Funded by the Aust Govt

Department of Health

Although funding for this newsletter has been provided by the Aust Govt, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views

or policies of the Aust Govt

Do Care Volunteer News

Volume 6 Issue 2 Winter 2018

Dear Volunteers,

Winter is upon us, so may I suggest you take care of yourselves and your health.

Keep warm, keep hydrated, keep active, and keep healthy. If you are a volunteer

visitor, and you are not feeling well, please don’t visit and share your germs with

your Do Care friend. Likewise, if you are a Facilitator, please don’t share your

germs with other Do Care members, or Staff. Thank you for your understanding

in this area.

With winter here, some of you may be heading north. How wonderful!!!!! If you

are heading off, anywhere, please let the Office know so we are aware. We like

to know the approximate dates you are gone, so we can support your Do Care

friend in your absence, or not call you to assist us while you are busy fishing or

mountain climbing or sunning yourself, or……….

You will see in the diary dates below, we have the Shared Learning Afternoon on

the 10th July. This year we are combining the sessions to have only the one.

See the attached invitation for details.

I would like to belatedly thank those who returned their survey forms. (Don’t

worry you didn’t all get one.) We really appreciate the feedback. It certainly helps

us with our jobs, knowing how to best cater for our volunteers. If you do get a

survey we would really appreciate you filling it out and returning it (even after the

due date) so we can act on the findings. Many thanks.

Susan Hampshire

Diary Dates for ALL our Volunteers.

10th July—Shared Learning Afternoon

Facilitators

PROGRAM—Our newest program addition, Keeping Active gentle

movements is off to a productive start. There has been very good interest levels

and the feedback has been very positive indeed. This will generally be held on

Thursday mornings at Kanyana—except the week of Ladies Lunch, therefore

generally 3 mornings each month.

ON THE BUS—The Winter chills can impact on our member comfort and

there are a couple of things we can help with. If possible, we can only open one

bus door at a time (to save from the wind whishing through). This may mean

closing the bus side-entrance door while the frame is being put in via the back

door. Or not opening the side door until the member is ready to get in (not way up

their driveway still). This may not be always possible of course but may help.

AVAILABILITY—I thank you all for your amazing assistance with the

program. There have been some changes these last few months so I’ll be in touch

for your up-to-date availabilities. A special thank you to those making changes in

their lives and taking a break or heading on holidays. A well-earned break is so

deserved. Similarly, if you know of someone who would like to join our team,

please pass on our info or let us know.

VOLUNTEER DINNER—Wow, what a night. It was such an enjoyable

time together. Loved all the talent too and the fun that was shared. Even a few

jokes I was told later that I am still laughing about.

Regards, Heather

**SAVE THE DATE—Tuesday 10th July**

Each year we hold a Shared Learning Day to learn about a topic that is important

for both our Volunteers and Clients. This year we are combining the groups for a

Shared Learning Afternoon. Our guest presenter is from The Aged Care

Complaints Commissioner’s office. The Commissioner is the key point of contact if

you have any concerns about the care/service someone you know is receiving eg

Do Care Friend or family member. With the many changes happening in Aged Care

this is sure to be an informative and interesting presentation.

We look forward to seeing you there.

NVW Photos

What a terrific night was had by all at the NVW Dinner in Colac.

The entertainment was amazing. Who would have thought we had SO much talent

and creativity amongst our wonderful volunteers. Another string to your bows by

the looks of things.

The Staff at Do Care enjoy this time of year when we get together with you all. It is

that one time we are allowed to pamper you that little bit, and say a HUGE thank

you for all you do for Do Care.

Enjoy the photos below.

The Talent Show: Left: Pauline reading one of her poems. Right: Marg, Helen, Carol, Maria, Nola doing “The Park Bench”. Below: The Judges-Heather Brian, Susan.

Below: Madeleine, Bev,

Harry, Pauline & Edna.

Bottom: Cheryl, Susan &

Merrilyn

Left: Geoff & Craig.

Below: Maurie,

Vera, Mayor Joe,

Joan & Josephine

CVS News

FLU VACCINE FOR CVS VOLUNTEERS

In residential aged care, flu can spread quickly and have dreadful

results for residents. In response to this, from 1 May 2018,

legislation requires Australian Government-subsidised residential

aged care providers to offer the flu vaccine to their volunteers.

The flu vaccine is free to everyone over 65yo and can be given at your local GP,

the Colac Otway Shire or at the local chemist. If you are under 65yo, and would

like to be vaccinated, please contact the Do Care Office for details on how we can

assist.

For our CVS volunteers, it is not compulsory to have the vaccine and you are still

a welcome visitor if you chose not to be vaccinated.

The govt has also requested we keep a record of those that do receive a flu

vaccination.

Please contact Maurie by phone or email and let him know .

National Volunteers’ Week

What a great night and what wonderful talent we have found at South West Do Care.

Many Volunteers and SWDC staff enjoyed a lovely meal at Colac Mid City Motel. Thank

you to all our Volunteers who every week give their time to someone less fortunate.

Everyone here at SWDC appreciates the many hours of time you donate. Thank you to

Colac Otway Shire Mayor— Joe McCracken for your attendance.

Board Members Pauline Robertson and Bev Smith accompanied me on Wednesday 23rd

May to Apollo Bay where SWDC and Otway Health Volunteers joined together for an

“Around the World” Theme day which included Virtual World Tours, Activities, a

Travelling Lounge, a Movie “Around the World in 80 Days”, and a lovely lunch, with food

from around the Globe. We may only have a small band of SWDC Volunteers in Apollo

Bay, but they make this up 10 fold in their active Volunteering at Otway Health. Thank

you one and all, for the time that you give to your Community. Thank you Meloney for

your contribution in helping to celebrate National Volunteers Week and making the day

special.

Could I ask all Volunteers when you are completing your Blue CVS Visitor Form, please

include all forms of contact including phone calls letters and/or post cards, not just the

visits.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart”

Elizabeth Andrew.