September

Phyllis B

Hi all,

Spring is amongst us and we have seen a couple days of sunshine. On the 15th

September we will be having a BBQ lunch outdoors, weather permitting. Footy

tipping has finished for this year and we will have Footy tipping presentation

during our pie luncheon on the 28th September. We are also planning a boat

cruise, cruising Nagambie Lakes. Volunteer Ruby has returned from her travels

to Europe and we are so happy to see her safe return and her smiling face again

at Dianella.

GET READY BE STEADY

The risks of falls becomes an increasing concern for people as they age. We

have recently commenced a pilot program called ‘GET READY, BE STEADY’.

Our MISSION is to reduce the number of falls occurring at Dianella. This is

everyone’s project—so in reception you will find a SECRET MISSION ENVE-

LOPE. Tell us what you think contributes to the risk of falls and how we might

fix the risk. Each entry has a chance to be in the draw for a movie ticket. The

specially designed program includes body movements to work the muscles and

assist in balance and strength development. For any further questions Ask Anne.

Ray’s

Corner

I for one will

not miss this

cold and wet

winter we have

just had.

Bring on

Spring and

Summer so we

can get outside

and enjoy

some sunshine!

Ray.

Hi everyone, hope you are looking forward to the warmer weather because I know I am. I also trust

you are feeling better and have finally recovered from the cold and flu. Mel and Anne have had very

full programs including lots of activities to fill your time with. Hopefully, we can all start spending

more time outside now to enjoy the sunshine. Sadly we say goodbye to a dear resident Wilma with all

our thoughts to Mandy, her daughter. I can’t believe how the year has gone. Next we will be planning

for Christmas. Enjoy your month. Hopefully there is an activity planned for you to participate and

share with fellow residents and our wonderful volunteers. Until next month take care Bernie.

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If you would like to celebrate a milestone birthday for your family member

here at Dianella, please notify Anne/Mel about your catering arrangements

for the event. If possible, please allow one months notice prior to the event

to assist in scheduling and planning.

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Friendly pets welcome

Almost everyone loves animals and for residents

of Dianella this is no exception. Being able to

hold, pat and even observe a pet can be very en-

joyable and relaxing. If you have a clean and well

behaved pet an occasional hour to spare we would

welcome a visit to spend some time with resi-

dents. Your pet will need to be on a leash and it is

also important that they do not jump up on resi-

dents (as the skin of older persons can be fragile).

If you are interested speak to a staff member who

will discuss it with you further.

Sharing mealtimes at Dianella-

Families and friends welcome

Families and friends are encouraged to join resi-

dents at mealtimes. Sharing a meal time together is

a time honoured tradition of family life and you are

very welcome to continue this at Dianella. Join us

in the dinning room or arrange to us the more pri-

vate areas of Dianella to chat and eat. There is a

small cost associated with the meal (e.g. soup

$2.50; sandwiches $4.00; salad plate $6.00; main

meal $6.00; yoghurt $2.50; sweets $2.50) To en-

sure availability you are asked to ring prior to 10

a.m. to order a meal. As the financial administra-

tion of meals is managed directly by hospital ad-

ministration meals ordered by family members will

be directly billed to residents accounts.

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We encourage an "open door” approach which invites residents to share their concerns with staff. Many people feel uncomfortable about doing this and fear negative conse-quences of raising issues. However, residents and relatives can be assured that we see complaints or negative feedback as an opportunity to improve the care and services pro-vided. Complaints do not have to be in writing.

What can you do if you have a complaint?

Tell the staff

Tell the Unit Manager (Bernie Lavars)

Tell the Director of Nursing (Kate Pryde)

Complete a facility feedback form, available from the front foyer, or ask a staff member for one. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, or aren't happy with the response you can contact the Aged Care Complaints Scheme directly on 1800 550 552.

Please Help Us Keep Our Residents Safe!

If you have been visiting Dianella could you please make

sure the doors click back into the locked position

when you leave.

One of the forums in which residents, families and friends can have their say about any issues of concern at Dianella is through the Friday Forum meeting which is held on the 2nd Friday of the month at 10:30am. We really welcome the input from families so please come along and share your thoughts and ideas on what we are doing well, and the areas where we can improve. The meeting is also a time in which residents get to share the activities they would most like to do in the following month.

Aged care Complaint system

Resident’s Meetings– 2nd Friday of the Month