Welcome to this edition of our monthly newsletter.  As you read this Elizabeth is wandering through the Highlands of Scotland, visiting castles, a kilt maker and generally having a very well earned vacation. Elizabeth has left us with her itinerary so we are able to travel along with her, if only in spirit.

We have been speaking with the builders and architects and the plans for our extension will be lodged with council very soon.  It is so exciting to see the process start; I can already envisage the extra space.  We will give you monthly updates on the building works in this newsletter.

I was amazed at the tenacity, professionalism and spirit of the Para Olympians.  What an amazing group of sports people they are.  I am glad that the Olympics are only held every four years because I find it very difficult to drag myself away from the television; several weeks of household chores just don’t get done.

Clients from our sister centre in Northgate visited us last month and we were all entertained by a local group of belly dancers.  It was a very enjoyable day with plenty of laughter, good company and wonderful food.  September 28 is World Alzheimer’s Day.  Jan presented a very informative session for clients and carers.  This session proved to be quite emotional with clients remembering loved ones who had or have Alzheimer’s and some of our clients are living and adjusting to life with the disease themselves.  Alzheimer’s disease affects a large percentage of our population and as a society we need to learn about this disease and how to help those who suffer from it.  We have resources and information at the centre which we can lend you or you can contact the Alzheimer’s Association on 1800 639 331.  This is a free call and the number is manned 24 hours – 7 days per week.

September has seen a record number of our staff off on sick leave.  As Managers and Care Coordinators we have found it very difficult to fill all our clients' requests for service.  Thanks so much for your patience and understanding when we have had to change the time, day or staff person providing your inhome service. 

Our next fundraising meeting is 3.00 pm Monday 27 October at the centre, everyone is welcome to attend. If you need transport or respite care, please speak with myself or Linda.  Hope to see you there.

Take care

Desley

At the end of August Caroline, Coral and myself went to the Centacare Care Coordinators Conference which was held over two days at Twin Towns.  The conference was attended by over 80 Care Coordinators who are employed by Centacare.  These conferences are very beneficial to us and we gain valuable knowledge to assist us in providing the appropriate care to our consumers.  I have to say that it is always a good bonding session for the three of us and it did not hurt that we were on the 12th floor at Twin Towns with a view overlooking the ocean (some days our jobs are just too hard).

 In September the Carers had lunch with Arana Respite Centre at Pechey Place.  Many thanks must go to Caroline who soldiered on without Coral & myself even though she also had the dreaded flu.  In October we are having Blue Care Allied Health Services coming out to talk to us about services for carers.  Some of the things which they provide include stress management, making home life easier, safety in the home, depression, difficult behaviour, looking after YOURSELF, planning for the future and also physiotherapy treatment for HACC eligible carers.  The meeting will be at Aspley Respite Centre on Wednesday 1st October starting at 10.30am.  Please ring us on 3263 3129 and let us know if you can make the meeting.

 Till next month, take care

Caroline, Coral & Linda

Monday - 6 Friday - 24 Tuesday - 28 Wednesday - 29