News

Autumn is such a wonderful time of year; the weather cools, trees break into rainbows of changing colour, and on April 2nd daylight savings time ends and our clocks fall back an hour. It may be the “extra” hour to sleep in, the many public holidays, or just the milder weather in April that makes News, Village Voice

Last month I shared information on our Governing body and company structure and this month I cover our Organisational Departments and Senior Management Team.  The chart here shows our 3 main service areas and their departments. The area bound by the dark orange box is the part of the Village operations that is funded by News, Village Voice

I have had a request through our Carepage system to provide information on our Board and also on how our Board engages with our Residents and Clients. I am delighted to see that Residents are using this online platform to provide all sorts of feedback that they otherwise may not have taken the time to News, Village Voice

The Village will be reviewing our privacy, security and data retention policies over the course of January, and it is a perfect time for each of us to reflect on these same topics in our own lives and begin 2023 “cyber secure”. News, Village Voice

Like a treasure hidden in the field Each year our Board reviews our mission, vision and values statements and our work against their guidance. It has been a long time since we made any refinements to the words of these important documents and the time had come to rephrase our values to better articulate them News, Village Voice

Emergencies and Useful Information - Bushfire The CFA publish fire danger ratings and forecasts on their website here: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-and-ratings A new fire danger rating system was introduced this year across Australia so that all states now use the same levels – No Rating, Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic. News, Village Voice

The Victorian Seniors Festival is a month-long program recognising and celebrating senior Victorians. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this wonderful event. The evolution of Seniors Week into a month-long festival focusing on positive ageing and the passing last month of the Queen, who was still working and performing official duties at 96 years News, Village Voice

This week I was in the final stages of agreeing to an implementation program for a new program we will use to manage our policies, procedures and information management systems. The program will support our systems to remain compliant as we move through this period of huge post Royal Commission change in aged care laws News, Village Voice

It has been a cold start to most mornings of recent weeks with frosts covering roof tops and grassy nature strips. Winter is my very favourite time of year. In late July I arrived at work and was greeted with the most beautiful pink glow to the pre-dawn sky – it brought a smile to News, Village Voice

The human need for certainty is a very strong influence on our lives. For some people when they are feeling that this need is not being met in a way that they prefer, they will get worried and anxious, others will respond proactively and seek information, some will choose to create rumours or become angry. News, Village Voice

As I write this, I am sitting in my study working from home, after more than 2 years of successfully avoiding Covid, I am one of the 68,426 Victorians that have registered a positive Covid test in the last week. The pandemic has seen huge change in working from home arrangements for office based staff News, Village Voice

There is so much uncertainty in the world right now, I have pondered for several days trying to choose a topic for this month’s cover that would still be relevant by the time it goes to print next week and decided that I can be sure that all 4 of these topics will dominate the News, Village Voice

This is the theme for this year’s global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations. News, Village Voice

There are three documents that will make an enormous difference to how much control you have over your life and assets if an event arose and you were unable to express your choices and wishes yourself. Recently we have had situations arise in both Villages where Residents did not have these documents in place and News, Village Voice

As I wondered what to say to welcome 2002, my mind kept wandering back to the movie Mary Poppins, and Dick Van Dyke singing: Winds in the east, mist comin' inLike somethin' is brewin' and 'bout to begin.Can't put me finger on what lies in store,But I feel what's to happen all happened before. News, Village Voice

As we all begin to remove masks and socialise again at a pace and time that we each feel comfortable, it kind of feels like meeting people all over again for the first time, and indeed some of our newer Residents will not have seen what some of our Staff look like without masks. So, News, Village Voice

As I sit and write this month’s newsletter, I am quite overcome with emotion, I cannot find the words to express how overwhelmingly proud I am of our Staff and the lengths that they will go to for Residents. Yesterday was ABBA day in the Manor and the Residents “travelled” to the Greek island from News, Village Voice

The recent unplanned power outage caused by a lightning strike at the Eastern end of the Village followed later in September with planned power outages in three areas of the Village by United Energy for Frankston power grid maintenance have reminded us all of the importance of having a plan for these types of events.   News, Village Voice

It has been sometime since we were able to host a meeting in person, so I thought that I would write a Q&A style article for this month’s Village Voice based on questions I have had from individual Residents that may be of interest to all Residents. News, Village Voice

e Australian Bureau of Statistics completes an annual Census of all homes. Clearly identifiable Census workers may come to your unit to deliver a form or provide assistance – you should ask to see their ID before opening your door. This is the ONLY time the Village ever allows people to go from door to News, Village Voice

There was something different about this 4th lockdown, I have noticed that people were generally struggling more this time around, politically any signs of the previous unified and dignified response had long disappeared and many people, myself included feel let down that despite everything we as individuals and as a collective, this wretched virus somehow News, Village Voice

Last month it was an absolute delight to be able to resume normal monthly Residents’ meetings. As I write this, daily life continues to move closer to what we all remember as ‘normal’ and we find ourselves being able to attend groups, functions, activities and knock-on neighbours’ and friends’ doors once again to share cups News, Village Voice

In mid-April our Company Chairman, Boyne Alley, passed away after living with pancreatic cancer for the last couple of years. Boyne had joined the Board some 17 years ago and had been Chairman for the last 12 years. The Village has been fortunate to have had Boyne’s contribution and his guidance over such a long News, Village Voice

The celebration of Easter brings hope to millions of people around the world and reminds us all that no matter what uncertainties we face today, or what we have endured over the past year, that we are not alone, and we all have the chance to begin anew. News, Village Voice

Perseverance. Noun. Meaning: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. As I write this, images have begun to be sent back to earth from the Mars Rover “Perseverance” that touched down on the surface of Mars in February. It took only 215 News, Village Voice

It has now been a year since we were last able to have a Residents’ meeting, to see each other in large gatherings, talk together and introduce new Staff. This caused me to reflect on how distant this encourages us to feel from each other and in response I wanted to share some information about News, Village Voice

As I write this the situation in NSW is deteriorating and the UK appears to moving into a much more troubling phase. Given all that we as Victorians endured in 2020, it would be easy to feel as though the raging river that is COVID-19 is about to swell and overflow again, but instead I News, Village Voice

This year, the Christmas / New Year holiday season is unlike any other, and caps off a year that has certainly been unlike any other for most of the world. There have been moments this year that have overwhelmed us all, and many times I have wondered if we as fragile humans have enough resilience News, Village Voice

As we open up and move towards a Covid Safe Victoria, staying in touch and getting information quickly is even more important than ever. If we become aware of a Covid exposure risk in our local area, the fastest way we can communicate this to you is via email. News, Village Voice

Local Council Elections will be held by postal vote in October. The Victorian Electoral Commission will post ballot packs to all enrolled voters after Tuesday 6th of October. News, Village Voice

A time of renewal, a reminder of the promise that winter is not forever. New growth, new blooms, the new hope for the coming year. We have all worked hard as a Village Community to keep ourselves safe and strong through what has been a cold and difficult winter. We move into Spring reassured that News, Village Voice

With Covid dominating the news, I thought it may be a nice time to reflect on who we are as a Village Community and to consider what a large diverse group of people we serve. News, Village Voice

If the pandemic was not enough to keep you indoors, there have been a few days in June that have just been plain cold and miserable but the good news is that the winter equinox has passed by and the days will start to get to get a bit longer. That is the good news. News, Village Voice

The world is in a really weird space in history and when you think about the major ‘corrections’ that have taken place in history, the current pandemic has possibly impacted more people in a much shorter time frame. News, Village Voice

The initial shock and fear associated with the emergence of COVID-19 appears to be giving way to boredom, frustration and for some, loneliness and helplessness. I hear and share your disappointment that we cannot do all of the things we enjoy and like to do and our Staff are feeling the same way. News, Village Voice

These are extraordinary times. Much of what we do is healthcare related and an “Essential Service” and we are adapting to what is a constantly changing landscape and ensuring that what we do on a daily basis does not put Residents, Clients or Staff at increased risk. There will be a lot of inconvenience over News, Village Voice

Human nature can be fascinating and complicated at times, some people naturally think kindness is something completely selfless that we do out of love and compassion for our fellow humans, while others instinctively believe that someone being kind to them is just a manipulative tool that people use to trick others to reap the benefits. News, Village Voice

The worldwide response and attention given to the bush fire crisis has been overwhelming. From celebrity donations, military evacuations, local bake sales through to highly skilled strike teams saving the prehistoric Wollemi Pine forest, people around the nation and around the world have united to help. News, Village Voice

Welcome to 2020 As I write this article it is currently 18 degrees and overcast; I had my office heater on when I arrived at work this morning and I am wondering when summer will arrive. However I know that when it does, we will have hot days, the Victorian Power Grid may struggle to News, Village Voice

End of a Decade As 2019 ends and a new year, and new decade begins, I reflected back to where we were in 2009 and our goals and dreams for the coming years and re-read some older village voice covers from that time.Our big goals were: Completion and opening of ParksideInstallation of solar panels through News, Village Voice

All sorts of mail comes across my desk each day, recently one letter gave me reason to pause and I felt great sadness. Although it was anonymous, it was from whom I believe to be a well-meaning and kind Village Resident who was expressing grave concerns about things they had been told by other Residents News, Village Voice

October Update I am writing this column after coming back from a farewell BBQ for our handyman Rob. I was really fortunate to be able to share lunch with the Maintenance team and enjoy the laughs and stories they told. As I arrived I said hello to Noel, the subcontract electrician who has worked on News, Village Voice

Maintenance and Repair of Private Equipment Each time I have to replace a piece of equipment (most recently my washing machine) it seems the new one is more complicated and needs “extra” things. Unfortunately this is a common issue for all of us. Recently we have had a number of requests for maintenance to attend News, Village Voice

August Update The last couple of months have been extremely busy with the Aged Care Royal Commission creating heightened anxiety throughout the industry affecting some families and staff working in the industry. Concurrently, the Government is also introducing a range of risk and compliance processes that impact upon the accreditation standards, medication practices and governance News, Village Voice

The seminars that we hold in the Village to share information about transitioning from independent living into community and aged care are always popular and help Residents prepare for their future needs. Recently we have seen an increase in Residents needing care who don’t have the financial and care approval paperwork in place and this News, Village Voice

Our Village Hostesses, being the front office for our ILU residents, have received a number of comments on the service fee increase for this year. As we tried to explain in the service fee letter, last year’s fees should have increased by an extra $10 per month from our increased costs, but this was offset News, Village Voice

There is a lot happening in and around the Village as we move towards a federal election. Both major parties seem to be offering a variety of additional services and programs and assuring us that key services will be affordable in the future (such as energy). News, Village Voice

Both of our Villages have experienced recent serious driving incidents. One where a resident collided with a fence and drove into a building and the other where the resident collided with a structure and other vehicles. Thankfully no one was physically injured in either incident and because both drivers were properly licenced and insured, the News, Village Voice

I have been made aware of at least 2 Residents who have had their bank accounts emptied from a telephone / computer scam. The criminals who instigate these scams are very believable, they are often female, sound Australian, appear warm and professional over the phone. They may even offer to transfer you to a Manager News, Village Voice

Marie Kondo’s book and Netflix TV show about the “life-changing magic of tidying up” has captivated households all over the country. The focus is not on finding new ways to store clutter and tidy up mess, it’s about holding onto things that ‘spark joy’ and clearing our homes and lives of things that no longer News, Village Voice

As we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome 2019, I would like to make a couple of comments about the year that has just gone. Firstly, the good. We purchased a new village at Rosebud and, whilst it needs some work to bring it up to scratch, there is a real positive vibe down there News, Village Voice

The Community Safety Networks project provides Victorian communities with a direct platform to discuss local crime issues and policing priorities. Frankston municipality is one of 12 communities where a Community Safety Network is being established, giving residents a greater voice in Victoria Police’s ongoing efforts to combat crime. Residents will have the opportunity to be News, Village Voice

With Open day adding another 10 names to our waiting list, and consumer demand to move into the Village healthy and strong, I was delighted to open my email this morning and see that Frankston Council has issued final approval for building the 4 remaining units in the 900’s. News, Village Voice

The Government’s decision to call a Royal Commission into Aged Care has been welcomed by Providers, Resident Advocates and Industry Groups. There is no doubt that the cases of ill-treatment that have been highlighted in the recent media are horrifying and unacceptable, but I would say in all my years of working in health and News, Village Voice

Spring is in the air, and, based upon the last few days of August with crisp mornings and beautiful days, roll on spring – enough winter! News, Village Voice

August 2018 My Health Record ‘My Health Record’ has existed for a few years now and is an online summary of your key health information managed by the Commonwealth Government. Previously it required people to ‘Opt In’ however from 15th of October 2018, all people with a Medicare or DVA card will be automatically ‘Opted News, Village Voice

July – a new financial year, winter has well and truly set in, hopefully we have all had our flu shots and staying warm, time marches on and you wonder where did the last 6 months go? One thing is for certain, life continues at a hectic pace for many of us, and smelling the News, Village Voice

Winter is settling in and it can all feel a little gloomy sometimes. Here are some strategies to improve your well-being over the darker, colder months. News, Village Voice

Aged Care Assessment Process If this seems all a bit overwhelming as it can for many people, you can ask the Village Nurse or your Doctor to make a request for you to be assessed using the health professional referral process. If you would like to make the referral yourself or know more about the News, Village Voice

Manor and Lodge and what is an Aged Care Home. Years ago the distinction between low care (Hostels) and High Care (Nursing Homes) was really clear and everyone understood that eventually someone would probably move from the Hostel to Nursing Home. In July 2014 this clear line of distinction was removed by the Commonwealth Government News, Village Voice

Village Voice March 2018 Rosebud Village At last week’s resident meeting, I announced the news that we had exchanged contracts to purchase the Rosebud Village on Bayview Road, Rosebud. News, Village Voice

February 2018 Scamwatch There has been a rise in scams over the Christmas period with people pretending to be from Australia Post, electricity, gas or phone companies trying to get access to personal and bank or credit card information that can be used for identity theft or fraud.Please be very careful of anyone who approaches News, Village Voice

Extreme heat can affect anybody, but people over 70 are particularly at risk of heat stroke and dehydration. News, Village Voice

December 2017 Happy Christmas So this is Christmas And what have you done? Another year over And a new one just begun And so this is Christmas I hope you have fun The near and the dear one The old and the young A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year Let's hope it's News, Village Voice

November 2017 Open Day Reflection One of the great joys of the year is our annual Open Day and Fete and last month’s was a wonderful success. Thank-you so much to everyone who contributed their time and efforts into making it such a fantastic day.It was very reassuring to have so many people come to News, Village Voice

November 2016 - October 2017 Here is the last 12 months of our Village Voice publication in PDF format. New Village Voice newsletters will be published individually starting with the November 2017 newsletter. If your browser can't open them, you may need to download Adobe Reader © November 2016 December 2016 January 2017 February 2017 News, Village Voice