around ageing along both students and seniors – and to what thirteen times per day? the way. see the benefits of intergenerational

connection in action.

trying some Laughter Yoga – see page 7!) page see – Yoga Laughter some trying

don’t think that’s nearly enough! We recommend recommend We enough! nearly that’s think don’t

Laugh (we (we Laugh 3.

If you know a school that would be interested in an Ask Gran Not Google song. a from phrase misunderstood

misheard or or misheard 2. bottom. bruised A 1.

session they can visit feroscare.com.au/askgran to sign up for free! ANSWERS:

16 FEROS MAGAZINE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AT HOME: HOW JOYCE CHALLENGED THE STATUS QUO

IT'S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR SINCE JOYCE, AN 87-YEAR-OLD TECHNOLOGY ADVOCATE OVERCAME HER FEAR OF TECHNOLOGY BY SIGNING UP FOR LET'S GET TECHNICAL (LGT)

et’s Get Technical (LGT) is (VSC), a vibrant online community more comfortable, convenient, and designed to build the digital that allows seniors to connect with provides seniors with peace of mind. capacity and confidence of like-minded people and share new L “Letting Google play music became seniors with personalised, face-to- experiences, all from the comfort of face training sessions. their homes. She was able to build my favourite right from the beginning. meaningful connections with other I always got the music going. I even Challenging the status quo and clients, and felt less lonely as a result. listen to it at night when I cannot overcoming fears can be incredibly sleep. I love the variety! I often have rewarding. Initially, Joyce was “I feel more connected since joining people over, and I ask them ‘what’s frightened of turning on her phone. Feros Care's Virtual Social Centre. your favourite music?’ And then I put She found it suspicious and was There is a lady that reminds me a it up,” enthuses Joyce. concerned about the uncertainty that little bit of myself. She is quite shy came with it. and lonely, too. But now, she is in the “When my son was here recently, I group, and she is having a wonderful didn’t have much in the fridge. We “I was afraid of technology, and time. There must be many people in were asking Google, ‘Hey Google, struggled a lot,” Joyce said. “My aged care and disabilities that cannot can you tell us a dish we can make Technical Support Officer was leave their home. The VSC helps to with cabbage, bacon, sour cream, excellent and so patient! Sometimes I get people together. It’s wonderful,” asparagus, and cheese?’ and Google thought if I keep going, he might have Joyce says. came up with a recipe about Cream a nervous breakdown, but he kept Cabbage, it was delicious,” Joyce sane,” she laughs. “He was really smiles. good and very lovely.” SMART HOME MODIFICATIONS FOR SENIORS Joyce has transformed from being In the first weeks of her LGT training, frightened of technology to being an Through LGT, Joyce became more Joyce and her Technical Support advocate for it. She was able to build confident with technology. She is no Officer focused on goal setting. meaningful relationships thanks to longer worried, rather she is curious They designed personalised training emerging technology, which makes about how technology can enhance based on Joyce’s aspirations. Joyce her feel less lonely. her life further. After the LGT service, said she felt disconnected from her she put her hand up for Feros Care’s family and wanted to use technology Smart Home Modification (SHM) to become better connected. Joyce service. wanted to break down barriers and overextended her expectations. SHM is designed to support clients with new and emerging technologies Today, Joyce integrates technology within their homes. Joyce received in her life, without even noticing how various devices including the Google much she has become used to it. Nest Hub, Google Chromecast, To learn how our technology Through the program, Joyce joined and smart lights. These devices programs can help you visit Feros Care's Virtual Social Centre use voice activation to make lives feroscare.com.au/technology

WINTER 2021 17 RESPECTING PERSONAL PRONOUNS – A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

AS A SUPPORTER OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY, FEROS CARE OFTEN CELEBRATES EVENTS LIKE MARDI GRAS AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY. IN 2020 THE TEAM CREATED THE PRIDE SUPPORT NETWORK, WHERE LGBTQIA+ PEOPLE AND ALLIES COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING MORE BROADLY ACROSS FEROS CARE.

To help us remain an inclusive and welcoming organisation, a big focus is education. With that in mind, in 2021 our Pride Support Network created a toolkit to help us understand, respect and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, and to supplement our existing training. Something we’ve noticed there is a lot of misunderstanding about is the use of personal pronouns – why, when and how to respectfully use them. If you’re unsure yourself, here’s some tips.

UNDERSTANDING GENDER Because pronouns are generally gendered, it’s helpful to understand some concepts around gender initially.

TRANSGENDER A transgender person is a person who does not identify as the gender they were assigned at birth. For instance, a person may have had their 'sex’ listed as female when they were born, however they do not identify as being female.

CISGENDER A cisgender person is a person who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth. For instance, a person may have had their ‘sex’ listed as male when they were born, and they identify as a male.

NON-BINARY Not everyone identifies strictly as male or female. Their gender identity might change at different times for instance. Some days they may identify as male, others female. They may describe themselves as genderfluid.

18 FEROS MAGAZINE PERSONAL PRONOUNS RESPECTING With an understanding of different gender identities, it TOP TIPS becomes clear how personal pronouns are an important, even integral part of a person’s identity. FOR RESPECTING PERSONAL PERSONAL PRONOUNS Most people know the female and male personal pronouns – She/Her/Hers and He/Him/His. These pronouns generally PRONOUNS – fit with the identity of someone who is cisgender. They can NORMALISE PRONOUNS mutual friend or colleague. also fit with the identity of someone who is transgender. An easy way to get people Simply let them know what A BEGINNER’S thinking about pronouns their pronouns are. is to share yours. You can HELPFUL HINT: add them in your email NON-BINARY GUIDE Don’t assume! signature, and in your social GREETINGS It’s best not to assume. Neither gender presentation media bios. Even if you are Try to use non-gendered (whether a person looks male or female) nor gender a cisgender man or woman, language when you’re identity are an indication of someone’s personal and your pronouns are he/ greeting a group of people. pronouns. The only way to know is to ask. We’ll she, letting people know You could say ‘friends’, discuss respectful ways to ask about pronouns soon! what they are helps others ‘team’ or ‘folks’ instead of consider pronoun use, ‘guys’, ‘ladies’ or ‘gents’. and signals that you are personal pronoun friendly. You may also be familiar with the use of the pronouns They/ IT'S PERSONAL Them/Theirs used in the singular. These pronouns may be Get comfortable that there comfortably used by people who identify as nonbinary. The ASK are no hard and fast rules pronouns don’t indicate gender. Ask everyone their around personal pronouns. pronouns – not just people What works for one person you think may be non- won’t for another. HELPFUL HINT: binary or transgender. Is grammar that important? This may be a little out of RESOURCES Some people feel odd using they/them/theirs in your comfort zone, but This is meant as an the singular. True, its use in this way isn’t strictly it’s another step toward introduction to the subject grammatically correct. However, consider the normalising personal of gender and personal discomfort of the person if their identity isn’t pronoun respect. Use pronouns, created to foster respected, and remember that language, too, evolves. your discretion and ask privately where appropriate, understanding. We believe depending on the it’s always best to talk circumstances. with, and most importantly There are also several relatively new pronouns that you listen to, people in the may have seen come into use. These include: LGBTIQA+ community to PRACTICE be a supportive ally. Below SUBJECT OBJECT PRONOUN PRONUNCIATION The only way to get are some suggestions Ze Hir Hirs Zhee/Here/Heres comfortable with personal for further reading and pronouns, particularly listening. Ze Zir Zirs Zhee/Zhere/Zheres nonbinary pronouns, is LGBTA WIKI – a great to constantly use them. Xy Xem Xyr Zhee/Zhem/Zhere resource full of definitions Practice, practice, practice. and explanations for anyone wanting to SAY SORRY understand more. HELPFUL HINT: Mistakes will happen. If you PODCASTS – find them accidentally use the wrong Honorifics on apple podcasts, spotify pronouns, apologise and Did you know there is a non-gender specific honorific or wherever you listen to use their stated personal in use? It’s Mx – pronounced ‘mix’ or ‘mux’. This can podcasts. pronouns moving forward replace Mr/Mrs/Miss/Master/Ms. • The Gender Rebels – the best apology is to not • This Way Out do it again! • Transition Transmission • History is Gay Now that we have a grasp on some of the important CORRECT • Queery concepts around gender identity and personal You may hear someone use • Naked Inside & Out pronouns, let’s look at some tips on how to apply these the incorrect pronouns of a • Femme, Collectively in everyday life.

WINTER 2021 19 A KISS A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY AND OTHER WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A COUPLE CELEBRATING THEIR 76TH ANNIVERSARY

HERE AT FEROS CARE, WE’RE PRIVILEGED TO WITNESS LOVE IN ALL SHAPES AND FORMS – WHETHER IT’S BETWEEN FAMILY, FRIENDS, COMMUNITIES OR THOSE IN RELATIONSHIPS.

ne of those couples is Feros how you know that. He was nice- Care clients Betty and John. looking, he looked handsome in his OThe couple, who are based uniform, he smoked a pipe, he was in Port Macquarie, are both 96 so gentle and he never had a bad years old and celebrated their 76th temper or anything like that.” anniversary recently. They were engaged after six weeks, The two of them have four children, and married five months after that, nine grandchildren and 17 great- having to get their parents' consent grandchildren. They’ve lived in 13 to marry due to being under the age different places all over Australia. of 21. They’ve experienced war, flooding, a pandemic, mice plagues and locust “Due to war rationing, you could showing up to simply love each other plagues, not to mention the changes only have a one-tier wedding cake, every day. and inventions along the way; mobile as it used too much butter and “Life’s more complicated these days! telephones, wireless televisions, sugar to have any more tiers,” Betty In our day it was so different, with fridges and washing machines. says. “You had to have coupons for no technology, it’s amazing what “Young ones these days wouldn’t everything, even to get the material happens with mobile phones.” Betty have a clue what to do with a fuel for my wedding dress. But we didn’t says. “But no matter how much life stove, having to carry water to it!” mind! We just fell for each other, well has changed, there is so much to Betty laughs. and truly.” be said for being content with what So how do you live through 76 years you’ve got.” SHOW GRATITUDE FOR EACH DAY with the one person – smiling through the good times, supporting each other According to Betty, there’s beauty in KEEP BUSY, TOGETHER the simplicity of it all when you learn through the not-so-good times? The two of them are still so busy, to be content with what you have, even 76 years on from their Here are Betty and John’s top tips for especially after so many years with wedding day. Their mobility is long-lasting relationships of all kinds. the same person. limited compared to what it used to “You get to understand a lot about be – “you don’t move as quickly as WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW each other, and there are some you do when you’re 16!” John tells Betty and John met as 20-year-olds things you’d like to change but you us – but with the support of their in Sydney, at the end of World War II, can’t go back to change them,” Betty family and Feros Care, they still live when there was an ice-skating rink tells us. “And sometimes you just independently and do all their own on George Street called the Sydney have to watch what you say, making cooking and washing. Glaciarium. sure you never go to bed cranky with “We’ve got everything we need and each other, always making up before “In those days, everyone was army, we’ve also got help,” Betty says. “The you go to bed.” air force and the navy, as it was during key is always having something to the war,” Betty explains. “When I met According to the two of them, there’s do – because doing things together John at the ice-skating rink, I just a lot to be said for supporting each is what keeps you busy. Feros have knew he was the one. I can’t explain other through tough times, and been fabulous, John and I have been

20 FEROS MAGAZINE learning the iPad together. Now we can Skype people, including our one-year-old great-granddaughter in London.” The two also have their weekly shopping, gardening and cleaning taken care of, so they have time to do more of what they enjoy doing together. John even makes his own bread for the two of them.

“I worked my whole married life. I was absolutely tell them. When I talk to a dressmaker, plus I taught pottery my great-grandchildren here or in and had a porcelain doll business London, I always make sure I tell in Sydney,” Betty adds. “Then John them, ‘I love you’. And they say back, and I worked together for a long time ‘I love you too.” after he retired. When you get to do things together, it’s just wonderful.” COMMITMENT IS KEY When asked for the secret to a long- TELL PEOPLE YOU LOVE THEM term marriage, John had the best Because you might not get a chance possible answer. again – and that’s something the two of them have learned after so many “We can’t believe we are 96, I just years and so many life events. love the girl,” he says. “But the recipe for being married for a long time? “Tell someone you love them every Just stay married! And love each time you talk to them,” Betty says. other, that’s the main thing.” “Whether it’s your husband, your children or your grandchildren, “I recommend a kiss a day too!” a friend – if you love someone, added Betty.

WINTER 2021 21 BE SOMEONE FOR SOMEONE

NOW MORE THAN EVER WE ARE COMING TOGETHER AS A WINTER COMMUNITY TO CONNECT PEOPLE AND FIGHT LONELINESS. UPDATE

hile COVID is having less communities is one way to tackle not previously possible. I recently effect on the isolation of this problem. We were excited to attended the Global Social Prescribing W those most vulnerable to once again link up with the people Conference to find out what’s working loneliness in 2021, we have been at Neighbour Day, and support this elsewhere in the world and make focusing on services to support year’s Neighbour Day theme, ‘Every sure Australians can benefit from seniors who have been particularly Day is Neighbour Day.’ this 21st century approach. For more impacted by COVID enforced information on Social Prescribing, To bring some extra fun, we created isolation. read our story on page 14. a quiz, based on research by The During workshops we recently Relationship Project, to establish what conducted with seniors we heard kind of Neighbour you are – Spoiler CONSIDER A CARING LEGACY that they were struggling to re- – every type of neighbor can bring Feros Care was founded on the establish social relationships and connection to their neighborhood! generosity of the public, more than activities, and to reconnect with their TAKE THE QUIZ on the next page or three decades ago, with funds raised communities. Some of the hurdles visit besomeoneforsomeone.org/quiz by our compassionate namesake, to reconnection, like not knowing George Feros. I am so proud of what was and wasn’t on anymore the impact we have been able to and the reduced/cancelled services SOCIAL PRESCRIBING generate from George’s kindness, can be addressed relatively easily. Something we’re really excited about with more than 350,000 Australians However, other issues, such as a fear is the concept of Social Prescribing. receiving Feros Care’s support to live of contracting COVID, and the loss Imagine being prescribed fishing to bold, fulfilled lives, all instigated by of self-esteem and social confidence help you sleep instead of a sleeping his foundational gift. caused by the isolation of 2020 tablet, or to join a forest walking Consider leaving a caring legacy require more focus. We are working group to reduce your anxiety – through a gift in your Will to Be with government to make sure they Social Prescribing is the new health Someone For Someone. The power get the support they need. movement sweeping the UK and that a person’s legacy can achieve about to reach Australia. Knowing The stigma of loneliness, which often continues to astonish me. Our growth that we are only wholistically well makes people shrink away from is not possible without the support when all our social needs are met, asking for help because they don’t of our community; our customers professionals work with patients want to ‘be a burden’ is something and their loved ones and thoughtful to access community activities we’re targeting at Be Someone citizens like you. It is this generosity and supports instead of, or as for Someone. Creating connected that allows us to go the extra mile, to well as medication. Be Someone do things differently and to change For Someone is all about helping lives, one by one. Put simply, we can people build the connections they help others live a happy, healthy life, want and have developed a social because of you. prescribing service to help individuals and community organisations We understand that what happens connect with each other in a way to your estate is a deeply personal matter. And to entrust us with your legacy is not a decision to take Thanks to the New South Wales lightly. If you’d like to get to know government and some wonderful us better before taking that step, community organisations in the Byron there’s nothing we’d like more. You Shire, we were able to provide some can speak with me, or a Feros Care Christmas connection and cheer to Executive at any stage, to hear more almost 100 isolated seniors in the shire. about how your legacy will live on

22 FEROS MAGAZINE WHAT KIND OF TAKE THE QUIZ: NEIGHBOUR ARE YOU?

Q1: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE Q3: WHAT’S AN INITIATIVE YOU Q5: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING PART OF WOULD START IN YOUR THING TO DO WITH YOUR A COMMUNITY? NEIGHBOURHOOD? SPARE TIME? a. all of the connections you’re able to a. a neighbourhood watch group a. organising the next community event form! b. I wouldn’t normally start something, – I love getting everyone together b. being able to help when called upon, but I’m more than happy to lend a b. I'm generally pretty busy so don’t like you’re busy but more than happy to hand to make too many commitments help here and there c. a regular coffee catch up so you can c. volunteering at my local community c. the unexpected friendships hear what everyone has been up to group d. the opportunity to do things better d. a sustainable community garden d. listen to podcasts, watch tv or and challenge the norm – you’ve been reading about discover new things on the internet e. being able to see when others need a environmental benefits e. catch up with family or friends to see little help e. I don’t tend to start things, I like how they’re doing helping people when I see that they Q2: A NEW FAMILY HAVE MOVED IN need help NEXT DOOR! WHAT DO YOU DO RESULTS FIRST? Q4: THERE’S A STREET PARTY, WHAT WOULD YOU BRING MOSTLY A’s – The Community Weaver a. plan a neighbourhood get together ALONG? MOSTLY B’s – The Practical Tasker b. make an effort to stop by and say MOSTLY C’s – The Empathiser a dessert platter, I know what hello over the weekend a. MOSTLY D’s – The Visionary Disrupter everyone’s favourite sweet is! c. invite them over for dinner once MOSTLY E’s – The Everyday Carer they’re settled in b. I’ll stand at the BBQ and take care of the sausages Find out more about your type of d. introduce yourself, while you’re there neighbour at besomeoneforsomeone. c. enough pasta salad for everyone you can let them know initiatives org/quiz then check out all you need you’ve got planned d. I'll try one of my new recipes! to know about how you can help your e. let them settle in first, and then pop e. my famous scones, something that community become more connected. over to see if they need help with will make everyone happy anything

through our work or answer any instead of flowers, create a tribute to date by following us on questions you might have. We’re page or make an annual memorial Facebook or Instagram. always here to talk. gift. Remember a loved one, or be Warm regards, remembered, by giving a financial Another, easy way to support our blessing that brings hope and caring work is to consider an In friendship. Memoriam. What finer gift to the memory of a loved one than to spare Thank you for your support so far, another from loneliness – in their and we’d always love to hear your Jo Winwood name. You can ask for donations feedback and ideas. Please stay up Head of Be Someone For Someone

For more on Be Someone For Someone programs, to donate, or to get involved, visit besomeoneforsomeone.org

WINTER 2021 23 MORE THAN PAYING FOR YOUR FUNERAL

BOLD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT DEATH AND AGEING. Margo Knox designs, assists, and organises Ceremonies for families so loved ones can have a memorial, wake or vigil that is personal, Connect with Margo heartfelt, and encourages participation where loved ones wish. on Facebook – Margo shares her perspective on death and ageing, and how the Graceful Transitions experience can be empowering. Ceremonies

had been a nurse. I had seen My partner had been sick for a few hospital and arrived at our home people die, touched people after years, and I knew he was going to with a bunch of friends and the I death and watched the last breath die. But it was like a secret, one blue light that had accompanied us leave to rise above like a white mist. that any attempt at broaching with during the week of hospitalisation. friends and neighbours was met with This light had stayed in the corner But when it is someone close to you, sympathy, denial and pity. A kind of of the room watching. the professional goes out the door shame that we would bring this into and the vulnerability of closeness is We were relieved to be free of the the adventure of life at such a young real and worrying especially when institution, the cold sterile walls and age. Not yet retired and not yet quite no one around will talk about what uniformity offered at a hospital. into the ageing process. is happening. Then finally the last laboured breath. The last ten days were a waiting time It is like the bedside vigil is layered bathed in a wheel that spun from For me this began a journey of with hope as a cover for the unfamiliar. bliss to despair and back. We left the discovery that has taken me into

24 FEROS MAGAZINE He stayed around in a “feeling” and emotions, that we carry with us communication, for some time. Along from many generations. with a number of visitations during Conversations around ageing, frail age the night. I felt loved and cared for as and dying, can be very uplifting and well as bereft and full of loss. affirming. Honouring where we find My fear of death left me. ourselves. We need to talk more with each other – in safe, nurturing spaces. The first shock was that there were not many people who wanted to We need to be open and transparent or could talk about death, dying about our wishes. Yes, plan your end and grief. The lead up to or how of life. An advance care directive is to prepare for this huge change. It a useful way to start a conversation seemed a taboo topic with pretty with your loved ones. much everyone. Or was spoken But it’s more than paying for your of in euphemisms such as “falling funeral. off a perch” or “kicking a bucket” and other such diversionary jokey While pre-paying for your funeral language that did not open any doors is a useful idea, take care because to conversation. there can be an impersonal aspect. Consider questions like, do you want So, I discovered that along with your children to wash and care for me, the world had forgotten how to your body?; do you want to have a vigil be comfortable with death. Such a that could last for days?; do you want missed opportunity for closeness your funeral to be held in a place that and deep communication within is not a funeral parlour or a church, but families. I wondered why someone a lounge room or a garden? There are would want to have “the business options for us to pursue but like any of death” taken away and done by path that is nontraditional, we must strangers. Why does everyone take seek out the possibilities. All these a step back from death? options help a great deal with the Even though we are all going there. grieving process, and the more family is involved the better. We are a death phobic society. We don’t usually bring our village in The process has infinite rewards, to gather, witness and celebrate a and includes family being part of the transition from this life to another. Is process and learning about their own it fear that keeps us away? What is ageing and end of life. A process all this fear? I suspect it is this question of us will come to. The engagement many conversations and spaces with that typically does not get asked, with family, helps the process of grief, families and people traversing this in the wider community or in self- immensely. sacred time of life. contemplation. Sometimes we need help with talking In this cycle the soul leaves from the Anything that is kept secret will grow to our families who don’t want to body, the opposite of childbirth when darkness around it. The way to shed admit to being part of the cycles of the soul takes residence in the body. light on something is to open the life that will happen, with or without A piece of me was so generously conversation and to investigate ideas our acknowledgement. given entry to this realm, so I could see and feel what death is. The peace, the calm, the feeling of love was beyond exquisite. The passing of a loved one is never easy, and FEROS CARE My gratitude was immense. I wanted BEREAVEMENT dealing with grief is even more challenging. GUIDE to talk but the grief held me back. We've created a Bereavement Guide with helpful So I began reading and listening – resources to help you with both the personal and to ordinary folk like me, as well as practical elements of someone passing away. doctors and nurses in hospices and Download your free guide at hospitals. I found much to learn and feroscare.com.au/BereavementGuide many similar experiences to my own that gave me food for thought.

WINTER 2021 25 IN GREAT COMPANY AT FEROS CARE WE CALL OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN GREAT WINTER COMPANY AND FOR ME, THE NAME REALLY FITS. OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF BEING GREAT COMPANY, AND SO ARE OUR VOLUNTEERS. UPDATE

s I write this, we are preparing friendships that can be made In Great to reimagine how we do things. By for Volunteers Week. Company, followed by a practical adapting our volunteering practices AVolunteers are the lifeblood presentation on dementia awareness and programs we can better support of what we do here at In Great by Dementia Inclusive Ballina. and engage volunteers to continue Company and we want to celebrate the necessary work that they do. This dementia awareness and thank you for the vital role you presentation will give our volunteers We’re always looking for ways play in lives of seniors we support. the tools to interact with anyone to make things easier for our We are delighted to celebrate our living with dementia, whether through volunteers. Recently we’ve been volunteers by holding a Virtual their role as a volunteer or in their able to bring additional Volunteer Volunteer Week event as part of personal lives. Coordinators onto the team to help National Volunteer Week 2021. make things smoother, and we’ve The theme for National Volunteer also created a new online orientation During this event we will be Week 2021 is: Recognise. Reconnect. module to make becoming a showcasing our latest video that Reimagine. volunteer easier. That’s a good thing, celebrates the kind of heart-warming RECOGNISE, celebrate and thank because after the team appeared on volunteers for the vital role they play Channel 7 Sunrise, we’ve had lots of in our lives. people wanting to be matched with a After a year where Australia has dealt volunteer. So if you’re keen to come with drought, devastating bushfires, aboard, we’re ready and able to floods and then a global pandemic, make it happen! volunteers continued to dedicate Our focus remains to continue their time and services to make our growing our army of volunteers to communities stronger, especially help support vulnerable seniors in during times of need, crisis or our community. If you see the value isolation. of connecting with us, please get in RECONNECT to what is important touch. To stay up to date with all our by giving our time to help others volunteer happenings, jump onto our and ourselves. blog too. Volunteering has been proven to connect us to others in our local Best regards, communities and better our mental well-being. When we help others in our community or give our time to a cause we value, we also give back to ourselves. Graeme Williams Program Manager, REIMAGINE how we better support In Great Company volunteers and communities they help. In the current changing environment, where Australians are time-poor and experiencing higher degrees INGREATCOMPANY.COM.AU of uncertainty and stress, we need OR CALL 1300 736 930.

26 FEROS MAGAZINE AGE NO BARRIER FOR VOLUNTEER’S UNIQUE FRIENDSHIP

MORGAN MILES VOLUNTEERED FOR IN GREAT COMPANY BECAUSE HE WANTED TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON A SENIOR’S LIFE.

ittle did the 28-year-old know a senior’s home to visiting Feros Care “We talk about everything and it was his life that was about to residential villages. anything – previous loves, his receive an enormous boost. old jobs, where he grew up. He’s L Morgan liked the sound of being definitely been around the traps.” “I can assure you it’s not just me paired with a senior yearning for helping him,” Morgan said of the social company – and that’s when Along with getting to know Alan, bond he has formed with Alan Hill, Alan entered his life. one of the joys of In Great Company the 89-year-old he met through for Morgan has been the flexibility it “They were initially going to match Feros Care’s volunteer program, affords him. me with someone from a military In Great Company, that connects background but it ended up being “As a volunteer, it’s simply a matter of people in need of support and social Alan and I couldn’t be happier,” how much time and energy I’m able connection with caring, friendly and he said. to throw at it,” he said. enthusiastic volunteers. “My first visit was at his place at “I would like to get back to full-time “Getting to know Alan has added Banora Point Retirement Village work but volunteering allows me to so much to my life. I’ve faced a few but we ended up going for a coffee step back if my health deteriorates challenges in recent times and his and chewing the fat for two and a and I need to check myself. It’s great positivity continually reminds me that half hours. I remember going home to be involved with something as everyone faces hurdles and you can and telling my partner ‘He’s a great important as In Great Company but be bitter or just roll with it. Alan’s had bloke and I can’t wait to get to know Alan understands if I can’t make it a lot of trauma over the years but he him more’. one week.” just keeps on trying to be a great guy. “We’ve been mates for almost six Not that he plans on missing many of “There may be an age difference of months now. I’ll phone him a couple their catch-ups. 60 years between us but I don’t see of times a week and pick him up him as anything other than a friend. “I care for Alan greatly and meeting every Thursday for an outing. Alan When we’re together, it’s just two him is definitely something that gave up his licence because his mates cruising around and keeping has benefited me and given me a eyesight isn’t the best but he loves each other busy.” purpose,” Morgan said. his drives so I’ll take him up the Having served in the defence force ranges and into the country. “I think he worries about me dropping for seven years, Morgan’s world was off (our visits) but I’ve told him I’m “One day I picked him up at 8am to shattered three years ago when he always going to be there. Life will get visit one of his mates down south and was forced to medically retire. busy and I’m planning to start a family we didn’t get back until 4.30pm. He one day but I’ve assured him he’ll Living in Northern New South Wales ended up having a little kip on the way always be part of my life.” and unable to participate in full-time home because I had tired him out. work, his fiancée pointed him in the direction of In Great Company and its wide-ranging volunteer opportunities FIND OR BECOME A VOLUNTEER AND BE MATCHED WITH from helping with small tasks around A REAL FRIEND AT INGREATCOMPANY.COM.AU

WINTER 2021 27 DISABILITY AND DATING DOS AND DON’TS RELATIONSHIPS, SEX, SEXUALITY, AND LIVING WITH A DISABILITY: MEDIA PROFESSIONAL AND AMPUTEE LISA COX, DISABILITY AWARENESS CONSULTANT ANDREW GURZA, AND NATIONAL ADAPTIVE SURFING CHAMPION BARNEY MILLER TACKLE A RANGE OF TRADITIONALLY TABOO TOPICS, WHILE ALSO DIVULGING THEIR TOP TIPS FOR DATING AND GETTING INTIMATE.

hile she spends much of – and there were distinct ‘dos’ and with the disability – life must be so her time slaying myths ‘do nots’. miserable and will be much better about life with a disability, with them. W “I wasn't much of a bar person public speaker, stroke survivor and because I had been run in to too “I also found guys who were wishing amputee Lisa Cox is also passionate many times by drunk guys who to go on a date with me and … how about relationships and navigating didn't know there was someone do I say this diplomatically? the dating maze from the vantage in a wheelchair behind them. point of a wheelchair. “You got the impression they had “A disabled friend gave me the tried dating all the women in the non- Although she’s been married for 11 heads up. She said, ‘Be careful of disabled world and that didn't work.” years, Lisa says that prior to meeting the ambulance chasers.’ They are her husband she had to relearn how “I couldn't get out of those dates fast the guys who want to swoop in to date as someone with a disability enough.” and rescue you. Because poor you

28 FEROS MAGAZINE FULFILLING RELATIONSHIPS Dark’ which started as a playful look RIDING A WAVE OF LOVE WITHOUT THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR at the intimate lives of people with a disability. “It’s taken on a deeper meaning as we’re uncovering stories in the disability communities that we don’t generally hear. “We’ve talked about my first experience with sex workers, polyamorous disabled relationships, Barney Miller, two-time National and the times I was abused by care Adaptive Surfing Champion and ISA In 2005, aged 24, Lisa caught the workers.” World Adaptive Surf Champion, is a Streptococcus-A virus and suffered While laws are great, Andrew says C6 quadriplegic who found true love a severe stroke, and in the following attitudes need to change as there with his now wife, Kada Miller. year of complications and surgeries is “so much fear”, discomfort, and Kada, a singer-songwriter from NSW, she lost her left leg, right toes and misinformation around sex and says their 13-year relationship has had nine fingers amputated. She also disability. “had its challenges, but as long as we lost some eyesight. In his late teens, Andrew says he keep communicating, it just figures She said people can struggle to worried about how he would be itself out”. compute that a relationship involving perceived because he was disabled Kada and Barney have released a a person with a disability can be and gay. book, The Essence of You and Me, to satisfying. Now, he says, he often feels tell their tale of romance, overcoming Once, while wearing her wedding ring, “overlooked or not looked at at all”. obstacles, adventure, and planning a Lisa was in a supermarket and the life together. woman at the counter said, ‘Oh, you I’M IN A WHEELCHAIR BUT Barney was in a car crash in 1999, are married. That’s so good to see.’ I CAN HAVE JUST AS MUCH he broke his neck and was told he SEXUALITY AS YOU CAN, “It was almost ‘shock’ that a woman AND BE FLIRTY. would never be able to breathe with disabilities could possibly be in a unassisted again. Years of intensive fulfilling relationship. Even when I told “I’m in a wheelchair but I can have rehabilitation followed, and then he people, there was that same surprise just as much sexuality as you can, met the girl of his dreams. and ‘really?’, ‘wow’, and ‘good for you’. and be flirty.” “Kada has the biggest heart you “My husband, unfortunately, is People worry, he says, about saying could ever find in someone and she congratulated and praised just for the wrong thing while in an intimate thinks about everyone else before choosing to be with me… to marry a scenario. herself.” woman with disabilities.” “They worry they’re going to hurt me, The couple travel together, talk Despite the misunderstood reactions that they’re not going to know what at schools, and continually aim to at times, Lisa says now she is happily to do or how to lift me.” “spread more love and more hope”. married to a man with the same “We’re going to start a family and outlook as herself, and she is able to All he wants is for others to be look forward to a happy future,” share her experiences to help others mindful of the fact that he’s a person. Barney says. avoid negative stereotyping. “Don’t infantilise the person in bed with you. People forget that there’s Living a bold life, he says, is “living a DISABILITY, SEXUALITY, a human here. You’re not my saviour life the way you want it to be”. DIVERSITY just because we’re hooking up.” “It’s just pedal to the metal and going Andrew believes in the power of hard and enjoying yourself.” conversations to bring down barriers. “One day, all of us are going to live with some form of disability or impairment. We need to work on teaching communities how to interact with a disabled person without hurting them. Because of ableism Disability awareness consultant and the ways we’ve been silenced by Want to hear more from Andrew Gurza has cerebral palsy society, we don’t often say what’s on Lisa, Andrew or Barney? – he calls himself “a queer cripple” our mind. So tell your disability truth, Check out their podcasts at and has a podcast, ‘Disability after and make sure people hear you.” feroscare.com.au/podcast

WINTER 2021 29 BOARD UPDATE WELCOME TO OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS

ANDREW YOUNG LYNN WARNEKE Andrew Young was appointed to the Lynn was appointed to board in November 2019. His past the Feros Care board experience as a board member of St in November 2020. Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore for She has extensive over 18 years has exposed him to the executive experience aged and health sectors. in business, ICT and consulting roles for a Additionally, he has experience in commercial diverse range of organisations, from start- finance, investment strategies, commercial development up through to major commercial enterprise, and the management of a business in a growth industry across multiple sectors including: not for profit, which complements the diverse experience offered by other publishing, government, tertiary education, board members. and professional services. Throughout a 30 year career she has consistently worked at the intersection of business transformation, JANET QUIGLEY technology, digital innovation and people domains, to systemically improve staff, Janet Quigley was appointed to the customer and citizen experiences and achieve Feros Care Board in November 2020. strategic business outcomes. Janet has a diverse range of public service experience, having spent the last In addition to strong strategy, design, program 15 years in senior management positions. delivery and management capabilities, She has wide-ranging experience in Lynn has extensive governance and risk strategic policy and program delivery and management experience in both operational spent 18 years with the Commonwealth Department of Health, and advisory board capacities. She is a designing and implementing a range of health care reforms and passionate advocate for two interconnected strategies that have linked and interfaced with aged care. Janet goals: ensuring technology is accessible and has also lead negotiations with state and territory governments usable for all, and increasing diversity and and worked closely with a varied range of industry stakeholders. inclusion in the tech sector and across industry.

30 FEROS MAGAZINE REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEW Fruzsina Gal – Digital Marketing Specialist GROWING UP DISABLED IN AUSTRALIA edited by Carly Findlay

One in five Australians have a Senator Jordon Steele-John and disability. And yet, when these Paralympian Isis Holt, poetry and people are asked about their graphic art, as well as more than experiences growing up disabled in 40 original essays by writers with a Australia, there are as many different, disability or chronic illness. latter gaining increasing momentum. incisive, yet entirely valid answers as The social model of disability there are people. It is this diversity of While their differences are apparent, suggests that people are disabled opinions, of experiences – whether so are their similarities. Reflections by barriers in society, not by their negative or positive – and of modes on belonging or feeling excluded, impairment or difference – and that it of expressions that lend this book its of defining themselves as a part is up to this society, with all its moving strength and importance. of or in opposition of the disabled parts, to accommodate everyone, not community shine through with hope, just the abled. Reading about people Growing Up Disabled in Australia pride, anger, and everything in- with lived experiences of what it is is a collection of perspectives – it between. The pieces are moving, like to grow up disabled in Australia, features people with a wide range honest, and for those of us without a you can’t help but nod along, feel of disabilities addressing their disability, incredibly eye-opening. infuriated, yet surprisingly hopeful. upbringing and the lasting influence their disability has had on their A core focus of this anthology is the This stunningly diverse and lives. The book includes interviews difference between the medical and insightful anthology should be read with prominent Australians such as the social models of disability, with the by everyone!

TV REVIEW Jacqi Holloway – Marketing Coordinator

SEE WHAT YOU MADE ME DO (2021, SBS) CONTENT WARNING: mention of domestic violence

As I write this, only the first episode hidden, it's very likely that you know of this documentary series has aired. someone who is experiencing See what you made me do? is the this, right now. This series serves work of investigative journalist, Jess to educate the general population Hill who published a book of the around domestic violence. same name in 2019. Both examine Importantly, it helps break down the the epidemic of domestic violence in stigma that women who experience Australia (and the world), and speak domestic violence are subject to. I’m to survivors, families of the women financial abuse. Just as importantly sure you’ve heard people say ‘why who didn’t survive, as well as Police, it gives some hope, with studies didn’t she just leave?’ This series domestic violence specialists and where a whole community approach demonstrates why it’s not nearly perpetrators. has been able to seriously stem the that simple. For those considering watching problem. While the series is impactful in the series, I recommend preparing Support for people experiencing that it puts faces and voices to the yourself. It’s not a comfortable or domestic abuse. entertaining watch. However, it’s an problem, I recommend the book for those looking to understand more, • If you are in immediate danger important watch. Statistics indicate call 000 that well over three million adults as it delves deeply into the issues, and children in Australia experience explaining tactics that perpetrators • 1800 Respect. Call 1800 737 732 domestic violence. As it’s often use such as coercive control and or visit 1800respect.org.au

WINTER 2021 31 SOCIAL NEWS

YOUNG AT HEART FILM FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY In March we celebrated International Women’s Day, and at Feros Care we ‘choose to challenge’ gender bias! We love to celebrate achievements regardless of gender, background, age or ability, and are very proud of a board, senior leadership team and organisation that has great female representation.

Feros Care is a proud sponsor June 2021 at Palace Cinemas in of the Feros Care Young at Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Heart Film Sessions, as a part Byron Bay, Brisbane and of the International Film Festival Adelaide. Each of the Spanish, series. In 2021 the Feros Care German, Scandinavian and Young at Heart Sessions will run Italian film festivals promise to across five film festivals from be full of unmissable cinematic the 2nd of May until the end of experiences!

MEME CORNER UPDATED DICTIONARY Another small selection of new words and THINGS I DON’T UNDERSTAND senses coming into the English language. SILVER-FOX – an attractive older man having mostly gray or white hair.

DEEPFAKE – a fake, digitally manipulated video or audio file produced by using deep learning, an advanced type of machine learning, and typically featuring a person’s likeness and voice in a situation that did not actually occur.

DOOMSCROLLING – is the act of spending an excessive amount of screen time devoted to the absorption of dystopian news. HOW I GET TALLER AND DOXING – search for and publish private MORE HANDSOME EVERYTIME or identifying information about a particular individual on the internet, typically with MY GRAN SEES ME malicious intent.

32 FEROS MAGAZINE WE ARE CHILD SAFE A BYRON BAY HISTORICAL ODEYSSEY FEROS CARE CHILD SAFETY COMMITMENT STATEMENT Margaret Sparks grew up in the beautiful Byron Bay area and has written a memoir remembering At Feros Care, we care about children – those who are our clients and the people and places from her children in the community we come into contact with as we carry out our childhood and as she grew up. work of caring for people. We’re proud to be a child safe organisation, Margaret is passionate about the Feros Care has a firm commitment to childwith safety all our teamsand awarewell-being. of what theyWe mustare dodedicated to protect children to meeting in our area and is doing her best to make communities. sure the history is remembered our moral, ethical, professional, and legal dutyFeros to Care protect has a firm children commitment and to youngchild safety people and well-being. from We are and passed down. She’s calling the risk of abuse and to promote child safetydedicated and wellbeing. to meeting our This moral, includes ethical, professional, all children and legal and duty to for anyone who has memories young people who are currently receiving servicesprotect children and and those young who people will from receive the risk of services abuse and tointo promote and stories to contribute to get in child safety and wellbeing. This includes all children and young people touch with her via the Feros Care the future. Feros Care supports the rights ofwho the are child currently and receiving will act services uncompromisingly and those who will receive to ensure services marketing team – marketing@ that a child-safe environment is always maintained.into the future. Feros Feros CareCare supports is also the committed rights of the child to theand willrights act feroscare.com.au. uncompromisingly to ensure that a child-safe environment is always and well-being of employees and volunteers and encourages their active participation in the We’ve also got one copy of maintained. Feros Care is also committed to the rights and well-being of Margaret’s memoir to give away. development and maintenance of a child-safeemployees organisation. and volunteers and encourages their active participation in the Please email marketing@feroscare. development and maintenance of a child-safe organisation. com.au with your fondest memory For more information visit feroscare.com.au/about/our-organisation/ of Byron Bay, and we’ll randomly draw one winner at the end of July! In order to be a child-safe organisation,child-safe-organisation Feros Care seeks to:

• ensure Feros Care employees and volunteers adhere to the Feros Care child safety policies and procedures; POPULAR CULTURE WE LOVE THE SET (ABC IVIEW) 5/5 • use best practice in the recruitment andHosted screening by Linda Marigliano checks (Triple for Feros J) side Care note, employees Dylan also hosts a podcast and volunteers; and Dylan Alcott, The Set showcases about disability, ListenABLE. You hot and up and coming musicians might want to add it to your podcast with live music sets. Previous acts rotation – along with our Grow Bold • ensure that Feros Care employees andinclude volunteers Angus & Julia who Stone, will Mallrat or will likelywith Disability have podcast,contact of withcourse!) and Hiatus Koyote and many more. Children and Young People undertake a screening process and relevantWHO SHOULD police WATCH: checks; Everyone! In addition to the sizzling music line- For people 60+. it's an easy way to up, Linda and Dylan welcome guests stay in touch with what your kids or • induct Feros Care employees appropriatelyand discuss for a theirbroad rangerelevant of current position, recognising their grandkids are interested in. The same social topics. role in safeguarding children and young people and to provide ongoingapplies learningfor the middle and aged among development opportunities to improveSomething child safety; we particularly love about us (for whom it will be like they've The Set is that Dylan isn't treated gone back to a Saturday morning in differently because he is a wheelchair the 1990's watching Recovery). As • take steps to ensure that Feros Care employeesuser. His hosting and gig is volunteers another step dofor not anyone engage under 40,in childyou're probably abuse, bullying, harassment, or other inappropriatetoward normalising conductdisability. (On such a groomingalready watching or exploitation it! of children and young people;

• ensure that all Feros Care employees and volunteers are provided with the appropriate WINTER 2021 33 support following any incidents or complaints raised;

• take steps to ensure the cultural safety of special needs groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culturally and linguistically diverse children, in providing a safe environment for children with a disability;

• regularly review and improve the implementation of the National Child Safe Principles.

FER1077 03/21 SUDOKU BRAIN GAMES CHALLENGE

BEGINNER

3 2 1 WINTER WARMING

WORD SEARCH 2 4 3

2 3

H F B W Y G L O V E S W H A M 4 1 2 E B I A O G B J A C K E T S O E E U R F C E B B B V F S V Y INTERMEDIATE M A Y M E L H T V C D L N V G H N W T F P A O F E T Z U M E 4 3 2

S I W H I F L N C L K U G R M 3 2 6 4 L E S X I F N A N O A O G B B I T O C I B P T C E L M L C G 5 4 P S U O C A E S R E L A E D T 3 6 2 P S P S O A D R D H H E T S S 5 6 E X S Y O C W G N E B S T E I R W J E F D V W O A A U L T T 6 1 S R I X D D N U Y T T Y T G E D W O O L I E S I E H E P C L ADVANCED I B Q L K V K A A R J N N K K 9 2 4 7 5 3 1 8 5 6 3 3 1 2 5 3 9 4 7 FLANNELETTE CHOCOLATE 7 6 1 2 9 3 4 SLIPPERS FLAMES 8 3 6 1 2 7 HEATER SOUPS 9 6 4 7 8 BEANIE BATH 2 3 6 1 FIREPLACE HIBERNATE 6 4 7 1 8 3 9

WOOLIES JACKETS

2 9 3 8 1 7 4 5 6

1 5 4 3 2 6

2 3 1 4

1 4 6 9 3 5 7 2 GLOVES SNUGGLE 8

3 2 6 5 1 4 8 5 7 4 2 6 9 1 3

4 1 3 2 7 2 1 6 5 3 8 9 4

5 1 2 6 4

WARMTH COSY 3 4 3 9 2 8 1 6 7 5

6 4 3 1 5 2

6 8 5 7 4 9 1 3 2 3 4 2 1

5 6 2 1 9 8 3 4 7

4 6 1 2 3 5

9 7 4 3 6 2 5 8 1

1 2 4 3

2 3 5 4 6 1

3 1 8 5 7 4 2 6 9

BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED SOLUTIONS: SOLUTIONS:

34 FEROS MAGAZINE 1 CROSS 2 3 WORD 4

DOWN 1. A new health 5 movement where professionals work

with patients to 6 7 access community activities and supports instead 8 9 of, or as well as medication (6,11).

3. A non-gender 10 specific honorific. 11 4. Something you 12 should show every day according to 13

Feros Care client 14 Betty 15

7. Something Alan Hill is 16 on a mission to keep doing. (6, 13) 17 8. A challenging puzzle with numbers. 18 19

9. A gift in a ______is something that can

have a lasting impact 20 13. A person who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth.

15. What a Feros Care team member considers the root cause of vulnerability

amongst people who are homeless.

ACROSS N

O

I

2. A program designed to support clients 14. Something that laughter T

Y C

L E F I L E G A L L I with new and emerging technologies stimulates in our brain. V

20

R T

within their homes (5,4,12). N E N

16. An attractive older man having N

O N O S S E E V I T P A D L A

18 19

N D C I S S A L C

5. Something that Mark De Waard is mostly gray or white hair (6.3). 17

E N S

G X O F R E V L I

forging for himself (1,10,6). S 16

S P

17. Surf competition the Barney Miller D 15

S N I H P R O D N E

14 14

D

6. A new feature of the Virtual Social ______. C

13

G U N O I T A C U D E

Centre (8,8) 12 R U O B H G I E I K N

Gran Slam mentor Luka ______. 11 18. I G N I L L O R C S M O O D

10

B N L

10. The act of spending an excessive D

I I I

19. Barney Miller is an ______U

R E V W

amount of screen time devoted to S

9 8

C D

surfer. I

S N O I T C N U F T I T I A L

the absorption of dystopian news. W

7 6

E T

R I E U T U F G N I L L I F L U F

20. The name of the latest film by A

5

P 11. Someone who lives near you in your T Alan Harkness (7,4) L

community. A A R

I G

4

C

12. Step 2 ______& Employment X

O N O I T A C I F I D M E O H T R A M M S

3 2

S

is a guide helping prepare school SOLUTION:

leavers with disability. 1

WINTER 2021 35 LET’S STAY IN TOUCH WE’D LOVE TO TALK MORE OFTEN.

Want your Feros Care news, ideas and tips hot off the press? There’s so much going on, we can’t fit it all in your magazine, but we share all our people stories, helpful tips and Feros News on Facebook and Instagram. Even better, you can share your thoughts with us, and see what other people think too! Social Media not your thing? Sign up for our monthly email newsletter, the Feros Scoop.

IT'S EASY TO STAY IN TOUCH. VISIT FEROSCARE.COM.AU/STAYINTOUCH