RDNS – By your side

housecallRoyal District Nursing Service Supporter Newsletter Autumn Edition 2015

How YOU bring health and independence to others

Celebrating130 years

For over a century, supporters like you have helped RDNS to bring essential nursing and healthcare to those most in need and support to their families.In 2015, RDNS is celebrating 130 years of caring for the community. In this commemorative edition of HouseCall, we reflect on some of the milestones our supporters have helped RDNS to achieve.From all of us at RDNS, thank you.

Inside...

Equipment you have provided

Historical timeline

Alison’s bequest

Healthy skin tips

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Equipment you provide for our nurses

RDNS nurses use ultrasound dopplers to measure blood supply to the feet of clients with poor circulation, allowing them to understand the risk of non-healing wounds and ensure optimal treatment. In Australia, about 10,000 people are admitted to hospital for diabetes-related foot ulcers every year. Using dopplers can reduce the need for our clients to go to hospital. In the most severe cases, this type of test can enable treatment that avoids the need for lower limb amputation.

Last year, 281,046 RDNS home visits were for wound diagnosis and care, so these $1,500 dopplers are vital equipment for every RDNS nurse.

While RDNS receives some funding from the government, the equipment that allows us to deliver the best possible care is mostly funded by people like you. Here are some of the items we purchased last year with your help.

Syringe drivers enable RDNS nurses to deliver drugs for symptom control in the client’s home. A needle is inserted under the skin and connected to an infusion pump which allows fluid to slowly enter the injection site.

When young mother Amy* was diagnosed with a terminal cancer, she wanted to spend as much time with her toddler as she could. A syringe driver allowed an RDNS nurse to control her pain and nausea with a daily visit each morning. This meant that Amy was able to spend the last 18 months of her life, not in a hospital, but at home with her son and husband. While it may have cost $2,500 to purchase the equipment, the impact on Amy’s quality of life was priceless.

Dopplers

Thanks to your support, RDNS clients can avoid much of the discomfort, risk of infection and embarrassment caused by urethral catheterisation. Using bladder scanners to measure bladder volume helps nurses to diagnose, manage, and treat many urinary dysfunctions in the home.

Since one in five of our clients require care for continence issues, these $16,500 machines are in high demand.

Daisy*, who barely left her home

because of bladder control issues, was comfortable letting our nurse perform a non-invasive physical examination using a bladder scanner. The results helped us to understand Daisy’s incontinence and develop a tailored treatment plan for her. Now Daisy has the confidence to enjoy social events with friends again.

Bladder scannersSyringe drivers

* Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.

Join the team!We are looking for people to join the RDNS consumer participation program.

As a participant, you’ll help us make decisions about RDNS services to ensure we’re delivering the best care to our clients. Activities involve completing questionnaires, attending discussion groups, developing procedures and participating in a range of projects.

If you are a past or current client of RDNS, or the family member, carer or representative of an RDNS client, we’d love to hear from you!

Please call Peter Wriede on 03 9536 5313 for more information.

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A brighter outlook for Jim

“The most beautiful woman in the world.” That’s how Jim Ellis, 81, describes his late wife June. Her photograph takes pride of place on the mantelpiece in the south eastern suburban Melbourne home the couple built together in the late 1950s.

When June passed away in 2012, a grief-stricken Jim did his best to manage on his own despite escalating health problems. Supported by two devoted daughters – both also busy with young families – he continued with his own cooking, cleaning and household management. Yet, understandably, he struggled and following a diagnosis of bowel cancer it was determined that Jim required some home support.

“I was fine doing it all before June died,” Jim says. “She was very sick towards the end and I did all the housework – no problem. After she passed away I just fell in a heap.”

Given his independent streak, plus his strong desire to continue living in his own home, he was relieved that the support he needed came in the form of home care provided by RDNS.

His care included the delivery of meals to his home following a stint in hospital, assistance with grocery shopping and regular house cleaning.

“Jim’s attitude is fabulous,” says Marie, Jim’s RDNS case manager, whose care and professionalism has helped Jim to regain his sense of optimism. The two clearly have a good relationship based on care and trust.

“I know I can give Marie a call any time,” says Jim.

Although he still misses June every minute of every day, it is clear that Jim’s outlook and wellbeing have improved since his first contact with RDNS more than a year ago.

“I look forward to the visits and the social contact,” he says, brightly. “Daily life would be just impossible

without them.”

Jim’s story is not uncommon. Your generous donations contribute to the care and support of many RDNS clients who are

struggling to cope following ill health and the loss of a loved one.

Jim says life would be impossible without RDNS Case Manager Marie.

If you’d like to support more people like Jim to manage at home, call us on (03) 8530 8166 to donate today or visit www.rdns.com.au

“I was fine doing it all before June died,” Jim says. “She was very sick towards the end and I did all the housework – no problem. After she passed away I just fell in a heap.”

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1885 1906 1934 19741892 1919 1965

The society established Melbourne’s first midwifery service, with nurses providing medical assistance for two to three weeks after child-birth.

The catastrophic influenza epidemic of 1919 saw client numbers quadruple and the society invest in its first motor car. As the epidemic dragged on into 1920 a fundraising appeal enabled more cars to be purchased.

Following royal assent, the society’s name changed to the ‘Royal District Nursing Service’, known today as RDNS.

In February 1885, Reverend Dr Charles Strong convened a meeting of prominent Melburnians resulting in the formation of the Melbourne District Nursing Society to “serve the sick poor in their own homes”. The first nurse was appointed in May on a salary of £100, providing care to those living in appalling conditions in Melbourne’s CBD.

Expanding services from Melbourne’s CBD to suburbs such as Carlton and South Melbourne led to installation of the society’s first phone line and the purchase of bicycles to help the seven nurses travel to see patients.

The society established a women’s welfare clinic – Melbourne’s first family planning clinic – to address complications women often faced due to multiple childbirths.

130years of RDNS

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1974 1990 20131965 1984 2000 2015

24 hour care revolutionised care options for some clients. In total, 34,649 clients were being serviced by 340 nurses.

Mobile phones and laptops were rolled out across RDNS, and consistently updated over the next decade. This reduced the need for paperwork, improved information sharing and allowed for greater flexibility in scheduling.

Today, over 2,500 RDNS staff support services for a total of 103,000 clients. RDNS provides 24 hour care for all, regardless of age or economic status, in Greater Melbourne and parts of regional Victoria.

RDNS established a research division, known today as the RDNS Institute, which has since made major advances in the way our nurses care for people at home. Our research has improved the way our nurses address dementia, wounds, such as leg ulcers, and many other health issues.

Introducing a home intravenous antibiotic service meant that clients could be discharged from hospital earlier, with RDNS providing support for the family and nursing care for the client.

In recognition of the modernisation of services, RDNS adopted a new brand – the one you see on our cars across Melbourne today.

You can help us take the next step in our journey by donating today.

Call (03) 8530 8166 or complete the coupon at the back of this newsletter.

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Alison’s Will to ensure care for future generations

Sitting in a comfortable armchair in the sunny sitting room of her Melbourne home, RDNS bequestor Alison recalls her first encounter with the organisation.

“My sister first had RDNS care back in the 1980s. Then in 1997, my nephew had a stroke and was cared for by RDNS – the nurses were so supportive and caring of him, as well as the family. I’ve never forgotten it.”

Alison’s passion for RDNS stems, like many of our wonderful donors, from her personal experience with our district nurses. In addition to her sister and nephew receiving RDNS care, a number of friends have received the invaluable support of RDNS over many years.

Now retired, Alison has led an active life first as a teacher for many years and more recently as a volunteer with a number of organisations, including RDNS, where her assistance with packing and mailing Christmas card orders has been much appreciated. Alison has also been supporting

RDNS with donations since 2001. In 2012 she chose to leave a bequest for RDNS in her Will.

When asked how she hopes her bequest to RDNS will be used, Alison doesn’t hesitate in her response. “I’d like it to help the nurses, to assist with their transport and safety, and to help provide the equipment they need to look after their clients.”

Alison lights up when speaking of her support for RDNS. “I like the fact that the money will go to help the nurses and to help people in real need” she says. “It will go where I want it to go... RDNS is ‘hands-on.’”

With genuine sincerity and a warm smile, Alison emphasises the importance of considering a bequest when making a Will. “I just feel that there are so many people and organisations out there that do need help – financial help,” she says. “It’s so

worthwhile – the community needs the support that RDNS provides.

“I’m not rich and I want to look after my family in my Will. But I can still leave something to RDNS – even if it’s a small gift I know how much it will help RDNS. I would like to encourage

others to do what I’ve done.”

We are grateful to all RDNS donors who help our nurses provide

vital nursing and healthcare in the community, and especially to people like Alison who have chosen to leave RDNS a bequest. They are a major source of financial support to RDNS – support that helps us provide care and assistance to those in need and plan for the future.

Alison expressed her passion for RDNS through a gift in her Will.

“I’d like it to help the nurses, to assist with their transport and safety, and to help provide the equipment they need to look after their clients.”

If you would like information on how to make a bequest, contact Louise Abicare on (03) 8530 8166.

NEW0315

You can also make a credit card donation by calling (03) 8530 8166 or securely online at www.rdns.com.au All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

I want to help the nurses be there when needed

5 tips for healthy skin

Good skin health can prevent future wounds.

Skin, the largest of all our organs, is constantly changing at every stage of our lives. Just as many of us experienced skin changes causing acne as a teenager, our skin also changes as we age. In fact, it’s generally the first body part to show the signs of age – much to our frustration.

Don’t worry – the changes are normal and to be expected. Signs that our skin is ageing in good health include thinning, sagging, wrinkles, age spots, dryness and broken blood vessels.

To keep our skin healthy there are some basic things we can do:

Examine your skin every day. Check for any damage or changes such as swelling, redness, itchiness or dryness that may need special attention.

Keep your skin clean and dry and use warm water and a perfume free, pH balanced soap alternative when washing, as ordinary soap will dry your skin.

Moisturise your skin daily using an unscented moisturiser.

Stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of fluid a day, like water, juice or milk (unless your doctor says otherwise).

Eat a nutritious, balanced diet and be sure to consume protein and energy as these are the most common nutrients needed in high amounts for good healing of any damage or wounds to your skin.

Here is my donation of: $25 $50 $75 $150 Other $

Name

Address

Postcode Tel (H) (W) Email

I would like to make my donation by: Cheque or money order

Visa Mastercard Amex

Card No. / / /

Cardholder name

Signature

Expiry date /

Please send me information on: How I can assist RDNS in my Will.

Regular monthly donations to RDNS by credit card.

I do not require a receipt

Please return your completed form to: RDNS, 31 Alma Rd, St Kilda, Victoria 3182

HouseCall autumn 2015 | page 7RDNS – By your side

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Skin Health Program is empowering Victorian communities

HouseCall is an information publication produced especially for donors and supporters of RDNS. Home and Community Care (HACC) services provided by RDNS are jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments. If you do not wish to receive HouseCall, or would like to update your contact details, please call RDNS Fundraising on 03 9536 5222 or email fundraising@rdns.com.au©Royal District Nursing Service Limited 2015

Royal District Nursing Service LimitedABN 49 052 188 71731 Alma Road St Kilda Victoria 3182

Telephone: 1300 33 44 55 (for services and general enquiries)www.rdns.com.au

Entertainment BooksRDNS is pleased to be selling the 2015/16 Entertainment Book as a fundraiser again this year.

For just $65, the Entertainment Book memberships contain over 800 valuable 2-for-1 and 25% off offers for many of the best restaurants, attractions, hotels and retailers in Melbourne. Each membership sold raises $13 for RDNS, which helps our nurses to provide vital nursing care.

You can order online at www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/18442m7 or by calling the Fundraising Office on (03) 8530 8166 mid April.

If you purchased the Entertainment Book from RDNS last year, we will be mailing your renewal shortly.

Skin health is more important as you age.

Skin health is an important issue to be aware of at all ages, but particularly as we grow older. Your kind donations together with funding from Trajan Scientific and Medical, are helping RDNS to work with the Council of the Ageing (COTA) to develop a Skin Health Program. The program will highlight the importance of both skin care and being aware of the danger signs for skin damage as people age.

In line with RDNS’ commitment to improving accessibility of healthcare for culturally and linguistically diverse populations, five different cultural communities will be among those that receive access to the skin health program when it is delivered to centres around Victoria.

The Skin Health Program is designed to equip key community members to facilitate discussion around skin care in a way that is relevant to them, using aids such as flash cards and take-home reminder pamphlets to reinforce key messages.

Projects like the Skin Health Toolkit are an important way of helping older people from different communities understand the things they can do to manage their own health and it’s your donations that are helping us make the difference.

If you’d like to find out more about the Skin Health Toolkit, call Rajna Ogrin on (03) 9536 5222.

Remembering Gallipoli

100 years on from the horrors of the Gallipoli landing, we honour and remember those who lost their lives and those whose lives were forever changed by it.

The commemorative magazine, Gallipoli 100, is an excellent publication full of compelling real life stories, historical accounts and interesting articles about the landing at Gallipoli.

As the lives of many of our supporters and their families have been touched by the events at Gallipoli, we thought you would like to know that you can purchase a copy of the Gallipoli 100 magazine for just $20 (postage included).

Contact Lloyd Millet on (02) 8063 4801 or email lloyd.millet@faircount.com.au